Reader Forum

AR-15 Bolt Carrier Tilt I’ve been reading the multiple articles on AR-15 building by Joe Carlos and am still at a loss on the bolt carrier tilt issue. So, the proposed fix is to replace a nice long and smooth contact (ski) on the bolt carrier with a rough little bump (head of a screw) that is going to cause variations in bolt velocity and resistance between shots? Not only that, it seems as if this approach is going to damage the upper and receiver extension. Arthur Author Joe Carlos responds.

Many test fire groups have revealed clear improvement in my approaches. During my range testing I changed only one variable at a time, using the same carrier with and without anti-tilt pads. Groups were fired with the same lots of match ammo in many scores of different uppers. When I analyzed the data I determined that the groups fired with carriers having pads were on average 14% tighter. The pads are not causing damage. I have had these modified carriers in circulation with active competitors for years now.

Many of these shooters have shot out their original barrel (about 3,000 rounds) and sent their uppers in for anew barrel. I inspect each receiver under magnification and have only found light scuff marks where the pads run. I maintain one lower for testing and that has seen around count deep into five figures and that lower hasn’t displayed any issues. I offer my customers a money back, satisfaction guaranteed shop policy and nobody has returned a carrier for a refund due to any wear or negative impact on groups.

I don’t claim that my approach to combating the accuracy robbing influence of bolt carrier tilt is the final word but testing shows it works. S&W "Victor" Have an old S&W Model Victor .32 caliber and would like to know where to get a manual or detailed reassembly info for it. Robert Blue Robin Guns, LLC The is no pistol or revolver made by S&W called "Victor." There was and still may be a .22LR target pistol of that name made by the old and the new High Standard company.

Last we heard it was still a great paperbuster. Perhaps the stamping on the pistol you mention was damaged? While it’s not old nor in .32 caliber, Smith & Wesson does offer a .22 LR Victory pistol Unfortunately (or not, depending on who you ask) the S&W Victory bears no relationship with the former S&W lead pony in target shooting: The Model 41. Plenty of disassembly information on that pistol, but the Victory has been redesigned from grip to muzzle. AG M. S. L.