A local gun shop has a F marked M16 carrier, does anybody know who makes these? They are asking $70, its new. The only BC's I've seen marked are colts, and they are all "C" correct?

"F" is a FN bolt carrier, U.S. Govt contract.

"F" means it's FAKE!

Quoted: "F" is a FN bolt carrier, U.S. Govt contract.

F = Foreign

It's made for mil-type flat-top carry handles which have a different sight plane.

Quoted: It's made for mil-type flat-top carry handles which have a different sight plane. h.gif

No, that is the front sight base.  If it is a real FN carrier, it is either stolen, or a factory reject.  They are not permitted, per the terms of their contract with Uncle Sam, to sell any rifles or parts.

So just becuse its an FN carrier doesn't mean its better than a colt or bushy, correct? BTW I went into the shop again today and it was sold, so I cant check for other markings.

Quoted: Quoted: It's made for mil-type flat-top carry handles which have a different sight plane. No, that is the front sight base.  If it is a real FN carrier, it is either stolen, or a factory reject.  They are not permitted, per the terms of their contract with Uncle Sam, to sell any rifles or parts.

Thanks, Mr. Helper!  

But it was PAINFULLY OBVIOUS that Jetlag was being sarcastic.  I'll stand by while you report this missing bolt carrier to the Department of Defense!

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It's made for mil-type flat-top carry handles which have a different sight plane. h.gif No, that is the front sight base.  If it is a real FN carrier, it is either stolen, or a factory reject.  They are not permitted, per the terms of their contract with Uncle Sam, to sell any rifles or parts. Thanks, Mr. Helper!   But it was PAINFULLY OBVIOUS that Jetlag was being sarcastic.  I'll stand by while you report this missing bolt carrier to the Department of Defense! hr

I don't believe any reporting to the DoD will be necessary in this case.  Just a heads up to the person who asked the question in the post, informing them that it is most likely a fake,  a factory reject or is stolen; unless some other maker marks their carriers with "F".  I would think that has some relevance to the question posed, as is the intended purpose of replying, or should be.

As for the post by Jetlag, no offense intended, kind of figured he was being sarcastic, but around here, sometimes it's hard to tell.

No need to be a ass about it demigod.  

As to your other question, Sd-Kfz-182, whether the carrier is better than Colt or Bushmater is a matter of opinion.  For most purposes, you will be fine with anything from either brand.

Someone who works at FN has posted around here that "reject parts" do not leave the FN plant as anything other than scrap metal, IIRC.

Perfectly good, unused parts and equipment does get surplussed and sold, for all sorts of reasons.  Remember, sometimes in the military you can get in trouble for having more of something than you're supposed to, as well as not having enough of them.

What does and "N" marked extractor mean?