M-231 FPW

[Velovich <Velovich@aol.com>]

  I thought this was incorrect, but had to check first.

<<
Correct the M231 upper receiver area where the bolt housing is interchangeable
with all M16's but not AR15 for the full auto version has a different
bolt....so in lay mans terms u can put a bolt from a m231 in a AR15 but a AR15
bolt in a M231 will not be effective and will damage the weapon.  But for the
most part " But not all" the CAR15  which is the M4, AR15,  M16 and M231...are
all in the same family and most parts are interchangeable.


Ross
>>


This is from "Small Arms of the World, 12th ed."

"Altough 65% of the parts of the M-231 are identical to those used in the
M-16A1 rifle, substantial changes were made to the original design.  First,
since the M-231 fires from the open bolt instead of the closed bolt, the
barrel remains cool longer.  Some mechanical alterations were required to
permit firing from an open bolt.  A floating firing pin, which is propelled
against the cartridge primer by a striker, is used in place of the hammer-type
mechanism employed in the M-16A1.  The trigger mechanism has been altered
signifigantly.
	In addition of the removal of the hammer, the sear has been changed so as to
hold the bolt to the rear.  When the trigger is pulled, the bolt goes forward,
feeding a cartridge into the chamber as it goes, and when the bolt closes, the
striker sends the firing pin forward to detonate the primer.  Elimination of
the hammer and the reduced weight of the modified bolt carrier contribute to
the M-231's high rate of
fire."

  The bolt carrier is changed to the point an M-16 hammer (internal) cannot
strike the firing pin.  The hammer will hang up on the bolt carrier.  

Scott H