How much stronger is the AR15 Performance Super Bolt compared to a standard bolt? I’m about to order parts to overhaul a couple of my department’s full auto SBR’s and since I’m replacing the bolts anyway the extra cost isn’t a huge deal. I’m just trying to determine if they are really that much stronger. I’m also considering them for my patrol rifle and a couple .223 based wildcats I have that are a bit harder on bolts than standard .223. In my case, however, my rifles are due for new bolts so I’m not sure it’s worth doing until they are ready for new stuff.
What brand of carbines do you guys have? Just curious.
I’ve found BCM bolt/carriers to be excellent in several builds.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-AR15-Bolt-Assembly-MPI-p/bcm%20bolt%20assemly%20mp.htm
The two SWAT guns I’m going to be servicing are DPMS select fire 11.5" SBR’s while the rest of the department rifles are DRMO Colt M16A1’s. As for privately owned guns that guys buy to carry on duty we have a mix. Our policty doesn’t dictate manufacturer and is open enough that someone could buy a Mini-14 if they really wanted to, though nobody has tried.
If I buy a standard bolt I will go with a high quality one like a BCM. I was just curious what guys have found using the AR15 Performance bolts. They appear to offer a very durable bolt and I’m all for durability and was hoping for some first hand experience to see if the premium price was worth it.
http://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/336
This is what he is discussing. I must admit, this part intrigues me.
As to the M16A1s?
The above would be overkill. I would run the original military bolt as long as you are on the original barrel.
The carbines may benefit by the superbolt.
Thanks for the link to the SB, as I really had no idea what he was talking about. The SB does indeed look interesting, but as far as I can tell there isn’t much of a track record to see how the product performs in the long run. For as duty weapon, I would stick with a standard bolt, such as the BCM you mentioned. The duty weapon isn’t a good choice for testing of a new item.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t 9310 a grade BELOW 158 Carpenter?
I thought that bolt materials, in order from best to worst were:
158 Carpenter
9310
8620
I’m not up on my metallurgy but the JP high performance bolt is also 9310 and claims to be significantly stronger than mil-spec. Claims a service life of 60,000 rounds IIRC.
AFAICT:
9310 is inferior in strenght to carpenter 158.
9310 is easier to source in smaller quantities, and cheaper.
I would just go the BCM, DD, or LMT route, stronger steel, less expensive; they are of the highest quality.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=30091&highlight=9310&page=2
Skip out on the “high Performance” bolt. You can just about get 2 bolts for every 1 of those you buy.
I can claim a lot of shit, too. That doesn’t mean it’s the truth. Stick with what works, Carpenter 158. Buy BCM BCGs for those DPMS rifles, leave the Colts alone until they break.
After reviewing comments in the linked thread, I don’t feel worthy to even post here.
Dont worry, this happens all the time to me.
I agree that they are just “claims” and not to be trusted. That’s why I asked the question.
As for waiting for the Colt bolts to break, I’m not a fan of that idea. Bolts have a service life and can break at the most inopportune times…
Thanks for the link. Good reading and alot of info. I’d still like to see a heads up test for a true comparison but for now we’ll stick with standard bolts.
So this Super Bolt has potentially better geometry, yet is made from inferior steel. One step forward, one step back.
Better geometry, potentially inferior steel. Unless someone gets 30 normal USGI bolts, 30 ‘enhanced’ bolts, 30 bolts using traditional geometry but 9130, and 30 bolts using traditional materials but new geometry, and shoots the living piss out of all of them in an equal and systematic fashion, we’ll never really know for sure.
-B
I think maybe the most important thing here is that the body is larger around the cam pin hole. I’ve been trying to get commercial bolt manufacturers to do that for a couple years. They are so thin there – about .097-- that the 17% increase is huge. It’s kinda like in engines-- the quickest way to more horselpower is more cubic inches. Well here, 17% more steel is a big deal. They didn’t do it exactly the way I envisioned it but it would be every bit as effective, strength-wise. I need to try one of these out.
Tagging this one. Sounds very interesting.
There’s always the LMT Enhanced and the LWRC Advanced; the read on the LWRC is especially interesting.
I haven’t shot either of mine enough to come anywhere near their service lives.
I would be very interested in this test. The enhanced bolts do tickle the impulse buyer in me; but I need more info on them to spend that much money when I can get a bolt for 1/2 price that is a known performer.
I would think that 2 bolts would outlast even a “high Performance” bolt meant for high round count, not sure though?