308 Bolt Carrier - DPMS or Armalite

[Outlaw45]

Is there any difference in quality between an Armalite bolt carrier group and a DPMS bolt carrier group for a semi-auto 308. It seems that DPMS parts are harder to find than Armalite. I'm thinking of building a MA-TEN and trying to decide on which barrel nut to go with. I've been looking at the Rainier barrels and they are offer DPMS or Armalite style. As long as the barrel extension and the bolt are the same it should be fine right? Can you use a DPMS bolt with an Armalite carrier?

 

[powderBurnz]

Re: 308 Bolt Carrier - DPMS or Armalite

I ran a Young Mfg carrier on mine. I loved that thing, never had any issues. You have to call them to order one. Personally I'd go with DPMS-format.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: 308 Bolt Carrier - DPMS or Armalite

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outlaw45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there any difference in quality between an Armalite bolt carrier group and a DPMS bolt carrier group for a semi-auto 308. It seems that DPMS parts are harder to find than Armalite. I'm thinking of building a MA-TEN and trying to decide on which barrel nut to go with. I've been looking at the Rainier barrels and they are offer DPMS or Armalite style. As long as the barrel extension and the bolt are the same it should be fine right? Can you use a DPMS bolt with an Armalite carrier? </div></div>

I bought a Rock barrel and had the same questions. It came with a DPMS extension. When I asked about headspacing, this is the reply I got from the vendor I used:

-DPMS barrel extension, DPMS BCA, Armalite receiver
-DPMS barrel extension, Armalite BCA, Armalite rcvr.
-DPMS barrel ext., Armalite BCA, Armalite rcvr
-Armalite barrel ext, DPMS BCA, DPMS rcvr
Armalite barrel, Armalite BCA, DPMS rcvr

The only thing he said would NOT work is swapping bolts in the other brand carrier. In other words you can't use an Armalite bolt in a DPMS carrier or vice versa.

I have swapped the complete BCAs between Armalite and DPMS uppers before. I did not fire them (nor would I) in this configuration nor did I have a chance to headspace them to see what was what. They did cycle by hand but definitely felt like there was some drag. Since DPMS seems to be the VHS of the day and Armalite the Beta Max, I'd go DPMS if I was doing it over. I'm not sure if you can pick up an Armalite BCA for their A models yet.

 

[Outlaw45]

Re: 308 Bolt Carrier - DPMS or Armalite

Thanks that's kinda what I thought.