I have a LMT enhanced bolt group in my LMT MRP. I currently have a 14.5 inch barrel but I plan on replacing it with a 16 inch SS to make the gun more like a SPR. I will also loose the EOTech for a Leupold. So the question is do I keep the LMT enhanced bolt or sell it and get a stardard LMT? How much does a bolt really affect accurcy. Should I consider spending the money on a Young or Les Baer NM or are they really worth the extra cost for the increased accuracy if any?
As far as accuracy goes, I can’t say. However I have the Young BCG and it’s a very nice little peice of equiptment. Finish looks good and it’s oh-so-easy to clean with the chromie goodness.
I figure, if you’ve already spent the money on the enhanced bolt group, might as well keep it. However if you build/buy another upper then don’t get another enhanced. (if you want an SPR style instead of your current setup just build a new upper…
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It’s my understanding that a bolts lugs wear into the barrel extention(like lapping in a bolt gun) and should remain with that barrel until the barrel is replaced. I believe this does not apply to the carrier . (?)
The LMT Bolt, If Im not mistaken, are all MP Tested. This is required for all Gov. contracts. Most other manufactures do not do this. MP testing can identify problems with the Metal that are not visible to the naked eye. Generally LMT Bolts are some of the best made.
Bolts do not “mate” to barrels. One of the basic requirements of any Military Arm is “interchangablility”. If a Part fails, replace it.
If bolt locking lug wear occurs the bolt will not lock up likely causing a failure to fire or worse.
“Example” - There is no way to “adjust” head space on an M16 series weapon manually. If an M16 has excessive wear to bolt causing excess head space and a failure to function. The first step in the Armor’s manual is to replace the Bolt, if that does not work, the the barrel has to be replaced next. Just some background info.
Unless you have shot a shit load of rounds through the original rifle, Keep the Bolt, you should be fine. I am not familiar with the Bolts mentioned above, I am sure they are good quality but are they MP tested? I only use BCM, LMT, CMMG or Stag, because they are MP tested bolts. I believ Noveske may also MP test theirs as well.
As for Accuracy, I know most high end manufacturers of barrels ship Barrels with a Matched Bolt, I assume they are mated possibily by tight or “lapped” tolerances, Im not sure. But Most do it so I am sure that it is important.
My $.02:D
good luck
chuck