Recoil management for faster follow-up shots is an elusive beast. The balance between weight savings, mechanical complexity and cost is challenge for rifle designers and shooters alike. Master Of Arms has developed the Nyx bolt carrier group to use reciprocating mass to reduce felt recoil while still being able to save weight.

I’m not going to delve into a beginner’s physics class, mostly because the commenters would have a field day with my attempt, but by lightening the BCG, moving mass is reduced along with felt recoil. The tungsten ball and spring combination (called the Dead Blow Cage) can be adjusted with additional mass to tune the rifle for specific loads and other variables like gas management. In essence, the tungsten ball moves before after the rest of the carrier, delaying the unlocking sequence and dissipating energy.

All technological advances come with a cost, be it monetary or mechanical – the complete Nyx bolt carrier group comes in at a $525 MSRP. But if it works as stated, there’s not much else on the market like it. And when it comes to competitive shooting, every advantage is a welcome blessing.