Usgi bolt in a universal m-1 carbine?

carbine30 · January 24, 2013, 04:00 PM

Can i put a usgi bolt assembly in a universal m1 carbine? I have an early model with single spring. It has a usgi trigger housing and a usgi op rod but i think thats it. Will the usgi bolt fit and work with the universal receiver and barrel?

blfuller · January 24, 2013, 04:21 PM

From what I recall the first generation Universal were compatible with USGI. later ones were different, they had the funky slide that was made of a sheet metal stamping and was open at the hump and the recoil spring were different as well.

The bolts may have been but when you go switching bolts your headspace may change which would create a dangerous condition.

If you have the original bolt you can compare see if it was a USGI bolt or not or simply see if a USGI will fit or not. If it has the weird slide then it may not work. Be sure to check the head space when changing bolts.

**4V50 Gary** · January 24, 2013, 09:53 PM

Headspace is the key. Take it to a gunsmith who has the right headspace gauges. He has to remove the extractor and ejector to see if it headspaces correctly.

carbine30 · January 26, 2013, 11:40 AM

Does anyone know a good place to pick up a bolt for a good price?

blfuller · January 26, 2013, 01:31 PM

A USGI bolt will probably run about $150 from the usual sources. Keep an eye out on some of the milityary rifle forums for a good used one that is in spec. The cheapest I have seen was from SARCO and they were $79 but they were aftermarket. Go to the CMP Forum, then register and ask if anyone has a new one for sale.

You could put a WTB post in the appropriate gunshow sub forum and see what happens.

January 24, 2013, 04:00 PM	#1
carbine30 Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Posts: 81	Usgi bolt in a universal m-1 carbine? Can i put a usgi bolt assembly in a universal m1 carbine? I have an early model with single spring. It has a usgi trigger housing and a usgi op rod but i think thats it. Will the usgi bolt fit and work with the universal receiver and barrel?

January 24, 2013, 09:53 PM	#3
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Headspace is the key. Take it to a gunsmith who has the right headspace gauges. He has to remove the extractor and ejector to see if it headspaces correctly. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 26, 2013, 01:31 PM	#5
blfuller Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2013 Location: Washington State Posts: 246	A USGI bolt will probably run about $150 from the usual sources. Keep an eye out on some of the milityary rifle forums for a good used one that is in spec. The cheapest I have seen was from SARCO and they were $79 but they were aftermarket. Go to the CMP Forum, then register and ask if anyone has a new one for sale. You could put a WTB post in the appropriate gunshow sub forum and see what happens. Last edited by blfuller; January 26, 2013 at 01:37 PM.

January 24, 2013, 04:21 PM	#2
blfuller Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2013 Location: Washington State Posts: 246	From what I recall the first generation Universal were compatible with USGI. later ones were different, they had the funky slide that was made of a sheet metal stamping and was open at the hump and the recoil spring were different as well. The bolts may have been but when you go switching bolts your headspace may change which would create a dangerous condition. If you have the original bolt you can compare see if it was a USGI bolt or not or simply see if a USGI will fit or not. If it has the weird slide then it may not work. Be sure to check the head space when changing bolts.

January 26, 2013, 11:40 AM	#4
carbine30 Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Posts: 81	Does anyone know a good place to pick up a bolt for a good price?