Re-tasking the same AR-15 BCG in different uppers

[Saw-Bones]

Are there any wear and/or reliability issues in using the same AR-15 bolt carrier group (.223/5.56/300BLK) in several different uppers manufactured by different companies?

 

[rcmodel]

Probably not, but I don't think its a good idea.

Bolt lugs wear in and mate to barrel extensions after a while.

Then sticking the same bolt in a different barrel extension 'could' exert more pressure on one or more bolt lugs that were worn in and mated to a different barrel extension.

But that's all theory on my part.
I can't prove it, but I don't do it either.

rc

 

[boom boom]

Could also have headspace problems because of tolerance stacking as well as what RC mentioned above regarding bolt wear. Precision is greater for AR barrel/bolt specs generally than something like a Mauser but it can happen that a particular bolt/barrel combo can either have headspace too short or too long.

To correct the situation either requires trying a stock of different bolts to the barrel or the more expensive option of trying either to correct the headspace of the barrel which requires lathe work or having a stock of barrels to try to the bolt. That being said, most AR builders don't check for headspace or simply buy a headspaced checked bolt and barrel combo from the same source.

 

[esq_stu]

Maybe it's a bad idea, maybe not, maybe they average out, maybe not. I've got 5 BCGs, 4 complete uppers, parts for more. I don't commit any particular BCG to any particular upper. When I go to the range I pick a bolt and an upper and go. So far so good. (I store bolts separately from my guns.)

 

[weaselfire]

BCGs should work in any appropriate upper. That said, you can't tune an AR if you keep swapping parts around.

Jeff

 

[dcloco]

The short answer...is no. Don't swap parts around.

Would you swap bolts around in your bolt action rifle?