Question about AR 15 Bolt Carrier's

**Big Guy** · 06-16-2012, 11:03 PM

I just traded for a PWA Commando AR 15. I believe the Bolt Carrier may be for an auto vs semi.

I have two questions;

1. How do I tell the difference?

2. Is it legal to posess a full auto bolt carrier as long as the lower has only semi auto parts and is in no way prepped for full auto?

**longhunter** · 06-16-2012, 11:43 PM

It's been awhile since I handled or read up on full auto firearms but...

1. I could be wrong, but I don't think there is a difference.

2. Individual parts don't matter as long as they can't be assembled together to make a full auto firearm.

**Hummer** · 06-17-2012, 03:35 AM

There is a difference between them on the bottom side. The M16 has a surface for interfacing with the upper sear trip.

**seal4life** · 06-17-2012, 03:57 AM

Originally Posted by Big Guy

I just traded for a PWA Commando AR 15. I believe the Bolt Carrier may be for an auto vs semi.

I have two questions;

1. How do I tell the difference?

2. Is it legal to posess a full auto bolt carrier as long as the lower has only semi auto parts and is in no way prepped for full auto?

there is a diffrence but yor ok from a legal stand point but why buy that parts kit?

**Big Guy** · 06-17-2012, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by seal4life

there is a diffrence but yor ok from a legal stand point but why buy that parts kit?

I didnt buy the kit, I traded for the whole weapon. I had a Rock Island 1911 that I gave almost nothing for this guy wanted it for EDC so I got this AR in trade.

**coxmw** · 06-17-2012, 01:17 PM

That's a nice trade.

**Big Guy** · 06-17-2012, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by coxmw

That's a nice trade.

Yea, I couldnt turn that one down.

He said he had too many AR's so I was kind enough to help him with his problem.

**longhunter** · 06-17-2012, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Hummer

There is a difference between them on the bottom side. The M16 has a surface for interfacing with the upper sear trip.

Dang, I knew that! It's been way to long since I had a chance to mess with a full auto black rifle...Big Guy, you made out like a bandit with that trade!

**Big Guy** · 06-17-2012, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Hummer

There is a difference between them on the bottom side. The M16 has a surface for interfacing with the upper sear trip.

This is what cought my eye, I noticed that the firing pin was quite a bit more exposed and it is ramped differently than my other AR. I just wasnt sure if it was for a full auto or if I could legally have it. Thanks for all the information.

**lalakai** · 11-18-2012, 01:00 AM

ouch....dated, but still relevant.

Yes it's legal for anyone to own and use the full auto bolt carrier.

Primary differences are with the shroud and thickness. The full auto BCG will be thicker to handle the increased pounding and the shrouded area will be larger (ie, more will be protected). If you look on the underside of the BCG you will see the differences in the amount of area that is exposed; the semi auto BCG will have a longer cut out section on the underside. Take a look at this site and you will have good examples to compare http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15...-Parts-s/2.htm. Btw, BCM is one of my favorite go-to sites.