Which bolt carrier?

[R1145]

Is there any advantage to having a M16-type carrier in a semi gun, or, indeed, an AR-type carrier in the same weapon?

Which one should one choose if building a CA-legal OLL semi?

[ar15barrels]

The only advantage will be in a barrel with a carbine gas system.
Carbine gas systems are over-gassed and need more weight to slow the unlocking.
In a mid-length or rifle length gas system, the extra weight is not necessary.

Read more here:

https://www.ar15barrels.com/prod/operation.shtml

[R1145]

Very interesting. I had actually visited your website previously, but it was good to re-read with an eye towards the bolt carrier issue.

It seems as if the bigger variable is gas port placement. If I go with a 16" barrel, I'll try to get a mid-length port.

It also appears that the added weight of the M16-type carrier is beneficial.

Is there a "downside"?

[ar15barrels]

Very interesting. I had actually visited your website previously, but it was good to re-read with an eye towards the bolt carrier issue.

It seems as if the bigger variable is gas port placement. If I go with a 16" barrel, I'll try to get a mid-length port.

It also appears that the added weight of the M16-type carrier is beneficial.

Is there a "downside"?

Heavier buffers and carriers can make the gun jump more between shots.

[glockster]

Heavier buffers and carriers can make the gun jump more between shots.

Good scoop as I've never that, Randall. I would have thought otherwise. Can you educate me in laymen's terms how this works. Thanks.

[ar15barrels]

Good scoop as I've never that, Randall. I would have thought otherwise. Can you educate me in laymen's terms how this works. Thanks.

Did you read the link above?

[glockster]

Yeah, I read it and that's why I asked. Unless I missed something, I don't understand how the heavier buffer causes the firearm to jump more. I would have thought that if the buffer was heavier then the carrier would not go rearward with as much momentum thus causing less felt recoil. Maybe it's just my flawed thinking??? I was never good at physics.

[ar15barrels]

Yeah, I read it and that's why I asked. Unless I missed something, I don't understand how the heavier buffer causes the firearm to jump more. I would have thought that if the buffer was heavier then the carrier would not go rearward with as much momentum thus causing less felt recoil. Maybe it's just my flawed thinking??? I was never good at physics.

The more weight you put into motion, the more the gun jumps around.

Basic physics.
Opposite but equal reaction.

[aplinker]

If you own or have access to M16 lowers and want to use your uppers with them, that's another reason to have an M16 carrier.