Small chip in AR 15 bolt

[Dantedamean]

Anything to worry about?
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1347054530.379048.jpg

It happened because I pulled the firing pin out, I didn't think it through.

For those who don't know.... It holds the cam pin in place. Without the firing pin the rotation of the bolt can get screwed up. I had to pull the bolt back and slam the stock on the ground to get the bolt to rotate properly. That way I can take the weapon apart to reinsert the firing pin. Bottom-line, don't be a moron like me. Lol

[dieselpower]

Please read...http://www.armalite.com/images/Tech%...p,%2002.01.pdf

......Before they break, bolts will normally show evidence of cracks or bolt lug loss (near the
extractor cutout or the cam pin hole). Bolts showing any form of crack should be
replaced before they allow a release of high pressure gas.
.....

any damage to the Bolt lugs is a no-go in my book. I carry two extra at all times with my Rifle.

[Dreaded Claymore]

Definitely replace the bolt. In a way, you're lucky it happened now, instead of later when you're trying to defend yourself against a wave of invading North Koreans.

What cartridge is that bolt for? It's got a bigger breech face than one for 5.56x45mm.

[Josh3239]

I agree with Claymore. I'd change it out.

[Dantedamean]

It's a bushmaster 450.... I have no idea if it's a special bolt or not.
So what problems can arise with the chip?

Edit: oh I missed the post with the PDF. I'll have to check it out tomorrow.

This chip didn't come from use. It was because the bolt didn't rotate properly so it couldn't line up with the slots on the barrel. Also what are those teeth called on the bolt and what are the notches/slots called on the barrel that they line up with?

[Southpaw45]

I agree with others and say change it out. Im not sure if that bolt is even "mil spec". I would get a bolt like this one. There out of stock right now but if you can find another one that is quality like the BCM bolt. Its got to be at least MPI and HPT tested. >> http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-A...semly%20mp.htm

[Tank 57]

The teeth are the locking lugs.The barrel extension has matching lugs.The slots are just where they pass through before bolt rotation and locking.

I would replace a chipped bolt.Why risk it failing?Possible injury or worse.Definitely could do much worse damage to gun.

[Dantedamean]

I agree with others and say change it out. Im not sure if that bolt is even "mil spec". I would get a bolt like this one. There out of stock right now but if you can find another one that is quality like the BCM bolt. Its got to be at least MPI and HPT tested. >> http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-A...semly%20mp.htm

Thanks for the link. That will fit a bushmaster 450?

The teeth are the locking lugs.The barrel extension has matching lugs.The slots are just where they pass through before bolt rotation and locking.

I would replace a chipped bolt.Why risk it failing?Possible injury or worse.Definitely could do much worse damage to gun.

Ya, I'm going to replace it. With the forces involved in the 450 shot I don't want to risk it at all.

[Southpaw45]

Oh Man! Im not sure that BCM bolt would work with the .450 Bushmaster. My guess is no but I dont know the size of the back end of the brass if its like the 5.56. I think a call to Bushmaster would be a good idea. See what thay have to say and take it from there.

[Dantedamean]

Oh Man! Im not sure that BCM bolt would work with the .450 Bushmaster. My guess is no but I dont know the size of the back end of the brass if its like the 5.56. I think a call to Bushmaster would be a good idea. See what thay have to say and take it from there.

Yaaaa that's what I'm going to do. This rifle took me 3 weeks to find someone who had it in stock. I'm going to have a hell of a time finding a bolt -.-

Thanks for the info everyone. If anyone happens to stumble upon a bolt for a 450 I would greatly appreciate you posting a link.

[sharxbyte]

Change it. I've lost lugs before. it starts like this, then it eventually gets worse.

[saki302]

If it happened from a one time accident, I'd run it until you can get another bolt, then keep it as a spare one.

Look CAREFULLY for cracks. If it's just a chip or ding, carefully file it smooth (diamond files- bolts are HARD), and it will probably be fine. I'd still swap it first chance you get though.

-Dave

[dieselpower]

here we go with the mil-spec mpi / ht crap... complete bullpoop nowadays...but whatever never let reason and logic ruin a good sales pitch...

[Dantedamean]

here we go with the mil-spec mpi / ht crap... complete bullpoop nowadays...but whatever never let reason and logic ruin a good sales pitch...

Chill dude, only one guy mentioned mil spec and I really don't care. I just want to be sure the damn thing isn't going to fail and injure me and/or people around me. With people saying it can fail on a 5.56 I really don't want to risk it with a bushmaster 450. That round is a beast.

Thanks to the dude who posted about filing it down. I'll consider it. I may call a few gunsmiths and see what they have to say about it.

[Southpaw45]

here we go with the mil-spec mpi / ht crap... complete bullpoop nowadays...but whatever never let reason and logic ruin a good sales pitch...

So now that you slammed mil spec "internal" parts, tell use why you think there BS. Why does most top manufactures of parts do MPI and HP testing. Just a sales pitch? I dought it. My thoughts is everything like bolt carriers, bolts and sometimes barrels and lowers should meet some kind of mil spec standard for quality but not necessarily for dimensions. Everything else who cares. I agree if manufactures of parts and accesories never broke away from "mil spec" the AR world would be much boring.. Sorry I dont mean to hijack this thread.....