The regular Army does not issue spare bolts. That is an item that requires a headspace check performed at the Direct Support level.
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The regular Army does not issue spare bolts. That is an item that requires a headspace check performed at the Direct Support level.
They are leaking out through a dealer in FN's backyard (SC), likely from a FN employee. Not stolen govt property. If your an employee and want something you can buy it fairly easly as long its not the registrared part and FN has even done that (stripped lowers) for employees. I bought 8 of the bolts from them and have been running a couple of them for a while now. Dealer in question has a good reputation.
Spares? Could be, but they wouldn't end up on what I call the "Common" DRMO.
For those that do not know, the Govt basically has two DRMO programs. One is open to just about everyone and the other is restricted to LE. On the LE side, they can get barrels, NV, optics, gun parts, etc. They are required by law to keep the items for at least one year.
So it is possible that these bolts went to some LE agency and then, after a year, they sold/traded them and ended up on the commercial market.
As someone that has had contact with federal agents over parts, optics and shipments going overseas, TRUST ME when I say that they are watching gun forums and are ALL OVER EBAY and will come to your home and ask you questions about the stolen Govt property you purchased.
C4
Slight thread drift but some 50 years ago, the NRA was selling M1911s (or maybe A1s) for less that $20, IIRC. Like I said it was 50 some years age and I still wish I had bought 1 or 3 or more. Same story on carbines.
lemme dig up FN's reply when I asked them this very question many years ago.
ETA: Here tis
Quote:
From: Rodger Young [mailto:artweaker@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 8:40 AM
To: Beryl Myers
Subject: Parts Q
Beryl,
First, let me congratulate FN on being progressive enough to allow their staff to have open email addresses. It truly simplifies things.
We've never spoken before but I'm a regular on many of the online AR15 forums and a fan of FN’s military products.
I worked at Olympic Arms for several years as an assembler, am a US Army trained small arms repairer, and a Colt certified AR Armorer but please don't hold that against me. :D
Cutting to the chase, I see many shops listing "FN" AR15/M16 parts for sale but since I've been told by several reputable sources that FN doesn't sell AR15/M16 parts to the civilian sector I'm curious as to the origin of these parts. Are these deals I see listed simply scams or is there something I'm missing?
There is an ongoing thread regarding this subject on one of the larger forums and I wish to get 'the word' hoping to bring the thread to a close.
Looking forward to your answer,
=====
Tweak, WA
philogynist
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"You may find me one day dead in a ditch somewhere. But by God, you'll find me in a pile of brass." Trooper. M. Padgett
Subject: RE: Parts Q
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 11:22:22 -0500
From: "Beryl Myers" <berylm@fnmfg.com>
To: ARtweaker@yahoo.com
Rodger,
Thank you for your email. We have become aware of this issue as well, and you are correct, FNMI ONLY produces and sells M16 Type Weapons for and to the US Government. We are prohibited from any other sales based on a Non Disclosure and Non Use Agreement, with the US Government.
The only explanation that we have been able to gather, is that these shop have gone to some of our suppliers who, either from a drawing supplied by that shop or from one of their own, is producing the part and selling it commercially, and that supplier says, that the parts are made to the same quality as FN parts.
I hope that this helps. If not, let me know.
Beryl
Addendum:
Beryl forgot to mention that FN’s subcontractors are bound by the same Non Disclosure and Non Use agreements as FN. That is a government requirement to obtain the Technical Data Package (TDP) containing the prints and procedures for making each item. That means that these subcontractors would be in violation of the TDP agreement if they use the information for something other than what was outlined in their contract with FN.