AR Bolt Carrier Group and Bolt

Choices, how it works, and components

Understanding your bolt carrier group and bolt is key to understanding your AR platform rifle and to selecting the bolt carrier group that best fits your requirements for your build.

When it comes to selecting a bolt, there are some key choices. An important decision is where to buy your bolt carrier group. There are advantages to buying the bolt carrier group from the company that manufactures your barrel. The bolt carrier group and barrel should be compatible no matter the source but using the same company for both means one place to go for help if there are issues.

Bolt carrier groups can be made from different steel alloys or from titanium (and the very best unaffordable ones are made of unobtanium, of course). Different materials affect weight, strength, and lubricity.

You can choose different profiles (shapes) for the bolt carrier group. Cutouts, skeletons, light weight profiles, full auto profiles; all are available. The profile affects weight, friction, and strength. Weight and friction affect the buffer and buffer spring that you will need.

There are different finishes available. Phosphate, nickel, boron, nitride, and more are available surface treatments.