AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/20/2011 11:41:47 PM EDT
| I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask this question, but does anyone know of a website or forum where I can find a Bolt Carrier Identification Guide? The reason I ask is because I have a Bolt Carrier that I bought years ago as a "GI" carrier and I can't identify who made it. It is a full-auto carrier, and I know that each bolt carrier key is installed a little differently at the manufacturer. I've read that the marks on the carrier key screws are kind of like a "fiingerprint" of sorts for bolt carriers which can lead you to the manufacturer. Mine has to small dots right in the middle of the key. Almost beside each other. Anyone recognize this pattern? Any help would be appreciated!! Thank You!! |
|
Quoted: I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask this question, but does anyone know of a website or forum where I can find a Bolt Carrier Identification Guide? The reason I ask is because I have a Bolt Carrier that I bought years ago as a "GI" carrier and I can't identify who made it. It is a full-auto carrier, and I know that each bolt carrier key is installed a little differently at the manufacturer. I've read that the marks on the carrier key screws are kind of like a "fiingerprint" of sorts for bolt carriers which can lead you to the manufacturer. Mine has to small dots right in the middle of the key. Almost beside each other. Anyone recognize this pattern? Any help would be appreciated!! Thank You!! I haven't heard about the key fastener ID you mentioned. Are there any other markings on the carrier or bolt? If not, It will be difficult to determine manufacture |
|
Sounds like the way Colt staked their carrier keys in the 60's. Is the firing pin retaining hole big on both sides? Current production carriers are big on the side the cotter pin (firing pin retainer) head rests & small on the other side. Does it have forward assist notches or w/o notches? The key full round or or partially rounded, squared on one side? Chromed or Parkerized?
Can you post pictures of the carrier in question? |
| Sorry I haven't answered sooner, there are no other markings on the carrier, and the guy I bought it from did claim that it was a retro carrier but it looks like its been re-finished. I have not been able to get a bolt in it though, I just assume I'm doing something wrong but I'll check to see if one side is larger than the other. Thanks for your responses!! |
|
Usually carriers are not as critical as the bolt. Bolts are best when MP and HP inspected.
Not that it applies here, a list for ya: carriers “Y” in a circle = Olympic Arms C = Colt F, FN = FNMI Shield and SE - Smith Enterprises M - Smith Enterprises (Marine Corp) N - Smith Enterprises (Navy) J - Smith Enterprise for JC manufacturing in the mid 1980's TM in a circle - Young Machine Y/M in an octagon - Young Machine FA or AF (small A, large F) - Fulton Armory BCM = BCM D - Amateec Arms TC - Toolcraft (DPMS, bushmaster)(cage 1B1B6) CM - CMT A - Advanced Ordnance Corp (CAGE 077H9) ___ - Microbest Precision Components (for Wilson Combat) [plus small ar-15 components] WIC - Wischo [Germany]? WIA - Wiltec Industries Bolts MPC - Colt MPD - Diemaco MPF - FNMI MPN - Bushmaster MPE - Advanced Ordnance Corp CM - CMT (Continental Machine Tool) MP - Colt (early) P - Colt/Armalite (earliest?) |
|
Quoted:
Sorry I haven't answered sooner, there are no other markings on the carrier, and the guy I bought it from did claim that it was a retro carrier but it looks like its been re-finished. I have not been able to get a bolt in it though, I just assume I'm doing something wrong but I'll check to see if one side is larger than the other. Thanks for your responses!! How come you have not been able to get a bolt in it? The bolt should go in anyway, may need a little force sometimes cause of the gas rings. The bolt cam pin is the only thing that should go in one way. Quoted:
...and the firing pin retainer pin hole does seem to be larger on one side. What I asked is both sides big larger? A retro carrier will have both sides large, the newer carriers have the left side large & the right side small. Pictures of the carrier would be the best way to get it ID. |
AR Sponsor