Would you use this BCG

[ElConquistador]

I only got two pictures before my batteries died so I can post more tommorrow if needed.

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL584/3219216/8674630/118155610.jpg
(bolt, you can see the bottom/front of the carrier where the hammer drags)
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL584/3219216/8674630/118155599.jpg
(carrier, it's the "enhanced" type with the shrouded FP, you can kind of make out the groove in the cam pin)

So the local gun store had a box of AR parts for $1.99 each mostly junk but then I spotted a Bolt Carrier... ...and there's the bolt... ...extractor, Firing Ping, etc. All told I'm into the BCG about $12. I have no idea what the round count is. It had some fairly heavy carbon build up but once I got it cleaned up it looks pretty good. The cam bolt is a bit marked up, but the carrier and bolt look almost as good as my Bushmasters that I know to have under 1k rounds through.

I don't really know what to look for but I don't see any signs of exessive wear on anything. I'm a little worried about the amount of carbon build up, I don't know if that means a super high round count or what, they could have been using it as a muzzle loader for all I know.

So here is my question in poll type format:

Would you:

a) Just throw it in a rifle and shoot it
b) Go ahead and use it but check head-space first
c) Use the Carrier, ditch the bolt
d) Not use at all
e) Not use even as a paper weight

I'm thinking I'll buy a "field" head space gauge from Bronwell's (I probably should have one anyway), replace the gas rings, and fire away. The barrel is a used Bushmaster H-Bar with around 500 rounds through it.

Thanks for the help. ~chatter~

[Blah!]

Replace the cam bolt and use it. :)

[ElConquistador]

****! You would have to find an option that I didn't think of. :)

f) replace cam pin and use

[Zagger]

If the bolt is not marked C or MPI, I wouldn't want use it.

Yeah, I'm a gear snob.

[USMCsilver]

If you wouldn't use that bolt, then damned if post pictures of one of mine...

[ElConquistador]

Originally posted by Zagger
If the bolt is not marked C or MPI, I wouldn't want use it.

Yeah, I'm a gear snob.

option added:

e) I'm a Colt snob, as such I am unable to organize a rational thought. Please disregard.


I'm mostly kidding but I have no love for the prancing pony. Small pin/Large pin, sear blocks, now their deal with not wanting to sell me a rifle with "evil" features. No thanks, they can keep their guns. "If it's not a Colt it's just a copy", cracks me up every time. :)

MPI tested? I can see it being worth a couple extra bucks in a zombie killing scenario but this is my compact squirrel gun. Even if something "goes south" I'm going to pull through.

[ElConquistador]

Originally posted by USMCsilver
If you wouldn't use that bolt, then damned if post pictures of one of mine...

Should I put you down for an "a" then?

[DJ Niner]

How about "b+"?

Choice b, as long as you closely inspect it with magnification. Here are the areas to check (marked in red):

[DJ Niner]

This is what you are looking for:

[DJ Niner]

This is what you are trying to prevent (both are MPC Colt military M16A1 bolts):

[Raden]

Originally posted by USMCsilver
If you wouldn't use that bolt, then damned if post pictures of one of mine...

+1

My full auto carrier looks alot worse than that and I wouldn't think twice about shooting it.

[ElConquistador]

Originally posted by DJ Niner
How about "b+"?

Choice b, as long as you closely inspect it with magnification. Here are the areas to check (marked in red):

Once again, very helpful info. I will give it a good lookin' over, Thanks.

I will inspect it and check the headspace but I'm feeling better about using it. :)

[Mnukedude]

Originally posted by DJ Niner
This is what you are looking for:

Never mind the crack in this pic for a second. I don't have that. What I do have is wear on the back corner edge of the bolt lugs as appears in this picture, is the wear a problem? At what point does it become a problem? The action does not close on the nogo gauge.

[AZ-Boog]

The Bolt/bolt carrier is the heart of the weapon.



I would not use one of unknown origin.

[DJ Niner]

Originally posted by Mnukedude
Never mind the crack in this pic for a second. I don't have that. What I do have is wear on the back corner edge of the bolt lugs as appears in this picture, is the wear a problem? At what point does it become a problem? The action does not close on the nogo gauge.
If it gauge-checks okay, there should not be a problem. Some wear on the corners of the lugs is normal, but the amount will vary from gun to gun.

If the wear pattern changes to more of a peening than a rounding, then I'd replace it with a new bolt; if it happened to the new one, I'd replace the barrel.

[Mnukedude]

Originally posted by DJ Niner
If it gauge-checks okay, there should not be a problem. Some wear on the corners of the lugs is normal, but the amount will vary from gun to gun.

If the wear pattern changes to more of a peening than a rounding, then I'd replace it with a new bolt; if it happened to the new one, I'd replace the barrel.

This particular bolt/barrel have about 4,500 rounds through them, so it isn't new, but still relatively early in it's service life.