Compensators affecting bolt/barrel life?

**markm** · 06-15-22, 13:14

Originally Posted by TomMcC

Sounds like total bunk. How would you even be able to prove such a thing? Trying to account for every variable would be extremely hard.

If you had an aggressive comp, you could probably see uneven galling on the barrel extension over many rounds... Assuming the theory has any truth to it.

**TomMcC** · 06-15-22, 13:29

Originally Posted by markm

If you had an aggressive comp, you could probably see uneven galling on the barrel extension over many rounds... Assuming the theory has any truth to it.

Something as simple as not holding the rifle in the exact same way every time could affect how the comp works. On top of that, variations in ammo, bolt heat/extension treatment, materials could affect how those parts wear together irrespective of what the comp does. A cause and effect relationship would be difficult...was it the comp? the bolt? the extension, the shooter? none of that...something else?

**markm** · 06-15-22, 13:52

Originally Posted by TomMcC

Something as simple as not holding the rifle in the exact same way every time could affect how the comp works. On top of that, variations in ammo, bolt heat/extension treatment, materials could affect how those parts wear together irrespective of what the comp does. A cause and effect relationship would be difficult...was it the comp? the bolt? the extension, the shooter? none of that...something else?

Partly agree. I'd say with a FF handguard though.. holding the rifle wouldn't matter as much. But with American mediocrity in design and production in every component in the equation, it would be hard to say with certainty that the comp was guilty.

**alx01** · 06-15-22, 15:18

Originally Posted by ta0117

I was having a conversation with my local gunsmith who had worked as an Army armorer, and he made the claim that a compensator can affect your barrel or bolt life over time because it creates a vertical force on your barrel as the bolt is unlocking and cycling, and that creates uneven stresses on the bolt from the top lugs to the bottom lugs.

Unless he's talking about some extreme porting for competition, some off brand-fashion comps, or 30k-40k rounds, this is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard.

If you're concerned with the bolt life replace it every 10-15k rounds. Quality bolt costs $60-70 which is about 120 rounds of ammo give or take.

**ta0117** · 06-16-22, 06:54

Originally Posted by markm

This was a big thing with orkan who used to post here. He was a big proponent of brakes that only vented sideways and didn't push the barrel downward. The A2 cage's compensation seems negligible to me. I definitely wouldn't use any device that comp'd the barrel down on any type of rifle... bolt or gas.

What was his argument about compensators that don’t push the barrel downwards? Is it also something about bolt wear, or is there something more to it?

I’m considering a Warcomp but this argument is giving me second thoughts.

**1168** · 06-16-22, 07:05

Originally Posted by ta0117

I’m considering a Warcomp but this argument is giving me second thoughts.

Refer to my “Who Here Really Breaks Bolts” thread. I think you’ll be fine.

**georgeib** · 06-16-22, 07:09

Originally Posted by ta0117

What was his argument about compensators that don’t push the barrel downwards? Is it also something about bolt wear, or is there something more to it?

I’m considering a Warcomp but this argument is giving me second thoughts.

Much ado about nothing. Don't give it another thought.

**markm** · 06-16-22, 11:03

Originally Posted by ta0117

What was his argument about compensators that don’t push the barrel downwards? Is it also something about bolt wear, or is there something more to it?

I’m considering a Warcomp but this argument is giving me second thoughts.

He was a bolt gunner. I think it was more of an approach that you don't want a comp that makes your barrel flex like a diving board. Side vent brakes don't add to barrel whip. With .223, there's not as much muzzle blast, but when you start getting into 308 and up, a comp can really start moving a barrel.