M16 Bolt Carrier Group. How Important?

[Ian111]

How important is it to have an "M16 bolt carrier group"? Accd. to "the chart" its listed as one of those desireable features. My AR has one of those light weight "C" shaped BCG's, completely open at the bottom. I don't shoot this AR much but if its worth an upgrade I'd be willing to do it.

I'm thinking of getting this BCM bolt carrier group http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm%20bolt%20carrier%20group%20auto%20mp.htm. Can I just drop it into my Colt Match Target AR? Do I need a different buffer spring since its heavier?

[ForTehNguyen]

you dont need to change the buffer or spring when changing to a heavier BCG.

Whenever I built a new AR tho, they get M16 BCGs. But as for replacing an existing carrier group (im assuming its been reliable) with a M16 BCG is sort of diminishing returns for a $140 upgrade. Main reason would be you could swap it out and keep the older carrier group as a backup/spare

[organdonor]

m16 bolt carriers are heavier and there are a couple of potential benefits to that. the bolt carrier already in your rifle should be fine(is your carrier key staked?). if you really want to replace something, just buy a BCM bolt(if the one in your rifle isn't mil-spec; shot-peened, upgraded extractor spring, MPI tested)

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-AR15-Bolt-Assembly-MPI-p/bcm%20bolt%20assemly%20mp.htm

[Ian111]

I guess if its not a big deal I'll forgo buying a new BCG.

And yes, the BCG I have seems to be working fine. My carrier key is properly staked, bolt MPI tested and I believe its shot peened. Not sure about the extractor spring since I never took it out.:rolleyes: Its a Colt BCG that came with the rifle.

[ForTehNguyen]

as long as its reliable dont sweat it. I too was tempted to change one of my AR15 bolts to an M16 one but decided against it.