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9/1/2008 5:47:21 AM EDT
I have an RRA 20" rifle that needs the barrel replaced finally.  The BCG has been working fine over well over 6000 rounds with no replaced parts.  If I am getting it re barrelled, can I use the old bolt group or is it time to replace it?

Thanks!
9/1/2008 5:53:44 AM EDT
[#1]
I would check the headspace and go from there. My guess is that your RRA barrel is not chrome lined?
9/1/2008 5:54:23 AM EDT
[#2]
New barrel = new bolt, especially on a worn rifle.

The BCG, just inspect it regularly, however, nothing wrong with changing it out for peace of mind.
9/1/2008 5:56:03 AM EDT
[#3]
Inquiring minds want to know....
I'm sure someone who knows for sure will respond soon....

I would say you would have to verify headspace is ok from the bolt head to mid of the brass neck angle....but I'm not sure what you would do from there if it's not right....

Other than that, if it doesn't show excessive wear and the bolt is fairly tight....should be ok.

9/1/2008 6:05:36 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
I would check the headspace and go from there. My guess is that your RRA barrel is not chrome lined?


That's correct it is not chrome lined.

I guess the consensus is that the carrier is fine but get a new bolt?
9/1/2008 6:30:20 AM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I would check the headspace and go from there. My guess is that your RRA barrel is not chrome lined?


That's correct it is not chrome lined.

I guess the consensus is that the carrier is fine but get a new bolt?


No. Get who ever is doing the barrel swap to check headspace with your old bolt. If it's out of spec, replace it, if it's not, keep using it.

Most of the parts (I can't think of any that aren't) on an AR are replaced when they fail an inspection, not at a certain round count. BSW
9/1/2008 6:34:31 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
I would check the headspace and go from there. My guess is that your RRA barrel is not chrome lined?


That's correct it is not chrome lined.

I guess the consensus is that the carrier is fine but get a new bolt?


No. Get who ever is doing the barrel swap to check headspace with your old bolt. If it's out of spec, replace it, if it's not, keep using it.

Most of the parts (I can't think of any that aren't) on an AR are replaced when they fail an inspection, not at a certain round count. BSW


When I went through Armorer School, we were told that when the barrel is worn out, the other parts in the upper are going to be pretty close, and it's better off to change them all out together, especially if it's a duty weapon.
9/1/2008 6:36:00 AM EDT
[#7]
At 6k rounds?

That's awful early to be replacing everything.

BSW
9/1/2008 7:01:10 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
At 6k rounds?

That's awful early to be replacing everything.

BSW


Depends a lot on how the 6k rounds were fired.
9/1/2008 7:37:46 AM EDT
[#9]
If the old bolt headspaces fine with the new barrel, keep using it.  We've replaced a lot of barrels on training weapons that see over 6K rounds a year and haven't made a habit of swapping out bolts unless the headspace is incorrect or if there's an actual problem wtih the bolt itself.  However, if a new bolt is what's going to let you sleep at night, have at it.
9/1/2008 7:41:42 AM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:
At 6k rounds?

That's awful early to be replacing everything.

BSW


After this: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=66&t=378710 and no response from RRA, I've decided to just replace the damn thing.  I'm tired of my bullets coming out sideways.

I'm going to have steve at ADCO replace the barrel and I'll have him check the bolt too.
9/1/2008 7:44:59 AM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
If the old bolt headspaces fine with the new barrel, keep using it.  We've replaced a lot of barrels on training weapons that see over 6K rounds a year and haven't made a habit of swapping out bolts unless the headspace is incorrect or if there's an actual problem wtih the bolt itself.  However, if a new bolt is what's going to let you sleep at night, have at it.


+1

I would add that the cam pin would be the first part I would replace.  If the bolt looks ok and headspaces it's fine.  If not then get a new one.  You don't need a complete new BCG unless you want one.  The carrier should outlast the rest of the rifle.  6000 rounds still seams like too soon to be replacing the barrel.  Most can go for around 20,000 rounds.  
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