AR 15 locking lug wear/accuracy

[jelenko]

Is there any effect of wear on the locking lugs on the bolt on the accuracy of an AR 15 when a new match grade barrel is installed?

That is, the idea is that, since the bolt will experience some wear, when putting a new barrel and barrel extension, the worn bolt will not fit as well in the new barrel extension. This less fit leads to uneven forces on the case as the pressure goes up.

Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

If you replace the barrel extension, replace the bolt.

rc

 

[jelenko]

Thanks.

Can you say why?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Nothing wrong with replacing the bolt and keeping the old one as a range spare if yuo think it might be an issue but if money gets tight - throw on some lay-out fluid and work the action with a headspace gauge to get an idea of the interface of the two.

The issue with new is there's no guarantee the the extension/bolt lugs will be anymore perfect on a new combo.

As far as directly answering the question - I can't imagine the scenario in which a potential minor variance would be known by the projectile at any point in its flight.

 

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

As long as you're within headspace limits, I wouldn't buy a new bolt without at least trying your current one first, but it also depends on the condition of that bolt and whether or not you may need a backup.

 

[Ken70]

Take a black magic marker and darken the bolt lugs, the end that touches the barrel extension. Shoot it a couple of times and pull the bolt. Look to see how much of the black is missing on the bolt lugs. That will tell you how well the bolt and barrel extension are co-existing.

 

[jelenko]

Thank you all for responding.

If I've got it right, a net is that normal bolt wear does not affect accuracy.