I get the impression from this thread that some folks are seeking a lighter weight bolt carrier. If so, this is contrary to good design engineering for best reliability. One reason the AK system is so reliable is that the carrier on a proportional basis is so much heavier than the bolt head. Greater mass of the carrier is very important for reliability as it increases the probability of a full bolt stroke due to higher inertia. Instead of increasing the weight of the buffer in the M4, as is now commonly done to assist in reliable function, it would be best to increase the weight of the carrier. That is neither practical nor easy, so instead as a matter of convenience the buffer weight is increased. At least the cycle is then slowed and the bolt then feeds a fresh round with greater certainty due to the heavier buffer.
Dave
INNOVATION IS SELDOM ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT CONTROVERSY.
My first rule of a gunfight, thanks to John Farnam's wise advice. "Get away from there!"
Bookmarks