jlg
Member
I have a 5.56 AR-15. I want a 6.8 AR-15. Can I just swap barrels? Or do I need to change anything else? BCG, buffer,...?
Sure you can - it just takes about $75 in tools and a bench vice. But I know what you meant - the conversion is more than just unsnapping bits. You have to either physically deconstruct and reconstruct the upper or replace the upper itself.Nope, can't just switch barrels.
Assuming that you have the knowledge and tools to swap the barrel (including muzzle device), that is the only step requiring anything beyond basic field stripping. The bolt itself must be swapped as well, but the remainder of the carrier is the same. After that, load up your 6.8 magazines (CProducts if you can find them since the company went "under", PRI, or Barrett. D&H coming soon).I have a 5.56 AR-15. I want a 6.8 AR-15. Can I just swap barrels? Or do I need to change anything else? BCG, buffer,...?
Well ... technically, yes, you can just change the barrel, but if you don't also change your BCG you're going to have some problems.Sure you can - it just takes about $75 in tools and a bench vice. But I know what you meant - the conversion is more than just unsnapping bits. You have to either physically deconstruct and reconstruct the upper or replace the upper itself.
As stated - the barrel, bolt, and magazines are the unique bits that make the rifle shoot either 5.56 or 6.8 or whatever.
Hey, that's a nice upper you're selling. It has some nice doodads on it. Why not consider just picking up a WOA 6.8 barrel for around $300 and spending another $100 or so on the bolt and do the swap. With what you'll lose selling your used upper and what a new 6.8 upper costs, you may wind up ahead just doing the barrel swap.