Author Topic: AR-15 Question on a replacement upper  (Read 780 times)

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Offline Gregory

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AR-15 Question on a replacement upper
« on: April 26, 2005, 12:53:56 PM »
I have a Bushmaster Varminter flattop setup with a scope.  I was thinking of buying another upper in A2 configuration with a shorter barrel to use as a plinker and self defense house gun.
 
My question:  Can I use the bolt and charging handle from my Varminter on a new upper or do I need to buy a complete upper assembly with a new bolt and charging handle?  I don't know if the bolts are matched to a specific receiver or not.
 
Forgive my ignorance on this.
Greg

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the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
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Offline KN

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AR-15 Question on a replacement upper
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2005, 03:46:16 PM »
Yes you can use your bolt and charge handle. I have a Bushmaster Shorty and a complete DPMS heavy upper that I put together and I use my bolt and handle from my shorty.   KN

Offline CAV Trooper

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AR-15 Question on a replacement upper
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2005, 10:40:10 AM »
Gregory,

As KN said, you can use one bolt and carrier in two different uppers.

However, it's a LOT safer to get a new bolt for your second upper and just use the one bolt carrier.

The reason is that after a while, a bolt will sort of "wear" into the barrel it's usually fired in. If you then put it into a different barrel you could end up with headspace and/or other problems. Be safe, bolts aren't expensive.
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Offline Gregory

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AR-15 Question on a replacement upper
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2005, 12:52:56 PM »
Thanks guys
Greg

NRA Endowment Life Member
the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Second Amendment, U.S. Constitution (1791)

Offline Savage

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AR-15 Question on a replacement upper
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2005, 09:19:41 AM »
Does the bolt carrier come with the DPMS upper? If it does you can buy a new bolt for about a $100. Seems like that would be the way to go.
Savage
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