Rock River Arms bolt and carrier

sailskidrive

New member
Does anyone know if RRA uses A-158 steel for their AR bolts? I've tried emailing them several times and they have not responded. I've also called their customer support line and they beat around the bush about the quality of their manufacturing processes but never answered the question.

A friend of mine who does machine work, told me that most of the suppliers use A-158 that is magnetic particle tested before it is cut to length and machined. He also kind of snickered that not much attention is probably paid to the process.

The reason I ask is that a local shop has chrome RRA bolt carrier groups for $159 and I thought maybe I would pick one up to replace the one I have that broke. However, I don' want to go down this route again so if they are made from 9310 steel I was going to pass and buy a Rainier Arms Thunder Bolt instead.
 
I don't believe they do use A-158, that's why they beat around the bush about it. The mil-spec A-158 is for a full auto rifle. Is it really necessary for a semi auto rifle? In 40+ years of shooting M16's and AR15's I have seen a few bolts fail, BCG's wear out after ten's of thousands of rounds but no BCG's actually fail. YMMV
 
For $159 or less you can get a BCG or Daniel Defense BCG that definitely has been HP and MPI tested, proper steel, shot peened, etc. - and ready to drop into a select fire M4/M16 and perform as well as the Colt/FN part. You can even get the Colt BCG for about $180.

Not chrome, and only used in a semiauto - but I like the peace of mind of having the best in this high stress component.

Unfortunately, the better BCGs are in short supply right now.
 
Thanks guys

I've decided to order a Rainier Arms BCG that meets all of the specs for my carbine and a chrome plated Youngs Manufacuring NM BCG for my POF/Fulton Armory hybrid long range gun.

Hopefully I wont break either of these two!

I wonder why RRA has been so mum, it's kind of weird it's not like they have a bad rep.
 
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