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Are BCG universal?
Since nobody has BCGs in stock, I was wondering if i could use my brand specific bolt carrier. The bolt for my factory built rifle was specifically manufactured for their rifles. I was wondering if it would work in my build that I am about to start.
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Not exactly universal per se. However i can take one from rifle A and use it in B or C PROVIDING YOU Always check head space prior to firing. Unless you're going from a DI to gas piston or vise versa.
Last edited by Great-Kazoo; 01-25-2013 at 17:33.
The Great Kazoo's Feedback
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I've wondered about this too, I did know the headspace is all in the bolt, and Jim confirmed that.
But what about using one bolt carrier for lots of rifles and having specific bolts for each rifle? It just seems like bolts are easier to find right now than the carriers or complete BCGs.
One to the other. The down side is wear on the bolt lugs. they like other metal parts wear in to the bbl extension / locking lugs. You may run in to issues function wise over time by doing a swap.
But what about using one bolt carrier for lots of rifles and having specific bolts for each rifle? It just seems like bolts are easier to find right now than the carriers or complete BCGs.
Trying to keep everything wearing in the same, is better. However If it were me, for what parts are going for now i'd disassemble the upper and part it out.
The Great Kazoo's Feedback
"when you're happy you enjoy the melody but, when you're broken you understand the lyrics".
Yea, thats what I figured, partly why I haven't done it yet. I've got a second lower that I'm trying to build if/when I can get the parts from a dealer and not pay ridiculous prices. Keep seeing some bolts on arfcom selling for around $50 at times and have wondered about picking one up and then swapping the carriers.Originally Posted by jim
Guess I'll just wait for BCM to restock and try to catch one.
I swap BCG all the time... I dont think I shoot the ARs enough to make any difference though. My go to AR, the Adam Arms can't share its bcg anyway.
I've used 4 different brands of BCG in 5 different ARs without any problems. I cycle a few dummy rounds when doing a function test before going to the range, and I've never had an issue.
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There are some lowers that will not work with some BCGs, namely about fifteen years worth of Colts that are blocked not to work with a full auto or close-to-it bolt carrier.
Otherwise, pretty much universally swappable on the bolt carriers.
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As long as they are the same caliber. 223 / 5.56 yes. 5.56 to 6.5, 6.8, etc. Defiantly not.
Could you do the reverse?Use the bolt from the sear blocked lower in another?
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