AR15 "enhanced" bolt/carrier

[Lee Enfield]

So everyone seems to advertise that they have "enhanced" or "improved" AR bolts & carriers.

Are the carriers any different from an M16 bolt carrier?

Are the bolts really worth it? What do the various manufacturers mean when they say it?


I searched the forum, but didn't find any info?

 

[KevinB]

It depends upon manufacturer.

For carriers basically it will have as much mass (or damn close) to a M16 carrier & have a shroud over the firing pin so its not exposed.

For bolts - ideally they are shot peened, and MPI'd after firing a proof load.

 

[NavyShooter]

That the image you were after Kevin?

NS

 

[Lee Enfield]

It depends upon manufacturer.

snip...

For carriers basically it will have as much mass (or damn close) to a M16 carrier & have a shroud over the firing pin so its not exposed.

For bolts - ideally they are shot peened, and MPI'd after firing a proof load.

Yeah, but how is that "enhanced"?

I did read on another forum that the one manufacturer shortens the extractor opposing lug in order to balance out the pressure forces upon the remaining lugs.

According to them, the lugs on either side of the extractor take @60% of the firing pressure because of that opposing lug....

 

[KevinB]

Thanks NS.

Lee-Enfield -- it all depends - some have gone to a lobster tail style extractor - some have made the pivot at the point of balance.
Some have better material in the bolt and the extractor
Adding the D-Fender or Crane O ring are methods as well.
Better Springs.


Keep in mind the intial service spec for the bolt life was 5k rounds - the only time you are near that is in short carbines that have a rough life.

Even if you lose a lug - the gun will still function.

For a civilian shooting circumstance ANY properly manufactured bolt will be fully function.

 

[Rebel Rouser]

Any one have any experience with the LMT enhanced bolt?

 

[KevinB]

Dont run them in barrels less than 14.5"

I have about 11k in one and 12k thru another. The seem to have less positive extraction than a Colt bolt w/ Crane O ring -- especially when the gun is hot. Basing this off a gun that used to have the occassional FTE with the LMT bolt has been flawless going back to a Colt bolt w/ DFender. Second issue my shorties would gag every few rounds with it - and I had one go 3,500 rounds suppressed one day with a Colt bolt in it...