Author Topic: AR-15 Question on a replacement upper (Read 775 times)

Gregory · « **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.

KN · « **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

CAV Trooper · « **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.

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2005, 12:52:56 PM »

Thanks guys

Savage · « **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