• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

repairs to AR-10 bolt

Brad3

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 30, 2013
2
0
The bolt on my AR-10 had some damage from some bad primers. Can this be repaired? Who would you recomend?
Thanks in advance.
 
Pitting on the face or actual damage? As No1 said pictures would be of assistance.

+1 on pics.

Generally speaking...if it is actually "damaged" (like the lugs cracked/broken, etc.) then its time to ditch it and replace it as "repairing" broken or badly damaged bolts is a "no-no!" Otherwise...anything is possible, but knowing exactly WHAT the nature/extent of the damage is would be very helpful in answering your question.
 
Erosion to the firing pin hole from pierced primers can by fixed via bushing the hole. The question is whether it would be cost effective to repair, rather than replace it for $100-150. I doubt that many gunsmiths who truly have the skill to do such a job would do it for that little. When you factor in your time calling, researching, shipping costs, insurance, trip to ship, my bet is that replacement is more cost effective.

Keep in mind that most bolts are supposed to be replaced after a certain number of rounds anyhow. I don't remember the military's round count/replacement requirements. But with all this in mind, I would replace a bolt that was remotely"iffy".

ANY structural issue that weakens any part of the bolt is an automatic replacement...repair is pretty much for items I would classify as more cosmetic than functional.
 
Ditto to Unknown.

Minor pitting can be fixed by blast and re-coat, but anything other than that I would bin it.

UFI: M110 spec calls for Bolt replacement after 5k, its a HP tested bolt, and will drop lugs ~7,500 -- the SOCOM Mk11 and M110 Carbine bolts are good for over 15k.
Not sure what Armalite's spec is - but their bolts are not as pricey as us at KAC, and I would simply toss and buy new.
 
Kevin,

Do you guys sell replacement bolt carrier groups to the public?

Leo

Ditto to Unknown.

Minor pitting can be fixed by blast and re-coat, but anything other than that I would bin it.

UFI: M110 spec calls for Bolt replacement after 5k, its a HP tested bolt, and will drop lugs ~7,500 -- the SOCOM Mk11 and M110 Carbine bolts are good for over 15k.
Not sure what Armalite's spec is - but their bolts are not as pricey as us at KAC, and I would simply toss and buy new.
 
+1 on on just replacing it. Just check head space after you do replace it.
 
Last edited:
Unless you are talking broken lugs or huge pits on bolt face it's probably nothing.

If you are unsure...new bolt should be about 110$ without the hardware, so have to swap out old ejector and extractor.
 
Sorry for lack of info, first post. Primer failure, not hot load. Five or six minor pits. I ordered a new bolt from Armalite Nov. 2012.
They called this week and are shipping me one. Just wanted to know if a repair was justified or should I just keep it for a spare.