WTK: Opinion on Chrome bolt carriers

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - WTK: Opinion on Chrome bolt carriers

Posted: 9/7/2004 7:35:23 PM EDT

Do they function 100%. Are they easier to maintain/keep clean? Are they just as good, better, weaker? Thanks

Posted: 9/7/2004 9:39:29 PM EDT

[#1]

For most uses they are no better than a regular carrier. The original M16s had chromed carriers and they were removed from service because of issues with the harder chrome wearing the upper receivers, plus the problem of a shiny carrier showing through the ejection port, so they were all removed from military service.

Unless you're building a match rifle and want one of the precision carriers from JP or Young's Manufacturing you're best to just get an RRA 'enhanced' carrier.

Posted: 9/7/2004 9:46:01 PM EDT

[#2]

Even though I don't think you implied this, none of JP's carriers are hard-chromed. They are either stainless or anodized aluminum (LW).

In my experience, the carrier weight has more effect on function due to changing the action's cycle time (which puts different requirements on the magazine) than the carrier's finish.

-z

Posted: 9/7/2004 10:05:00 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Even though I don't think you implied this, none of JP's carriers are hard-chromed. They are either stainless or anodized aluminum (LW).

You're right, and now that I think of it I don't remember if the Young's carrier is stainless or chromed. Either way, there's no need to spend money on a chrome carrier. Also, with chroming you run the risk of nitrogen embrittlement if the metal isn't prepared correctly.

Posted: 9/7/2004 10:13:39 PM EDT

[#4]

The LBC and the Young NM carrier are both hard-chromed. MSTN's lightweight version of the Young NM is also HC'd.

-z

Posted: 9/7/2004 10:23:14 PM EDT

[#5]

they are clean up faster and that is why I have one in my M4 there is not wear issues with upper

Posted: 10/2/2004 7:44:16 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:

You're right, and now that I think of it I don't remember if the Young's carrier is stainless or chromed. Either way, there's no need to spend money on a chrome carrier. Also, with chroming you run the risk of nitrogen embrittlement if the metal isn't prepared correctly.

Hoplophile that would be hydrogen enbrittlement caused buy exess hydrogen reacting with harden steel and it only happens when the end product is not finished correctly (proper stress releaving)

Drow

Posted: 10/17/2004 10:06:50 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
they are clean up faster and that is why I have one in my M4 there is not wear issues with upper

Faster clean up is exactly why I want one.....lol

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - WTK: Opinion on Chrome bolt carriers

AR-15 » Rifles, Uppers, Lowers, Barrels, and more

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