I believe the bolt is slightly different too. But either bolt will work. Now if only I could find a m203 to go underneath

 

A bolt is a bolt is a bolt. You can flip one to the other and it makes no difference. Some folks say don't do it, but I've NEVER seen an issue. Joe's bolt (usually the extractor) would be funked up and the dude in the truck with the parts would just throw a whole new one in there. No big deal.

Maybe different grades of material, but my personal stuff is exactly the same as the "mil spec" stuff. I would venture to say that the commercial stuff you get is higher quality.

Now if you go and get sexy and get the titanium or chromed pieces, well then I wouldn't exactly suggest working on them in the arms room.

 

My bad, its the carrier that is different. Not the bolt





AR-15 M-16 AR-15 M-16

 

Those there look like the old bolt carriersfrom the original AR / M16 series. Notice they have no serrations for the forward assist.

All of the current versions look like any other M16 / M4 carrier.

Those there are pre-A1 bolt carriers.

 

have you ever had to actually use the forward assist? as of yet, i know it's only been just under a thousand rounds combined for both my ARs, all i can tell is that it "looks cool" being there. i haven't seen a real world application use yet. what conditions led you to need it?

 

It should be part of your loading process, just as to make sure it's seated all the way forward.

Mag in, release bolt, tap, ready to go.

The only time you'll really need it is if the weapon is dirty and the chamber is getting fouled up.

Other than that, a weak buffer spring or a magazine that's dinged up may catch the bolt carrier and give a weak feed.

It's also part of the drill if the weapon malfunctions.

It's been used on and occassion or two. More often than not it's while feeding the initial round. After that, the action is fast enough that it's not really needed.

 

i push it a bunch, though 'just for fun.' i clean my guns after every outing so getting hung up on grime has never been an issue. i've never felt any resistance on it anyway

 

I'm a pretty big stickler about my stuff being clean, but sometimes, well, they get a bit dirty.

 

i guess i can expect to need the forward assist one of these days then... especially seeing what kind of crap i get using wolf .223... damn, i nee ammo to get cheaper[:@] hey rich, any connections for decent priced lake city 5.56

 

Uhhhhhh, you don't really want to know my connection.......

9mm is pretty cheap too....

[:-]

When I do order ammo though, I usually got to ammunitiontogo.com. They always have some pretty decent prices on stuff. If you order it in bulk, you can get some good deals. If you're just ordering a box or two, it's cheaper to get it locally.

They also have some exotic stuff, non-lethals, incindiaries, etc. Lots-o-stuff to play with.