Bushmaster Varminter out of spec?

[madbretbeyondthunderdome]

I have a Bushmaster Varminter upper receiver, factory built several years ago. It shoots fine. It's accurate, too. My issue is the bolt carrier does not sit straight up and down in the receiver. I tried to install a BCM bcg and the bolt lugs would not line up right with the barrel extension to allow it close. If I put the bravo company bolt in the bushmaster carrier, it closed fine. I can see that the bushy carrier is not machined to sit straight up and down. It seems like the barrel extension is twisted a bit and they just built around it or to make it fit this 1 of a kind carrier? I called Bushmaster and the guy told me it's because of how it was headspaced and that it's proprietary and basically I can't replace the carrier with the one I bought. Kind of felt like he was blowing smoke up my...I'm aware the bolt was headspaced at the factory to match my barrel but it's still an AR and it seems like a bolt carrier should not be a 1 of a kind item.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Bret

[madbretbeyondthunderdome]

My other WOA barrel was also chambered in .223 Wylde and the BCM bcg is what I purchased with that upper so I just don't understand how Bushmaster can say this is okay and just how they build 'em! Bolts most certainly wear out and I should be able to replace the carrier. I don't believe all Bushmaster's rifles or even just the varminters are built to this standard and although it is past their 1 year warranty period, it seems like I received a faulty upper receiver group that they choose not to stand behind.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

[madbretbeyondthunderdome]

In my opinion, I think a new carrier and reinstalling a new barrel extension correctly with the index pin in the right spot would be the right thing for them to do. Other than that, I would have to replace the barrel myself because I am not capable of installing receiver extensions as most of us are not. I know the rifle functions but I just feel like their QC was lacking with this upper and being blown off when I called, lacked class.

[russ69]

Pictures might help but you have a working gun so I'm not sure if I would be too concerned. I have never personally worn out a gun other than loosing barrel accuracy.

[madbretbeyondthunderdome]

That was kind of their argument, also.

If that is the case, though, they certainly won't be getting any future business or recommendations from me, that is for sure.

And if you know anyone who wants to buy a "one of a kind" upper receiver group, just let me know...

[madbretbeyondthunderdome]

And I guess my concern is the fact that I can't buy, not even from Bushmaster who it's manufactured by, a carrier assembly that will lock up correctly with their barrel without custom fitting , and not in
a normal fashion, I should add.. A Bravo Company Machine carrier that locks up fine in other uppers I've tried, would not lock up with their bolt installed either. Some of you might call it nitpicking, but they wouldn't send a rifle out for a review or to someone they cared about it, in this configuration, even if it does function.
If I bought either this bolt carrier or the barrel separately, both would be deemed to defective on there own, respectively but it seems Bushmaster went on ahead and custom matched me two turds.

[JDay]

I have a Bushmaster

There's your problem.

[rero360]

There's your problem.

Yep, par for the course with Shrubmaster