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3/2/2011 7:22:01 AM EDT
OK, so I know an AR platform "shouldn't" have the precision of a bolt rifle.

Now that that is out of the way........

I am putting together an AR that will be more of a precision rifle.  Lets say I am trying to get as much out of an AR as I can.  I will be using a free floating handguard.  I will be using a high quality SS barrel.  It will be getting a good quality 2 stage trigger.  I will be using custom hand loaded ammunition that has been derived specifically for the rifle using the ladder method along with other tests.

With all that being said, has anyone seen a "precision bolt" offered by anyone?   Do you think it makes a difference?    The bolt will be used to check headspace and finish machine the barrel.  

Is there one out there?   Is it worth it?

Thanks.

3/2/2011 7:23:22 AM EDT
[#1]
Any mil-spec bolt is as good as another. Doesn't affect accuracy whatsoever. Don't waste your money.



As long as the bolt seats/headspaces correctly, extracts correctly, and lets the action fire correctly that's all you need.



 
3/2/2011 7:24:39 AM EDT
[#2]
Ive seen bushmaster sell a matched bolt with barrel for the CMP barrels they sell as an option.

Is it worth it, no idea. I don't go for that type of ar build.
Sure other vendors sell a matched bolt barrel combo as well.
3/2/2011 7:26:46 AM EDT
[#3]
I don't think you would get anything out of it.  The AR is a very accurate platform, so with all the attention to detail with a good barrel and stuff a milspec bolt will be plenty good.
3/2/2011 8:29:33 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I don't think you would get anything out of it.  The AR is a very accurate platform, so with all the attention to detail with a good barrel and stuff a milspec bolt will be plenty good.


+1 to this...

I think it has been said before, but "a match-grade barrel, a quality free-float handguard and match-grade ammunition, preferably hand-loads tuned for your barrel..." any bolt that supports the full face of the cartridge and is matched to the action/barrel will strike the firing pin just as well as the next one.

Now, if you are worried about follow up shots, recoil reduction, longer bolt delay, less lubrication needed with a specially coated bolt, etc...there are a ton of options like light weight bolt carriers, speed hammers, gas tube extensions, etc... You can dump a whole lotta money into a gun and have it shoot no better then the guy pulling the trigger can shoot. I say build it. Shoot it. Then, see if you need to upgrade anything. You might find that that extra cash can upgrade your barrel a step further, or go toward a better optic.
3/2/2011 8:57:39 AM EDT
[#5]
Les Baer offers a "precision" bolt, no experience with it but Les Baer is known for quality products and markets his line of ARs as having 1/2 MOA accuracy.

ETA:http://www.lesbaer.com/223parts.html
3/2/2011 9:26:31 AM EDT
[#6]
Young NM if you feel it is necessary. I own 2 and have no complaints

Young Manufacturing

ETA: Les Baer uses Young Carriers per Young's website.
3/2/2011 12:19:49 PM EDT
[#7]
The bolt by itself adds nothing to the equation.  There are a number of companies that will or do provide a bolt matched to their barrel.  The bolt was used when the barrel was chambered and headspaced and with that bolt will usually provide a min spec headspace.  The provided bolts are nothing special in and of themselves, it's all in the matching to the barrel.
3/2/2011 6:19:33 PM EDT
[#8]
I have two guns with a Spikes premium bolt and my sons with a Sarco M-16 bolt and they shoot the same .... I wouldnt waste my money and put it where it counts like the barrel and sights or optics...
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