Gunsmithing AR upper receiver swap?

[IdahoMike]

This is a question that "everyone" seems to have a different answer for. Can you simply switch barrel, bolt, and carrier to a new upper receiver on an AR platform and not have to worry about head space? From what I have read it seems like there shouldn't be a problem since head space is determined by the barrel, barrel extension, and bolt. Is this true? An answer from an educated professional would be nice, not an educated guess from ye old backyard smith.

 

[gunnergirl81]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

The upper reciever (the forged aluminum part) has ZERO bearing on the headspace of the AR system. The bolt head cams and engages within the barrel extension and headspace is established by the extension. If the bolt and barrel are headspaced to each other the upper receiver can be swapped as you please with no effect.

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kenda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The upper reciever (the forged aluminum part) has ZERO bearing on the headspace of the AR system. The bolt head cams and engages within the barrel extension and headspace is established by the extension. If the bolt and barrel are headspaced to each other the upper receiver can be swapped as you please with no effect. </div></div>

This man knows what he speaks.

 

[smokshwn]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

Kenda is absolutely right.

 

[IdahoMike]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

ye ask and ye shall receive(r)

Thanks Kenda.

 

[gunnergirl81]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outsy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> This man knows what he speaks. </div></div>

Actually, I'm a girl. But in all honesty I bounce a lot of these questions off my hubby. He was an armorer and gunsmith.

 

[Grand]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

Now if we could only get Kenda to fill out her profile.

 

[IdahoMike]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

thought of another on the way home, since headspace is determined by the barrel and extension then swapping carriers should have little to no effect either?

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: IdahoMike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thought of another on the way home, since headspace is determined by the barrel and extension then swapping carriers should have little to no effect either? </div></div>

Correct, keep bolts mated.

 

[Ryo]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

Yes.. like everyone else said.

 

[IdahoMike]

Re: AR upper receiver swap?

Thanks for you're two cents Ryo. It was really needed indeed.