You guys can trust me when I say that no violence has been done to any rare or fragile 601 items. In fact, here
is the rifle as I have it currently assembled.
The only original 601 parts are the lower and the LPK. Everything else is either
new, like the BCG and the FCG, or is garden variety 603 retro. That is an H&R upper in black with a
gold slip ring and a C MP Chrome Bore barrel. Improved 3 prong, late 60s black furniture. Nothing high dollar
or rare.
Next to the rifle is my 601 upper. What I am doing is going through the original 601 stuff piece by piece and
trying to determine if it needs to remain locked up at home packed safely away, or if I can still shoot with it.
For instance, the 601 upper and ejection port door, hey, no problem. Good to go. I am going to use a modern charging
handle. But looking inside to the BCG, is where I came up with the question that started this thread: can I at least use an
original 601 bolt carrier, or should I just use an entirely new BCG. I think the responses have lead me in the direction of just
buying a new chrome, slick side BCG from Young Mfg. I like their stuff. I have one in there now with my H&R upper and it shoots
without fail.
Thanks for all the responses. Also, do not worry. I have a few 601 barrels, but they are packed safely away. I will likely be using
a Green Mountain barrel, or maybe keep the C MP Chrome Bore barrel on there. That Colt barrel on there right now shoots pretty
straight. It also does not get too hot. I think Mr. Stoner was on to something way back when
I know it isn't period correct for the 601, but I can't help but to wonder if an H&R upper ever really did end up on a 601 lower. The H&R upper
has a rebate in the front lug. So, by my way of thinking, it was there for a reason ......