Hey guys,
Presuming you don’t have a full auto capable M16, why would you want the M16 bolt carrier? Isn’t it just heavier?
It depends.
At one time the AR15 carriers did not have a complete circle at the rear (making them weaker) and the firing pin was not shrouded (meaning the pin, not the carrier, could impact the hammer).
With today’s semi-auto carriers that are fully shrouded and only have slightly less material at the rear than the full-auto, I worry about it much less.
Either way, having an “auto” carrier removes any doubt as to how much material will be at the rear, or whether or not the pin is covered. Buy a semi-auto carrier from a questionable source and who knows what you’ll wind up with.
The “SP-1” and “half-circle” in this pic would be no-goes for me. Most semi-auto carriers now have even more meat at the rear than the “enhanced” shown here.
Not to be a dick, but why is a moderator asking this question?
If I’m not mistaken, is the weight of the M16 carrier also an important factor? Just as having the correct buffer installed, the additional weight of M16 carrier keeps the entire reciprocating mass in the action at the correct value, helping to ensure proper function. Not that a weight difference is an automatic show-stopper, but it’s just another component of an overall system that needs to be acknowledged.
for me it is to add alittle more weight.
Yes, this is correct. However with SA carriers getting more and more material at the rear this becomes less and less of an issue. I would still rather have the auto, but at 0.4 oz difference… (and there are semi carriers that I’ve seen with even more meat than this)
For sure. I bet the lighter weight carriers (like the SP1 shown) weren’t much of an issue back in the SP1 days of rifle gas systems and rifle buffer/spring combos. Seems to have become a bigger issue with the prevalence of the carbine systems, which are more sensitive to the lighter weight parts in their more violent gas systems.
because forum moderating and AR armoring / research are not synonymous… ? I bet he wonders why you cant answer questions about VB…
Perna,
“Not to be a dick, but why is a moderator asking this question?”
LOL. Because I don’t know the answer to the question. Plus, I am a moderator in the NFA forum, not this one.
I was just wondering if someone going for a lightweight build might be better off with a semi-carrier. Do you have to add weight to the buffer, thereby negating any savings?
LOL. Because I don’t know the answer to the question. Plus, I am a moderator in the NFA forum, not this one.
Again not to be a dick but most people answering your questions know more than you, like rob and he doesnt have the moderator tag. Just makes the moderator tag look like it is given out to anyone.
Stop.
This has nothing to do with the thread.
If there is a need to question the knowledge of a moderator or the quality of information we provide, feel free to PM a staff member.
Moderators are not granted unlimited knowledge of the platform and all skills related to in just because our name turns red. There are SMEs and IPs, along with various Manufacturers and Dealers here that know a whole lot about the platform. Moderators are here to moderate, not be the final word on all things or the fountain of truth. If a moderator can’t ask a simple question here, where the quality of information is second to none, where shall they go?
Even the guys at the top of the game, SMEs, IPs, and Manufacturers still have stuff to learn and misconceptions to dispel. It’s give and take, even with Mods.
Let’s get back on topic.
LOL, Mods are shooters too. They do not know everything about everything or just want to hear a different POV on a subject.
A lot of times, they will start a thread just to start a discussion on a topic that may interest them.
C4
This thread actually arose from the area I actually do moderate. There is a persistent myth that M16 bolt carriers (by themselves) will get you in trouble. This is not the case, but it got me wondering why people bothered. I did a few searches and I started getting the impression some people were putting them in just because they were big bad “M16” carriers without any other justification.
At the risk of more “not being a dick” scorn from Perna, why did the manufacturers change the civilian bolt so much? It seems like a lot of hassle to develop a new bolt carrier only to slowly change it back. Was there another benefit to the lightweight bolt?
Mods and Staff are picked for their ability to moderate/run the forum. Their background in the shooting sports is also looked at. Some have extensive knowledge in one area, but not in another. This is why we put them in the area that best fits their knowledge base. This does not mean that they cannot come out of their forum and try to grow their knowledge in other areas.
If we just “gave away mod tags,” we would have people like you running around the forum and that for sure would make us look like idiots.
As the saying goes, there is no stupid questions and am thrilled to see one of our mods trying to learn something new.
My rifle has the SP1 Carrier, is there any serious disadvantage? If I replace carriers with a heavier one will I have to modify buffer weight or anything else?
Thanks
Same reason I don’t buy a brand new car and then change out the wheels and tires for smaller ones.
The car was designed for a certain size. I’m not going to question the cars engineers and dick with it.
But if you have a running AR with a semi carrier there is no reason to go to a full auto one.
I would not feel the need to replace a shrouded semi carrier with an auto. I would replace a half circle or unshrouded carrier.
I have not seen many auto carriers with poor staking while I cannot say the same for semi carriers.
I wonder if the distribution of the extra weight is an issue for correct function of the BCG? Probably not since it is butted up against the buffer most of the time. If manufacturers were so worried about being able to trip an auto sear, it would be pretty easy to manufacture a SA only BCG with the same mass as an auto. Just thinking out loud…
Thanks guys for this thread and the excellent answers!
While I still need a spare bcg and intend to get a BCM with the M16 carrier, I now feel better about the enhanced AR-15 carrier I currently have. Works fine and looks robust. I didn’t think there was a problem but you hear so much online and at the range that they are no good - mostly from people who are getting their info second hand like I do.