I’m about to begin a build I’ve been procrastinating on for too long and at the same time, want to “build up” my Stag “go to gun”. I know that one of the parts that can be a common weakness on the Stag is its bcg so I figure I’ll replace it with a with an LMT or BCM. Now, the one I’m building is just really meant to be a groundhog/varmint gun and not planning on puttin it through heavy use. I know not to flip-flop the stag (or any) bcg back and forth between both, but, if my used bolt pairs up with the upper I’m getting (head spacing and all), will it hurt to run it through my build as a permanent swap? I know all too well what I “should” do, but as a light duty rifle, I hate to completely throw away a part I may never have a problem with anyway.
By the way, my bcg has seen approximately 1000 rounds, and I would be perfectly happy to be able to hit a standing groundhog at around 250-300 yrds (VA farms, not mid-west prairies so I can get reasonably close).
have you read the several threads on this very topic? the answer you’re gonna get is “no.” if you chose to do it anyway, make sure you check headspace before firing.
I understand the dilemma youre in but I wouldnt. Ive seen old BCGs run fine on old uppers though but again, I wouldnt.
How about using your existing upper for varmint hunting instead and putting a top tier upper and BCG on your duty weapon? A better option as it doesnt leave you with spare parts… just MHO.
Like I said… “if my used bolt pairs up with the upper I’m getting (head spacing and all)”. Head spacing has been the point of all the threads I’ve found so far, and am going to check it regardless of the direction I decide to go. So IF it checks out, will it hurt to do? I know that swapping back and forth between the two will create undue wear and tear on both rifles due to any imperfections in lugs, etc… but figure a one time swap might be like replacing the whole thing anyway. Just trying to figure out if I oughta shoot the stag till I need a new bolt/bolt carrier, or go ahead and get a nice quality bcg to put in that and put the used one, if it matches, in the rifle that’ll see maybe a couple hundred rounds a year.
I’ll go ahead and admit that most of what I’m using it for right now is just varmint hunting and with reloads, I’m happy with it’s performance. I just want to be able to push on out a bit further, so looking at heavy, floated, stainless barrel. Got a 3-9 scope on it now, and keep taking it on and off depending on what I’m doing that day. I live and grew up on a farm, and mainly looking for something dedicated to that purpose. I kinda figured what the answer was going to be, but just kinda needed the push. Gonna “bite the bullet” and replace both.
More out of curiosity now, what else can go wrong if head spacing is correct?
Good question. I honestly dont have enough experience to have come across high round counts on a new barrel and a used bolt so I cannot say for sure. From what Ive read around the site though, if you absolutely have to use an old one, check the headspace and if all is good, youre ok. I cannot say for sure whether or not the wear on an old bolt will have any adverse effects on brandnew lugs.
I seriously doubt you’ll have a problem, and if you’re the one doing the reloading, you can control HS with your reloading techniques and die adjustment.
and replace both.