OK to switch bolts?

[Doc McCoy]

Is it ok (safe) to use the bolt assembly from my Bushy in a used Colt
upper? I would like to switch back and forth, should I buy a new bolt
assembly for the Colt? If so, can it be from any manufacturer?

[Poodleshooter]

In general,yes if you swap the whole carrier assembly. Swapping individual bolts introduces the variable of different wear within the bolt and carrier. I'd swap the entire carrier back and forth (use the Colt if you have one of their assinine blocks and a fully open carrier). To be on the safe side, you can check headspace before shooting, but for the most part since they lock up in the barrel and not in the receiver, headspace is pretty standard.

[thedaledoe]

Get a RRA bolt and carrier. Their stuff is top notch. :up:

[Krupski]

...(use the Colt if you have one of their assinine blocks and a fully open carrier).

O.T. sorry... but do you know how to remove that stupid sear block in Colt rifles without making a mess?

That stupid block radically limits my choices in after-market trigger groups, and it makes cleaning more difficult.

Also, since the block is pinned in right where the auto-sear axis pin would go, would taking out that block and plugging the hole with a new pin be considered a "machinegun"? :rolleyes:

Thanks

Roger

[Poodleshooter]

O.T. sorry... but do you know how to remove that stupid sear block in Colt rifles without making a mess?

That stupid block radically limits my choices in after-market trigger groups, and it makes cleaning more difficult.

Also, since the block is pinned in right where the auto-sear axis pin would go, would taking out that block and plugging the hole with a new pin be considered a "machinegun"? :rolleyes:

Thanks

Roger
Hey Roger,
This one? http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b1d623b3127cce9aee1d33588a0000004610
I've not removed mine yet. But.....here's what I was told: Set the receiver in a drill press. Drill into the block from above, just at the juncture of the 'L' in Colt. Run the bit down until you feel it impact the two plugs that are press fit into the receiver. Fill the hole with machine oil, then insert a fitted punch into the hole. Give the punch a good whack with a mallet, and the plugs should start coming out of the receiver. Once they exit the receiver, the center block should come right out.
The holes that remain are much bigger in diameter than a GI autosear. I was told to cut the leftover plugs and use them and JB weld to fill in the hole left in the receiver. BATF has actually sent letters affirming that a Colt block can legally be removed. The only thing you loose is the absolute defense against having a full auto that the block gives you when installed: IOW you can't run an M16 carrier or a lightning link in a blocked gun.
There are also companies that will remove it for you. Compass Lakes Engineering (CLE) will do it for you if you have one of their trigger packages installed. The Jewell 2 stage will fit in with the block. I'm not sure about the RRA or other manufacturers target triggers.
FWIW, you can still use other Non-Colt full circle bolt carriers even with the block installed. I recently found this out. M16 carriers won't fit of course, but aftermarket AR carriers will still fit since the block is far enough forward that the "circle" of the carrier never impacts it.

[Krupski]

Hey Roger,
This one? http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b1d623b3127cce9aee1d33588a0000004610
I've not removed mine yet. But.....here's what I was told: Set the receiver in a drill press. Drill into the block from above, just at the juncture of the 'L' in Colt. Run the bit down until you feel it impact the two plugs that are press fit into the receiver. Fill the hole with machine oil, then insert a fitted punch into the hole. Give the punch a good whack with a mallet, and the plugs should start coming out of the receiver.

Yeah, that's what I have in mine also.

BTW, what a CLEVER idea! Drilling from the top and using the oil and punch as a hydraulic press to push the pins out!

Anyway... the block appears to be less of a problem than I thought, because there are at least two aftermarket FCG's that will fit a blocked Colt receiver... the "Accuracy Speaks" model and the "JP Enterprises" model.

Both of those fit into blocked Colt lowers and are available in the "large pin" (0.170) version.

I may just leave the block in place. If some SHTF, at least the block will be proof-positive that the AR is not a "machine gun".... :rolleyes:

Roger