The firearms industry tends to coalesce around certain patterns, be it the ubiquitous AR-15 MSR or M700 footprint bolt action. When it comes to rimfire rifles, that blueprint is the 10/22, a rifle that is not only extremely popular, but was a modular design from day one. New for 2025, Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) is introducing their own 10/22-pattern rifles with the BC-201 and -202.
The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-200 series of rimfire rifles are compatible with common 10/22 parts.
The BC-201 is chambered in .22 LR, while the BC-202 is designed around the .22 WMR cartridge. Beyond that, their basic specifications are the same. They use a blowback-operated action with an enhanced bolt design and side charging handle, housed in a 7075 T6 aluminum receiver which has a Picatinny rail for mounting optics machined into its upper surface. Barrels are 16” heavy (0.920” diameter), match grade and made of 416R stainless steel with an 11 degree target crown and 1:16” twist rate. A muzzle threaded 1/2x28 TPI for the attachment of suppressors and other accessories is optional. Feeding is from a detachable, rotary box-magazine. The barreled action is placed in a Hogue rubber overmold synthetic stock in either a black or ghillie green finish.
The BC-200 series rifles are available in both .22 LR and .22 WMR (above).
BCA promises the BC-200 series rifles are “compatible with aftermarket parts for .22 LR semi-auto rifles,” i.e. the 10/22. This gives the BCA rimfire owner access to the enormous aftermarket of 10/22 compatible parts, in the form of stocks, trigger units, barrels and magazines.
BC-200 series rifles are available with their muzzle threaded 1/2 x 28 TPI for the use of suppressors.
The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-201 has an MSRP of $349, while the BC-202 retails for $495. For more information, see the company’s web site.