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9/25/2009 9:54:36 PM EDT
What would be the most reliable bolt/carrier for a 16" carbine with an A2 stock? I'm thinking the LMT Enhanced would be the way to go (even though it's expensive), but would there be any issues with the rifle stock/buffer assembly?

EDIT: I'm looking at semi-auto only.
9/25/2009 9:58:23 PM EDT
[#1]
If you're looking at semi auto only, I would stick with the standard LMT BCG or look at the Denny's Super Duty.

I've heard here several reports of issues with the enhanced BCG.
9/25/2009 10:04:48 PM EDT
[#2]
BCM is good quality at a fair price.
9/26/2009 2:22:17 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
If you're looking at semi auto only, I would stick with the standard LMT BCG or look at the Denny's Super Duty.

I've heard here several reports of issues with the enhanced BCG.


What issues have you heard of with the enhanced BGC?

I'm not really impressed by the 5k-10k service live of standard bolts, so I'm looking for something better.
9/26/2009 2:41:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
BCM is good quality at a fair price.


I woud say GREAT quality and a GREAT price
9/26/2009 3:02:52 AM EDT
[#5]
I would say a bravo carrier and an LWRC ACB could be an option.  Those bolts are "supposed to" last a lot longer.  But that's just what i've read so far.  An option to look at if you feel like doing the research
9/26/2009 4:10:40 AM EDT
[#6]
I would say go Bravo on the bcg. They are shot peened and mpi tested. Who says a bolt will only go for that long, I would just shoot it and then go from there. Bravo makes quality stuff.
9/26/2009 4:24:08 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're looking at semi auto only, I would stick with the standard LMT BCG or look at the Denny's Super Duty.

I've heard here several reports of issues with the enhanced BCG.


What issues have you heard of with the enhanced BGC?

I'm not really impressed by the 5k-10k service live of standard bolts, so I'm looking for something better.


There are a lot of variables concerning bolt life. There's alway the possibility that a Colt bolt could break at 2k rounds & a DMPS bolt could last for 10k so there's not really a whole lot you can do to predict when one will fail unless you just don't shoot a lot. Just buy a known quality bolt from a reputable manufacturer & have fun shooting. Keep a spare for each rifle as well.
9/26/2009 6:10:24 AM EDT
[#8]
For BCG's, I would be happy with the following

BCM
Daniel Defense
Colt
Spikes Tac.
LMT

You can get an M16 carrier and be totally fine.  No problems there, and the more mass, the better.
9/26/2009 7:45:49 AM EDT
[#9]
for fit, finish and dollars cant go wrong with Rock River Arms
9/26/2009 8:04:48 AM EDT
[#10]
I read somewhere (can't remember where now) that the "Enhanced BCG" was only useful in a full-auto gun.

BCM and LMT BCG's are what I use.  Just my $0.02    

9/26/2009 9:12:16 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
for fit, finish and dollars cant go wrong with Rock River Arms


You're actually concerned about fit & finish on a bcg???
9/26/2009 9:13:15 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I read somewhere (can't remember where now) that the "Enhanced BCG" was only useful in a full-auto gun.

BCM and LMT BCG's are what I use.  Just my $0.02    



The LMT Enhanced BCG is designed for use in ARs with 14.5" barrels & longer.
9/26/2009 9:16:55 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
BCM is good quality at a fair price.


I woud say GREAT quality and a GREAT price


this
9/26/2009 9:27:18 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
BCM is good quality at a fair price.


I woud say GREAT quality and a GREAT price


This^
9/26/2009 11:22:16 AM EDT
[#15]
The most important feature I look for in a good reliable BCG are properly staked gas keys and a good brand name manufacturer which have a very low defects and problems.

Brands like BCM, LMT (not with MIM gas keys), S&W, Sabre Defence, Armalite, etc, have properly staked gas keys and are good brands.

The longest BCG I had used was on my first Colt AR-15 SP1 which I used for about 13K+ rounds without any problems.

I also agree to keep a spare bolt just in case because it's impossible to predict any troubles, maybe a complete BCG so if there's any problems just switch BCG and keep on shooting.

If you want to try different than standard BCG take a look at LWRC ACB, KAC E3 and Young Mfg.


9/26/2009 7:22:27 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're looking at semi auto only, I would stick with the standard LMT BCG or look at the Denny's Super Duty.

I've heard here several reports of issues with the enhanced BCG.


What issues have you heard of with the enhanced BGC?

I'm not really impressed by the 5k-10k service live of standard bolts, so I'm looking for something better.


My search foo is weak until I renew my membership.  Below is a link to a recent thread about the top bolts  I still think the LMT Enhanced Bolt is a great idea that may not be executed very well.  I have read several threads where people have gone back to their original bolts due to odd happenings.  This is one of those threads that includes opposing arguements from some of the most experienced and best contributors to this forum.  PursuitSS, Molon and DevL.  I think you'll get the jist.

Heavy Duty Bolt thread.
9/27/2009 6:44:58 AM EDT
[#17]
So it sounds like the best way to go would be to simply buy a standard, brand name bolt (BCM, LMT, etc.) along with another spare standard, brand name bolt.

Thanks everyone.
9/27/2009 7:03:19 AM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
So it sounds like the best way to go would be to simply buy a standard, brand name bolt (BCM, LMT, etc.) along with another spare standard, brand name bolt.

Thanks everyone.


My only suggestion is that you look for an MP inspected bolt.  HPT and Shot peened if possible.

Nice Mad Cat by the way.

9/27/2009 7:19:49 AM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Quoted:
So it sounds like the best way to go would be to simply buy a standard, brand name bolt (BCM, LMT, etc.) along with another spare standard, brand name bolt.

Thanks everyone.


My only suggestion is that you look for an MP inspected bolt.  HPT and Shot peened if possible.

Nice Mad Cat by the way.



My vocabulary is lacking.

Can you tell me what "MP inspected", "HPT", and "Shot peened" mean?
9/27/2009 7:20:03 AM EDT
[#20]
EDIT: In the ~9k posts I've done on several different forums, this is my first double tap. Kind of annoying...
9/27/2009 7:35:35 AM EDT
[#21]
MP or MPI = Magnetic Particle Inspection.  It detects imperfections in the metal that might lead to premature failure.

HPT = High Pressure Testing.  I'm not a metalurgist, but I've been told this is a stress test to weed out imperfection visual MPI might have missed.  Some metal gurus don't like this process claiming it shortens the life of the metal.

Shot-peening is a process of hardening the surface of the bolt to make it more resistant to wear.

Legend has it several companies do these tests and simply don't advertise it.  Don't believe it.  If it doesn't say it, they didn't do it.  If they did do it and just don't say it, don't buy from them becasue they're boobs.

Chances are any BCG you buy is going to be good.  Those tests increase your chances for pennies extra.  


9/27/2009 7:44:58 AM EDT
[#22]
I had a RRA 16" 1/9 carbine gas w/ a fixed M4 stock that used a rifle length buffer tube, rifle buffer & spring. No issues at all using the standard RRA AR15 BCG.

No need to spend all that money on a special BCG when standard stuff will work perfectly.
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