Hello, I have seen three types of bolt carriers and was curious as to what their differences were.

1. AR15 - Normal - 125
2. AR15 - Chromed - 175
3. M16 - Normal - 125

All are complete assemblies. The number to the right is the price from the vendor I saw. It seems to be pretty good compared to other prices I have seen.

Now, my understanding is that the #1 is just the standard AR15 assembly.
#2 is easier to clean, and should last longer. Is this true, are there any adverse affects on reliability/rifle life?
Is it true that #3 reloads faster than 1 and 2? Also, since #3 is made for an M16, is it restricted to only being possessed by people with M16s? Will I be running afoul of any stupid NFA laws by possessing it along with a legal/normal semi AR15?

What about titanium firing pins, or NM carriers?

Thank you for any help.

Now, my understanding is that the #1 is just the standard AR15 assembly. #2 is easier to clean, and should last longer. Is this true, are there any adverse affects on reliability/rifle life?

It's true that it's easier to clean, but not that it willlast longer, and no, no adverse affects.

Is it true that #3 reloads faster than 1 and 2?

No. If you mean cycles faster, it's the other way round, the M16 carrier is heavier, so more mass=slower cycle.

Also, since #3 is made for an M16, is it restricted to only being possessed by people with M16s? Will I be running afoul of any stupid NFA laws by possessing it along with a legal/normal semi AR15?

As long as your rifle shoots one round for every one trigger pull, you should be fine. Colt ships their ARs with M16 carriers if that makes you more at ease.

What about titanium firing pins, or NM carriers?

If you have a NM rifle, you may consider them; the titanium pin decreases lock time, and is of little use without a nice fast match trigger. Personally I think the benchrest guys use this stuff, and I think it's a waste of money IMO. Stick with a good USGI type carrier group like LMT or Stag or CMT, and you'll be fine.