An improved bolt carrier for a firearm is provided that improves the overall reliability and performance of the firearm bolt assembly. The bolt carrier includes a bolt with a body having a number of lugs extending therefrom. The bolt includes an extractor recess sized and configured to avoid any undercut of the lugs adjacent the recess. The bolt also includes an extractor pivotably engaged in a recess formed in the bolt. The extractor has a pair nipples on flanges configured to engage a pair of integrally buffered springs disposed on a tapered spring well on either side of a firing pin bore extending through the bolt.