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2/27/2004 6:21:26 AM EDT
Everyone says to carry a spare bolt for your rifle.  Are ARs different from bolt actions etc.  On a bolt action you can't just switch bolts between rifles willy nilly.  

How does the headspacing work on an AR, and can one replacement bolt work on all my rifles?
2/27/2004 7:49:18 AM EDT
[#1]
I have heard both sides..Not a good idea because different uppers might wear the bolt/carrier in different spots. Others say just use your go/no-go gauge and your good to go. If you are switching parts it's a good idea to get a gauge. Edit to link, lots of good info. [url]http://ar15.com/forums/announcement.html?b=3&f=66&id=186[/url]
2/27/2004 8:17:19 AM EDT
[#2]
Headspacing on ARs is determined between the barrel extension and the barrel, allowing for standardized bolts.

While certainly not a good idea to swap bolts between your rifles a new bolt, as a replacement will normally work without headspacing coming into play. That said as noted above it's not a bad idea to check should you make this change.

Mike
2/27/2004 10:00:54 AM EDT
[#3]
I always keep the bolts and upper together on my ARs as a rule.


But, I've swapped them and gauged them and they have all been fine.

Adding a new bolt would be even less of a problem.
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