Bolt carrier switch out

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bolt carrier switch out

Posted: 9/23/2004 7:54:15 PM EDT

Is is safe to use the bolt carrier from one AR in an other? I can't think of a reason why it would be unsafe, but I've been wrong before.

Posted: 9/23/2004 8:09:09 PM EDT

[#1]

I hope not... I did this the other day. Nothing blew up, so fingers crossed.

I think its the bolt that THEORETICALLY should not be swapped, but even then it seems unlikely to me that this would cause a problem. Others here will be able to give a better answer than me.

Posted: 9/23/2004 8:34:01 PM EDT

[#2]

Carriers are fine I swaped all mine out for RRA closed bottom ones.Bolts should not be swapped out and if there is a question about a bolt just pick up a new one.

Posted: 9/23/2004 8:34:46 PM EDT

[#3]

Even bolts can be swapped, but you didnt hear that from me.

Posted: 9/23/2004 8:40:36 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
Even bolts can be swapped, but you didnt hear that from me.

the big concern is the bolt not the bolt carrier

Posted: 9/23/2004 8:44:56 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Even bolts can be swapped, but you didnt hear that from me.

the big concern is the bolt not the bolt carrier

I just don't want the lawyer of somebody who had a kaboom coming around my place. Seriously though, I know of LOTS of rifles that arent headspaced individually. They grab a bolt from the bucket and install it.

Posted: 9/23/2004 9:08:55 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Even bolts can be swapped, but you didnt hear that from me.

the big concern is the bolt not the bolt carrier

I guess I meant bolt/carrier assembly.

Posted: 9/23/2004 9:12:58 PM EDT

[#7]

Headspacing is not done on the carrier - not to worry. If you are picky then you mate bolt carriers and bolts to specific uppers so they wear together and all that.

Posted: 9/24/2004 2:19:26 AM EDT

[#8]

Glad to know that. I was thinking of changing my chromed bolt carrier on my DPMS to a phospahated one.

h.gif

Posted: 9/24/2004 2:31:28 AM EDT

[#9]

just make sure that the new carrier doesn't bind on the gas tube or allow the firing pin to catch the hammer.

Posted: 9/24/2004 9:30:09 AM EDT

[#10]

What about changing out barrel AND bolt head? Would that have a greater risk of headspacing changes?

Posted: 9/24/2004 6:36:05 PM EDT

[#11]

If I use a new bolt with a used carrier(in excellent condition) in a new upper, it should be fine?

Posted: 9/25/2004 12:35:10 AM EDT

[#12]

If you change the barrel or the bolt you should check the HS. Given quality parts the HS will most likely be fine. You won't know until you check. You can use a new bolt with an old carrier. If that bolt has not been HS's with that barrel you should do so at least with a GO gage.

Posted: 9/25/2004 4:05:56 AM EDT

[#13]

+1 It's ok to swap the Bolts from rifle to rifle as long as you check the head space.

Posted: 9/26/2004 12:57:47 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
+1 It's ok to swap the Bolts from rifle to rifle as long as you check the head space.

Is there any way to do this with out a gauge?

Posted: 9/26/2004 1:05:39 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Is there any way to do this with out a gauge?

I was going to ask that. How do you check the head space? Is there a web site that shows it done? I don't trust the gun shop to do it here. I had him bore sight a scope and I was over 1' off the paper.

Posted: 9/26/2004 3:35:26 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Is there any way to do this with out a gauge?

You could use a depth mic and the proper size ball gau..uh

No, there isn't.

Posted: 9/26/2004 7:13:40 AM EDT

[#17]

How do you use a Go-No Go and/or a Go Gauge?

Posted: 9/26/2004 7:59:54 AM EDT

[#18]

'No-go' gauges should NOT allow the bolt to fully close and 'go' gauges should allow the bolt to close fully. This means correct head space.

You insert the 'no-go' gauge and if the bolt will go closed, then you have excess head space. If the bolt will not go closed on the 'go' gauge, then you have to little head space.

Tom

Posted: 9/26/2004 12:14:42 PM EDT

[#19]

From the Maryland AR-15 Shooters website:

Q: How do I Headspace an AR-15?

A: Courtesy of LTC Santose

99% of any "concern" about headspacing is based on a lack of knowledge about what headspace is and does. Unless you take a grinder to the bolt, or fire several thousand rounds of ammunition on AUTO, you can't induce dangerous headspace. The Army, which fires a zillion rounds a year has one (1) gage. Gage, headspace, field. That's it.

If you buy commercial barrels and bolts from Bushmaster or Colt's you don't need to worry -- or even THINK -- about headspace. Unless you've fired several thousand rounds of ammunition you don't need to worry -- or even THINK -- about headspace other than an ANNUAL check with the field gage. Reserve units only do it every two years. If the bolt closes on the field gage you fit a new bolt. If it closes you fit a new barrel and use the OLD bolt. If that fails use a new bolt and new barrel. No GO or NO-GO checking, just FIELD. There's no concern about a NEW bolt in an old barrel. Heck it's going to be larger -- no wear -- than the old bolt and there will be less headspace.

Do NOT use commercial gages.

Gages are specific to the RIFLE (or other weapon) not the caliber. A semiautomatic AR15 or M16 uses the M16 gage.

Note by Forest: You can ream a chamber of a 4140 or stainless barrel to 'adjust' headspacing. But only on NON-Chrome lined barrels. Chrome lined barrels can have their headspacing adjusted at the factory (requires tweaking the barrel extension). Not a job for an individual or gunsmith. If your new barrel doesn't headspace with your bolt, then send the barrel back!

There's quite a bit of useful info on their website that should be here at ar15.com but surprisingly is not - especially with the influx of new people.

Posted: 9/26/2004 1:29:54 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
From the Maryland AR-15 Shooters website:

Thanks! That helps a lot.

Posted: 9/26/2004 10:56:29 PM EDT

[#21]

There are a lot of errors in that article, the largest being that military experience with military grade parts does not translate well to the civilian world and civilian parts.

If you swap bolts or barrels check the HS. The .mil knows their parts are good because they are checked before being accepted. You do not know this. You can use civilian gages however you need to use the lengths of the gage not the type of the gage. For instance, an M16 should take a civilian GO, civilian NOGO, and military GO gage. It should not take the military NOGO when new. That is because the military NOGO is longer than the civilian NOGO.

All this has been covered time and again and is in the FAQ.

Cthulhu, why settle for the lesser evil indeed.

Posted: 9/27/2004 12:44:27 PM EDT

[#22]

I've decided to go with a new bolt assembly in my old carrier which will be put in a new upper. All Bushmaster parts. From what I understand, Bushmaster head spaces their stuff before it leaves them. I should be fine, right?

Posted: 9/27/2004 1:25:43 PM EDT

[#23]

USPC40, what the hell is that thing on your avatar? That's f'ing gross.

I moved a couple of bolts around between several barrels and not seen any trouble, then I finally got a gauge set and checked evrything out. Nothing looked bad. That's not going to say you'll have the same luck I did.

If you're worried about it, get a gauge.

Posted: 9/27/2004 3:14:13 PM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
USPC40, what the hell is that thing on your avatar? That's f'ing gross.

Mighty Cthulhu.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bolt carrier switch out

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