PWS Bolt Carrier Autopsy & LMT Enhanced Bolt Physical

Published on July 5, 2020
Duration: 20:20

This video provides an in-depth autopsy and physical inspection of a Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) bolt carrier group, highlighting significant manufacturing defects. The inspection reveals issues with gas key alignment, staking quality, and dimensional tolerances, leading to the conclusion that the carrier is 'dead on arrival'. The video also includes a physical inspection of an LMT Enhanced Bolt, which passes all tests.

Quick Summary

An expert autopsy of a PWS bolt carrier group revealed critical defects including poor gas key staking, misalignment, and off-center milling, causing it to bind. The LMT Enhanced Bolt, however, passed all dimensional and functional tests, highlighting a stark contrast in manufacturing quality.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: PWS Bolt Carrier & LMT Bolt
  2. 00:22PWS Bolt Carrier Exterior Inspection
  3. 01:03PWS Gas Key Staking Issues
  4. 01:41PWS Firing Pin and Cam Pin
  5. 02:22PWS Bolt Carrier Bore Measurements
  6. 03:14PWS Gas Ring Run Inspection
  7. 03:32PWS Bolt Tail Gauge Test
  8. 04:02PWS Carrier Binding Issue Investigation
  9. 04:30PWS Gas Key Alignment Check
  10. 05:49PWS Gas Key Go/No-Go Test
  11. 06:08PWS Gas Key Obstruction Check
  12. 06:12PWS Gas Key Screw Torque & Staking
  13. 08:47PWS Gas Key Sealant Inspection
  14. 09:36Attempting to Remount PWS Gas Key
  15. 10:34PWS Gas Key Alignment After Remount
  16. 11:43PWS Carrier Wear Patterns
  17. 12:36Conclusion: PWS Carrier DOA
  18. 13:05Borescope Inspection of PWS Carrier Interior
  19. 13:34PWS Carrier Gas Ring Run Oversized
  20. 14:06PWS Carrier Track Milling Issue
  21. 14:54LMT Enhanced Bolt Physical Inspection
  22. 14:59LMT Bolt Headspace Check
  23. 15:20LMT Bolt Extractor Inspection
  24. 15:52LMT Bolt Magnetism Check
  25. 16:10LMT Bolt Ejector and Lug Inspection
  26. 16:42LMT Bolt Gas Rings in PWS Carrier
  27. 16:53LMT Bolt Tail Inspection
  28. 17:02LMT Bolt Firing Pin Hole Check
  29. 17:09LMT Bolt Face Inspection
  30. 17:25LMT Bolt Cam Pin Inspection
  31. 17:56LMT Bolt Firing Pin Protrusion
  32. 18:53LMT Bolt Support Shoulder Measurement
  33. 19:21Final Comparison: PWS vs LMT
  34. 19:35Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main issues found with the PWS bolt carrier group?

The PWS bolt carrier group exhibited significant issues including poor gas key staking, misalignment of the gas key, and potentially off-center milling of the carrier track for the gas key. These problems caused the carrier to bind within the upper receiver and were deemed critical manufacturing defects.

How does the LMT Enhanced Bolt compare to the PWS bolt carrier?

The LMT Enhanced Bolt passed all inspection and measurement tests, including headspace, extractor fit, firing pin protrusion, and bolt face dimensions. In contrast, the PWS bolt carrier was found to have critical alignment and dimensional issues, rendering it 'dead on arrival'.

What tools are necessary for a bolt carrier group autopsy?

Performing a bolt carrier group autopsy requires specialized tools such as various sizes of go/no-go gauges, a borescope for internal inspection, a torque wrench for fasteners, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and calipers for precise measurements.

What is the recommended action for a defective PWS bolt carrier?

For a defective PWS bolt carrier like the one inspected, the recommendation is to consider it 'dead on arrival' and not attempt repairs. It's advised to contact the manufacturer (PWS) to report the defect and inquire about a warranty replacement, as repair is unlikely to resolve the fundamental milling issues.

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