Question About AR-15 Replacement Uppers

[glockten]

I'd like to get a 16" heavy barrel upper for my Colt Sporter. Can I use my existing bolt carrier assembly with the replacement?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

As long as you check headspace on the new barrel, yes.

 

[curt]

Yeah what bart said.

I don't know what you're goal is but if its a defensive type rifle you're building i'd definately recommend against the heavy barrel 16" and go for a lightweight instead.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The advantage of the heavier barrel is that it's less like to spray bullets when it gets hot. The Mini-14 has that problem and at least with the AR, you can swap out bbls readily. I prefer the heavy bbl myself (or at least the heavier bbl that is configured to be like the M-4 - but in 16").