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1/8/2016 1:27:04 PM EDT
Hey everyone,

I'm somewhat new to the AR platform and have a potentially noob question.

I bought a complete lower, complete upper, and BCG from PSA and then got a wild hair to build a pistol.

Initially, I thought I could pull it off for a somewhat reasonable price, but then I noticed that I was opt'ing for the higher end parts and quickly decimated my original budget.

As a result, I'm going to hold off on purchasing a BCG for it at the moment so that I can get what I really want (leaning towards the CC Mystic Black).

So, my question.. are there any risks associated with sharing a BCG between the two for awhile?  I wouldn't think so, but I've read a few threads on head spacing that got me wondering.

I'll likely wind up picking up a couple el cheapo PSA BCG's at some point to have on hand in addition to my primaries, but I'm already about $900 over budget this month on these two weapons.  SO.  

Thanks!
1/8/2016 1:42:33 PM EDT
[#1]
Head spacing shouldn't be an issue.  Generally it can be argued that the carrier wears into the upper receiver, and it would be best to leave the carrier in one gun only.  How much shooting are you going to do?  A few hundred rounds won't make a difference.  Will it work, yes.  Is it a great idea, no.
1/8/2016 2:08:54 PM EDT
[#2]
From my understanding, sharing a Bolt Carrier is not a big deal...but sharing a BOLT is not a good idea at all.
1/8/2016 2:28:13 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
From my understanding, sharing a Bolt Carrier is not a big deal...but sharing a BOLT is not a good idea at all.
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This is what I was wondering, maybe get a bolt and dedicate it to an upper until you can scrounge up the bolt carrier you want.

New to this as well - and wondering the same thing as the OP.
1/8/2016 3:10:13 PM EDT
[#4]
You're going to get tired of swapping them around. The idea always sounds good but it's best to just build complete guns. It shouldn't be hard to save up $80 to buy another BCG
1/8/2016 3:27:49 PM EDT
[#5]

Just save up and buy a new BCG when your budget allows.  Eat ramen, sell plasma, or sell some junk on Craigslist.





If you really really cannot wait to buy another BCG yes you CAN swap a BCG from one upper to another.  But just because you can doesn't mean you should.  It is possible there could be an issue with head spacing, only way to know for sure is to check it with a go/no-go gauge and if you don't already have one you'll be spending as much if not more than buying a new BCG for that upper.


1/8/2016 4:32:13 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:



This is what I was wondering, maybe get a bolt and dedicate it to an upper until you can scrounge up the bolt carrier you want.

New to this as well - and wondering the same thing as the OP.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
From my understanding, sharing a Bolt Carrier is not a big deal...but sharing a BOLT is not a good idea at all.



This is what I was wondering, maybe get a bolt and dedicate it to an upper until you can scrounge up the bolt carrier you want.

New to this as well - and wondering the same thing as the OP.



AIM has complete BCGs for under $100 shipped.  Shipped.
1/8/2016 4:54:02 PM EDT
[#7]
Do you share socks with your friends?
1/8/2016 5:41:56 PM EDT
[#8]
If they are both new uppers/barrels and your bolt is new you will be fine.  The only time you really start to see issues from what I have read is when you have a very worn bolt and try to use it in another worn upper/barrel.  The reason for this is because the bolt/barrel are worn together after thousands of rounds.  So generally if you are swapping back and forth for the first couple thousand rounds I don't figure anyone would ever notice a difference.  But if you use the same upper/bolt and put 10-20k rounds on it then put it in another used upper/barrel then you MIGHT have an issue.  From the sound of it, this will be a very temporary thing and will likely not see many rounds.  So don't worry about it and shoot it.  Or just spend the $80-100 for one, then you have a back up in the future anyways.  And there is nothing wrong with a PSA or AIM or ToolCraft BCG, chances are most of them will last just as long as any other BCG out there on the market.  So no need to even save them for a back up unless you must have the newest thing out.  

I can relate to wanting a Black Mystic BCG though, but if I buy one I doubt I get more then one and it will go in my primary AR.  I am not sure I will ever fork out the cash to buy one though, they are rather expensive for something that isn't really necessary.  If you want something that is slicker/easier to clean the cheapest way to go would be to get an Aim V2 Nitrated BCG for like $90-100 shipped. That is probably going to be my next BCG.  Then for a little more I would recommend a Chrome BCG from a quality manufacturer.  I really like the chrome, and don't plan to ever buy a NIB carrier.  Too many cases of things going wrong with them and flaking or other issues.  

If I were you I would buy an Aim V2 NItrated BCG for less then $100 to your door, then when money permits get the Black Mystic and use the one you already have as a back up and let us know how you like it.  I haven't seen many reviews on them.  I figure it is a far superior coating to NIB, but there aren't many people posting up what theirs looks like after thousands of rounds.  I just like the Nitrated and Chrome because they hold up to abuse and don't flake.
1/8/2016 5:44:42 PM EDT
[#9]
You're fine as long as both parts are in spec.

You'll just get tired of swapping it real fast. Good BCGs can be had for $70-80
1/8/2016 10:54:54 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
From my understanding, sharing a Bolt Carrier is not a big deal...but sharing a BOLT is not a good idea at all.
View Quote


Correct....sharing a bolt can lead to accelerated wear from mating with two different extensions.
1/12/2016 10:45:35 AM EDT
[#11]
Thanks for the info, everyone.

It will be very temporary (I'm likely going to wind up getting the CC BCG next month) and, as far as the number of rounds.. I'll likely take them out once or twice between now and then.. so.. maybe ~150 rounds each?

'Course, being that it's been -20 for the past couple days, I might not get either of them out at all for awhile..
1/12/2016 8:22:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Save your pennies and get yourself one of these you can't get any more mil-spec.
1/13/2016 11:30:21 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
From my understanding, sharing a Bolt Carrier is not a big deal...but sharing a BOLT is not a good idea at all.
View Quote
Right on.  Over time, bolts "mate" with their intended receiver extension where the lugs contact.  The conventional wisdom is that its OK, if not ideal, to pair a used bolt with a new barrel, or a new bolt with a used barrel, but not a used/used combo.  Violating this convention is not inviting disaster, but in general bolts should not be moved from rifle to rifle.  Purists buy barrels with matching bolts from the barrel maker to ensure optimum fit, including headspace. - CW
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