Bolt carrier/bolt question

[Wallyg8r]

What's with all of the warnings in TM 05538C-23&P/2 (Marine corps M-16 tech manual) concerning interchanging bolts with bolt carriers? Are bolts not interchangeable with carriers? Do they come in mated sets only?

Roy

[Quib]

The warning is not against changing bolts with carriers. The warning is against changing bolts with rifles.

[Wallyg8r]

So it's a headspacing issue, not a bolt/carrier match condition? What do I need to do to make sure the bolt I chose for my build is compatable with my rifle?

Roy

[Quib]

So it's a headspacing issue, not a bolt/carrier match condition? What do I need to do to make sure the bolt I chose for my build is compatable with my rifle?

Roy

Some simply go to the extent of having the headspacing checked. Or, they purchase the gauges and check the headspacing on their own.

Others rely on the tolerances of the manufacturer when it comes to the bolt and barrel, taking into account that an in-spec bolt and correctly assembled barrel will more than likely check good.

[Wallyg8r]

Thanks, Quib; looks like I'll have to add a set of go/no-go gages to my toolkit. Or, is there a do-it-all gage that will make sure my build is safe?

I relied upon tolerances last build and it worked fine, but I'd rather not keep tempting fate. The manual mentions "death" as one of the consquences of swapping bolts between rifles.

Roy

[WyrTwister]

Thanks, Quib; looks like I'll have to add a set of go/no-go gages to my toolkit. Or, is there a do-it-all gage that will make sure my build is safe?

I relied upon tolerances last build and it worked fine, but I'd rather not keep tempting fate. The manual mentions "death" as one of the consquences of swapping bolts between rifles.

Roy

Right or wrong , I have never bought a go . If a variety of factory ammo reliably chambers OK , then it is fine .

Others will say I am wrong , but I use a Forrester civilian .223 no-go .

God bless
Wyr

[Iraqgunz]

Actually all you need is a 5.56 Field headspace gage. You don't need GO/ NO GO.

Thanks, Quib; looks like I'll have to add a set of go/no-go gages to my toolkit. Or, is there a do-it-all gage that will make sure my build is safe?

I relied upon tolerances last build and it worked fine, but I'd rather not keep tempting fate. The manual mentions "death" as one of the consquences of swapping bolts between rifles.

Roy

[Wallyg8r]

Actually all you need is a 5.56 Field headspace gage. You don't need GO/ NO GO.

And where do I get one?

[Iraqgunz]

If Bill Ricca is out, then contact Bushmaster. They sell a 5.56 Field Gage.

And where do I get one?

[Wallyg8r]

If Bill Ricca is out, then contact Bushmaster. They sell a 5.56 Field Gage.

Should I know who Bill Ricca is?