First Impressions of Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit
The AR-15 platform, for all its modularity and reliability, occasionally needs some TLC. That’s where the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit comes in, promising to refresh the heart of your rifle’s cycling system. Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) has a reputation for building rugged, no-nonsense ARs, so I was eager to see if their rebuild kit lived up to the hype, especially after some hard use on my go-to patrol rifle. I needed a reliable solution to keep my AR running smoothly, especially the extractor, which had started showing signs of wear.
After countless drills at the range and a particularly dusty training exercise, my rifle started experiencing occasional failures to extract. I considered a whole new bolt carrier group (BCG), but figured a rebuild kit would be a more cost-effective first step. I’d heard whispers of the quality components used by SOLGW, which swayed me away from cheaper, less reputable kits.
Upon receiving the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the individual components. Everything looked precisely machined and robust. The springs felt noticeably stronger than the worn-out parts I was replacing. I’d considered rebuild kits from Brownells and BCM, but SOLGW’s reputation for using Sprinco springs sealed the deal for me.
My initial excitement was slightly tempered by the user feedback I read online. Several people mentioned missing parts, specifically the firing pin retaining pin. Despite this, I decided to give the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit a chance, hoping the negative reviews were isolated incidents.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the rebuilt bolt was at my local shooting range. I ran several hundred rounds through my AR-15, focusing on drills that mimic real-world scenarios, such as rapid firing and malfunction clearing.
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit performed flawlessly through various ammo types and firing cadences. The rebuilt bolt cycled smoothly and reliably, even with the rifle getting quite hot. I deliberately didn’t over-lube the bolt to see how it would handle less-than-ideal conditions; it passed with flying colors.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, I’m happy to report that the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit continues to perform admirably. I have run over 2,000 rounds through the rebuilt bolt.
There are no signs of excessive wear and tear. The extractor spring still has plenty of tension. Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe-down and re-lubrication after each range trip are all it takes to keep the bolt functioning properly. It definitely outperforms the original, worn-out components it replaced.
Breaking Down the Features of Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit
Specifications
- The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit is designed for any standard AR-15 bolt carrier group.
- It includes an extractor, extractor spring, extractor pin, ejector, ejector spring, gas rings (usually 3), and an O-ring for the extractor spring. The kit is designed to refresh the most critical wear parts of your AR-15 bolt.
- The kit uses high-quality materials, including a Sprinco 5-coil extractor spring and Sprinco ejector spring. This is crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable extraction and ejection, especially under high-stress or adverse conditions.
- The advertised kit is shown to include a firing pin retaining pin and firing pin, which has been reported to be missing in some kits. This is vital for safety and proper function of the AR-15 platform.
Performance & Functionality
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit significantly improved the reliability of my AR-15. Extraction and ejection are now consistent and forceful.
The upgraded Sprinco springs provide noticeable improvement in cycle time and reliability, contributing to smoother operation. The most significant area of improvement is in the reduction of malfunctions. It vastly exceeded my expectations given the cost and ease of installation.
Design & Ergonomics
The individual components in the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit are well-machined and finished. The materials feel robust and durable.
Installation is relatively simple, even for someone with limited experience. A basic understanding of AR-15 components and some simple tools are all that’s needed. The only potential learning curve might be for those unfamiliar with AR-15 bolt disassembly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit is designed for long-term use. The high-quality materials and robust construction should extend the life of your bolt.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep the bolt functioning optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit is a standalone kit, so it doesn’t require any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with any standard AR-15 bolt carrier group.
You could consider adding a higher-quality firing pin or a different bolt cam pin, but these are not strictly necessary. The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit is primarily focused on refreshing the wear parts of the bolt itself. Again, you may have to buy the firing pin retaining pin separately depending on the completeness of the kit you receive.
Pros and Cons of Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit
Pros
- High-quality components, including Sprinco springs, known for their reliability.
- Noticeably improved extraction and ejection, enhancing overall rifle reliability.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to replacing the entire bolt carrier group.
- Simple installation, even for those with limited experience.
- Potential to extend the life of your existing bolt, saving money in the long run, assuming all parts are present.
Cons
- Inconsistent product fulfillment, with some users reporting missing parts (firing pin retaining pin and firing pin).
- The higher price compared to other bolt rebuild kits may not be justified if parts are missing.
Who Should Buy Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit?
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit is perfect for AR-15 owners who want to improve the reliability of their rifle without breaking the bank. It is great for those experiencing extraction or ejection issues, particularly after high round counts or use in harsh conditions.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who need a complete BCG replacement or require immediate out-of-the-box functionality without the possibility of missing parts. Also, be sure to verify the kit’s contents upon arrival to address any discrepancies promptly.
A must-have modification after this rebuild is to thoroughly test fire your rifle. This is important for verifying the proper function of the bolt and ensuring reliable operation.
Conclusion on Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit offers a cost-effective way to refresh your AR-15 bolt and improve its reliability. The high-quality components, especially the Sprinco springs, contribute to smoother cycling and more consistent extraction and ejection.
However, the reported issues with missing parts are concerning and detract from the overall value proposition. If you receive a complete kit, the price is justified by the quality of the components.
I would personally recommend the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit with a strong caveat. Verify you receive all advertised parts upon delivery. Despite the reported issues with missing components, the Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Bolt Rebuild Kit, if complete, is a worthwhile investment. It can significantly improve the reliability of your AR-15. Refresh your bolt today and experience the difference a quality rebuild kit can make, but be sure to inspect it thoroughly upon arrival!