AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group Exploded View: A Detailed Overview
The AR-15 bolt carrier group (BCG) is a critical component of the AR-15 rifle, responsible for the ejection of spent casings and the feeding of new rounds into the chamber. In this article, we will delve into the various parts of the BCG and provide an exploded view to help you understand its intricate design and function.
Parts of the Bolt Carrier Group
The BCG is composed of several key parts, each playing a crucial role in the rifle’s operation. Let’s take a closer look at these components:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Bolt | The bolt is the main moving part of the BCG, responsible for extracting and ejecting spent casings and feeding new rounds into the chamber. |
| Bolt Carrier | The bolt carrier is a tube that houses the bolt and guides it during the rifle’s operation. It also serves as a return spring for the bolt. |
| Bolt Carrier Key | The bolt carrier key is a small, flat piece that fits into the bolt carrier and ensures proper alignment between the bolt and the carrier. |
| Extractor | The extractor is a spring-loaded arm that engages the rim of the spent casing, pulling it out of the chamber for ejection. |
| Ejector | The ejector is a spring-loaded arm that pushes the spent casing out of the rifle’s receiver after it is extracted. |
| Chamber Lock | The chamber lock is a locking lug on the bolt that engages with the receiver when the bolt is fully closed, securing the round in the chamber. |
Now, let’s take a look at an exploded view of the AR-15 BCG to see how these components fit together and function.
Exploded View of the AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group
In this exploded view, you can see the various components of the BCG and how they interact with each other. The bolt is shown in the middle, with the bolt carrier surrounding it. The extractor and ejector are visible on the right side, while the chamber lock is on the left. The bolt carrier key is located at the bottom of the bolt carrier, ensuring proper alignment.
Function of the Bolt Carrier Group
The BCG operates in a series of steps, each of which is essential for the rifle’s proper functioning. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
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When the trigger is pulled, the bolt carrier is pushed forward by the gas pressure from the fired round.
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The bolt is locked into the receiver by the chamber lock, securing the round in the chamber.
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The bolt carrier continues to move forward, extracting the spent casing from the chamber and pushing it out of the rifle with the help of the extractor and ejector.
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The bolt carrier then retracts, pulling a new round from the magazine and feeding it into the chamber.
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The bolt closes, locking the new round in place, and the cycle repeats.
The BCG is a highly engineered component that ensures the smooth operation of the AR-15 rifle. By understanding its design and function, you can better appreciate the intricate mechanics that make this firearm so reliable and popular.
