Any bolt/carrier usable for AR upper, gauged and headspaced?

[Orion8472]

If I bought an AR upper that was gauged and headspaced, is there any reason why I would want to use a different bolt and carrier than one I already have in my other upper?

 

[brentn]

no, the same bolt should stay with the same upper. Changing carriers doesn't matter, but on used bolts it can.

 

[RonE]

Why wouldn't you have two bolts if you have two uppers? I realize that some uppers are sold without the bolt and charging handle but it seems to me that moving two pins to change uppers is a lot easier than having to remove the bolt and charging handle too. Extended charging handles for applications with a scope might look a little goofy with an upper with the fixed carry handle.

If it is just a cost consideration maybe shop around some more.

 

[taliv]

it's a good idea to have a spare bolt.

ALMOST all bolts will work with all barrels, so it's trivially easy to get a pair of bolts that work with the same barrel. It's a good idea to check though, periodically.

the advantage of getting a matched set is added accuracy of having the bolt face trued up to the receiver extension/barrel. details, details

 

[Orion8472]

Thanks guys. Just curious. When I buy a new upper, I will spend the extra for it to be complete.

I'll probably go with a Rock River Elite,