AR-15 Bolt Carrier Assemblies?

[Bob Womack]

Hi, folks.

I have inherited a pair of really, really nice, hand-assembled assembled AR-15 rifles, a carbine and a long rifle. The owner and his gunsmith friend chose the parts without price being a factor. These are not my first - I own an Olympic Arms carbine as well and have shot and maintained it for several years. For safety, the owner removed the bolt assemblies from the pair I inherited. We've looked for them and can't find them so we must assume they are gone. My questions are:

1. Must replacement AR-15 bolt assemblies be fitted or can I go down to the a local AR-15 specialista gun shop (we've got one), select replacements, mount 'em up, and go? My Oly Arms sheared the cam pin on one of my first range trips. I took the rifle back to the selling dealer for advice and warranty help. The dealer took one look, pulled the bolt goup out of another Oly on the wall, and handed it to me. It struck me that there appeared to be no need for fitment.

2. There are bolt assemblies and there are bolt assemblies. Some shops will attempt to sell you the best, or even insist. An online shop provides you with the opportunity to buy CRAP without advice. Is there a price or feature threshold that I can reach that is "good enough" or will be good for a nice rifle?

Bob