The BCM Recce-16 AR-15 really does a great job of standing out against the competition—like the LWRC IC-SPR. Read on to discover how BCM’s product sets a new standard for the AR-15.

Accuracy

BCM’s Recce-16 rifle proved to be a great shot and averaged around 1-inch groupings from 100 yards. The Recce-16 can handle anything from Wolf Gold to Gold Medal and will shoot consistently and accurately each time. Even when the Recce started feeling a little heated, it didn’t affect the rifle’s performance. I was really impressed with the one Minute of Angle (MOA) groupings this rifle generated, especially when compared to the average three or four MOA that most AR-15’s of this class produce.

Reliability

The Recce-16 is definitely a solid and reliable gun. It’s chrome-lined, 16-inch barrel is cold-hammer forged with a 1/7 twist and can handle whatever plink you want to run through it. After over 1500 rounds, there were no misfires, no failures to extract or load, and the magazine loaded clean every time. The precision design of the chrome-lined barrel on the Recce-16 means this guy can stand up to pressure and keep on shooting. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a tactical AR.

Handling

I really think that the way the Recce-16 handles is why it stands out so much from other AR’s out there. This guy has so many great features, and its design is pristine. You really aren’t going to find better quality AR. The BCM Recce-16 features an MCMR15 15-inch MLOK handguard with a KMR KeyMod interface system for any and all accessories and optics. The MLOK compatible slots are located at the regular 3, 6, 9, and 12-o’clock, and offset positions. This rail system also helps create a lightweight handrail that won’t weight down the barrel. There are QD mounts on the stock and rear of the receiver, rounded cheekpiece, and a great vertical handgun grip that allows for easy and natural trigger or safety application. The BCM MOD0 Compensator attached to the front of the barrel works to mitigate flash, muzzle climb, and felt recoil. You’re still going to get a little kick, but for the most part this gun is comfortable to shoot and handles great.

Trigger

While I know most people prefer to change out their triggers to suit personal preference, BCM did a pretty good job with their military-specification ALG Defense Advanced Combat Trigger (ACT). It’s a single-stage trigger with a sharp, clean five-pound break. I never noticed any creep or overtravel and each pull was crisp and clear.

Magazine & Reloading

The Recce-16 comes with one standard thirty-round mag (where allowed by law). The mag is quality BCM manufacturing and fits smoothly into the mag well. The mag releases cleanly when you hit the release. I haven’t experienced any problems or seating issues.

Length & Weight

This rifle is pretty lightweight, coming in at approximately 6.1 pounds. The rifle features a 16-inch barrel and amounts to 32.5-inches in overall length (35.5-inch length with extended stock). The Recce-16 is very light and easy to maneuver, which is just what you want in a tactical rifle.

Recoil Management

The MOD0 Compensator drastically reduces any felt recoil. The stock features an angled, rubber butt-end for bracing, but honestly, the gun shoots pretty smoothly.

Price

The BCM Recce-16 runs at around $1,500. When you take into account the quality of the rifle, the price is pretty fair. That being said, there are plenty of good AR’s out there with a lower price tag if this is out of your range.

My Verdict?

The BCM Recce-16 AR-15 is a high-quality, accurate, and reliable rifle. The Recce-16 really raises the standard for AR’s and I can’t wait to see what the competition comes up with. If you are in the market for a new tactical AR, I highly recommend checking out the BCM Recce-16.

Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.

Image: BCM website.