I'm sure it's not recommended but...

[AbitNutz]

I'm certainly not new to military black rifles but I'm really not familiar with the myriad of civilian variants. While I'm sure it's not recommended, can you switch bolts between carriers without things going tits up? That's assuming there's nothing proprietary or weird about them and they're not worn and in good nick?

 

[Matches Malone]

Reputable companies in particular, specs are pretty universal across the board. You can usually mix and match.

AR-10s are more tricky if your not paying attention.

 

[AbitNutz]

Thanks, I was thinking that was true. The term AR-10 is thrown at rifles that don't even remotely follow the pattern.

 

[S197]

If both ar15 are mill spec and not commercial, the parts will interchange. Most AR15’s are built to mil spec but there are companies out there that do produce commercial parts. Just do a little research on what you have.

 

[Halfnutz]

A set of Go/Nogo/and a Field gage is not that expensive. There are however .223, 5.56 and Wylde chambers which have some slight differences. All the same, I would invest in a set if you are building your own or switching bolts.
I've had some close on a nogo but not on a field on new bolts. It's not where you want to he but is acceptable if needed.

 

[AbitNutz]

I have a set of gauges so I'm less concerned about how the bolt fits into the barrel than how an alien bolt fits into a carrier that isn't of the same manufacturer.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

, can you switch bolts between carriers without things going tits up?

Done it dozens of times, no problems yet.

 

[Rocketvapor]

The range between Go and No-Go is fine but it is a pretty large range.
To swap bolts you can measure lug length and face depth and compare bolts for equal head space.
For example, I don't have an AR-15 bolt that varies over 0.001".
IF tail diameter is too large it won't fit. You can measure to compare.