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Thread: Bolt Failure Questions

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    Bolt Failure Questions

    I've read some posts about bolt failures, and I just want to make sure I have my info right. It seems when bolt failure is mentioned, it's the actual bolt that fails, not the carrier or the entire group (reloading mishaps aside). Is this correct, or can the carrier fail while the bolt is un-damaged due to poor manufacturing? Thanks

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    Bolt failure means just that: failure of the bolt. The carrier will rarely fail on you.

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    Quote Originally Posted by DoubleJ View Post
    I've read some posts about bolt failures, and I just want to make sure I have my info right. It seems when bolt failure is mentioned, it's the actual bolt that fails, not the carrier or the entire group (reloading mishaps aside). Is this correct, or can the carrier fail while the bolt is un-damaged due to poor manufacturing? Thanks
    It's the bolt, generally the bolt lugs nearest the extractor will fail first at different intervals. Given a bolt of quality expect 10,000-16,000 depending on use.
    Last edited by sinlessorrow; 09-10-12 at 18:51.
    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    Colt builds War Horses, not show ponies.
    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    This is 2012. The world is going to end this December and people are still trying to debate the merits of piece of shit, cost cutting crap AR's. Really?

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    Both of the locking lugs on either side of the extractor take more stress than the other lugs, so they tend to crack and fail.

    The other weak spot is the cam pin hole. The thinner metal is a stress riser and bolts also break there.

    It's the design. If you shoot an AR pattern rifle enough the bolt will fail.

    H

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    Quote Originally Posted by halmbarte View Post
    Both of the locking lugs on either side of the extractor take more stress than the other lugs, so they tend to crack and fail.

    The other weak spot is the cam pin hole. The thinner metal is a stress riser and bolts also break there.

    It's the design. If you shoot an AR pattern rifle enough the bolt will fail.

    H

    If you shoot any rifle long enough it will fail. 7 lug bolts will fail before something like the AK bolt with its...2-3 large bolt lugs. That said the AR bolt is still plenty durable as is and there is a reason modern firearms choose the 7 lug patern over the AK patern.
    Last edited by sinlessorrow; 09-10-12 at 21:06.
    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    Colt builds War Horses, not show ponies.
    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    This is 2012. The world is going to end this December and people are still trying to debate the merits of piece of shit, cost cutting crap AR's. Really?

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    Quote Originally Posted by sinlessorrow View Post
    If you shoot any rifle long enough it will fail. 7 lug bolts will fail before something like the AK bolt with its...2-3 large bolt lugs. That said the AR bolt is still plenty durable as is and there is a reason modern firearms choose the 7 lug patern over the AK patern.
    Why is the 7 lug pattern more common nowadays?
    This isn't an illegal gun, it's an "undocumented protection device". Don't be so insensitive.

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    Just carry an extra bolt, all will be well.

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    I have noticed that the FN SCAR has 6 locking lugs, which are larger than the ARs. I suspect they are getting a similar effect to the relieved locking lug Armalite did on their 7.62 NATO AR rifle. They found by relieving the lug opposite the extractor so it didn't touch the barrel extension the stress on the remaining 6 lugs was more evenly distributed.

    I don't think I've ever heard of a Tavor, M1A, Garand, or M1 Carbine losing a lug except as part of a gross over pressure.

    H
    Last edited by halmbarte; 09-10-12 at 23:52.

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    Ok, so a quality bolt and a quality barrel, 10-16k rds at the rate I shoot, barrel will be shot out when I'm 113, replace the bolt at the same time just to be safe. Thanks.

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    Quote Originally Posted by DoubleJ View Post
    Ok, so a quality bolt and a quality barrel, 10-16k rds at the rate I shoot, barrel will be shot out when I'm 113, replace the bolt at the same time just to be safe. Thanks.
    10-16K on harsh schedules, I believe Pat Rogers got 16,000 on his first one for Filthy 14 and he fired lots of round in short schedules, edited: not sure if I could post that

    If you are a 200 round a month guy your rifle will easily last you 10+ years
    Last edited by sinlessorrow; 09-10-12 at 23:28.
    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    Colt builds War Horses, not show ponies.
    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    This is 2012. The world is going to end this December and people are still trying to debate the merits of piece of shit, cost cutting crap AR's. Really?

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