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Posted: 8/15/2014 7:18:10 PM EDT
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc.
I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... |
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No sense in changing anything that isn't broken. Just keep a bolt on hand in case it breaks and replace the barrel when the groups start to open up. I keep some small parts on hand just in case and I'm always thinking of adding more. I foresee a time when the sale of parts for ARs may become illegal and I'm trying to plan for that.
ETA: a lot of things will determine part failure. Ammo type, rate of fire, storage conditions, and maintenance. |
| When you can, buy an extra bolt, extra set of rings, extra firing pin, extra barrel, extra LPK, buffer, and buffer spring. Replace any of those when they break or give you issues, and for the barrel replace when you start getting keyholing or groups open up too large |
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Here;s a basic recommended maintenance schedule.
2,500 round interval, Inspect and replace as necessary extractor spring, insert and O-ring 5,000 round interval Replace extractor spring Replace extractor insert Replace extractor Replace Crane O-ring Replace gas rings Replace action spring 10,000 round interval Replace bolt Replace lower receiver parts 15,000 round interval Replace barrel |
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Quoted:
Here;s a basic recommended maintenance schedule. 2,500 round interval, Inspect and replace as necessary extractor spring, insert and O-ring 5,000 round interval Replace extractor spring Replace extractor insert Replace extractor Replace Crane O-ring Replace gas rings Replace action spring 10,000 round interval Replace bolt Replace lower receiver parts 15,000 round interval Replace barrel For the most part I agree with this. But would like to add for you OP, I think it may be a better idea to just have these parts on hand and replace when worn out. That way you get the whole life out of each part and have to buy replacements less frequently. But if you use this rifle for home defense, just go straight off of this list as you dont want your bolt lugs to shear off or extractor claw to snap in two when somebody breaks into your home. |
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Quoted: Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... springs loose tension, parts wear 40k w/o a single issue is not believable,w/o some kind of maint the barrel would be way gone on range guns i replace at failure, on serious stuff, i replace springs at 3k |
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Wow ! $14,000 in ammo.( $350 x 40) For real ?  No keyholeing ? The high pressure 5.56 would kill even the best CHF CL barrel in 20-25,000 rds. I'm always suspicious of a "my buddy" claim. 40k without a single issue, if true it's not the norm.
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Wow ! $14,000 in ammo.( $350 x 40) For real ? No keyholeing ? The high pressure 5.56 would kill even the best CHF CL barrel in 20-25,000 rds. I'm always suspicious of a "my buddy" claim. 40k without a single issue, if true it's not the norm.Quoted:
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Wow ! $14,000 in ammo.( $350 x 40) For real ? No keyholeing ? The high pressure 5.56 would kill even the best CHF CL barrel in 20-25,000 rds. I'm always suspicious of a "my buddy" claim. 40k without a single issue, if true it's not the norm.And yet, you would be wrong, at least about the barrel. Maybe you should look up the filthy 14. It's possible. |
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Here;s a basic recommended maintenance schedule. 2,500 round interval, Inspect and replace as necessary extractor spring, insert and O-ring 5,000 round interval Replace extractor spring Replace extractor insert Replace extractor Replace Crane O-ring Replace gas rings Replace action spring 10,000 round interval Replace bolt Replace lower receiver parts 15,000 round interval Replace barrel That's a very good replacement schedule to follow. I go ahead and replace an entire bolt every 3,000 rounds. |
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OK... I'm curious.
How did you bend a firing pin? I used to work in a Direct Support maintenance for military. I saw some unusual defects. Like a M2 (50 cal machinegun) with a bent receiver (so... you guys used this as a chock block for a TANK?) but never got a bent firing pin (from a M4/16). Did see a bent firing pin from a M240 but that thing is about as long as a knitting needle; so someone took it out and used it as a pry-bar. |
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When you can, buy an extra bolt, extra set of rings, extra firing pin, extra barrel, extra LPK, buffer, and buffer spring. Replace any of those when they break or give you issues, and for the barrel replace when you start getting keyholing or groups open up too large +1 on this and do so when stuff is on sale. Labor Day sales soon - next panic is on the horizon 
and of course ammo, ammo, ammo. Note: I broke a bolt at about 2000 rounds (at the cam pin hole). The rifle manufacturer was not surprised and replaced it (eventually). 
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And yet, you would be wrong, at least about the barrel. Maybe you should look up the filthy 14. It's possible. Quoted:
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Wow ! $14,000 in ammo.( $350 x 40) For real ? No keyholeing ? The high pressure 5.56 would kill even the best CHF CL barrel in 20-25,000 rds. I'm always suspicious of a "my buddy" claim. 40k without a single issue, if true it's not the norm.And yet, you would be wrong, at least about the barrel. Maybe you should look up the filthy 14. It's possible. Wow ! I concur , I am wrong. Still Id' have to say that wouldn't be the "norm" on 90% of rifles out there, but your right it is possible. Great article, by the way; I hadn't read that one ( head stuck in the AK world last 20 years) |
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
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Here;s a basic recommended maintenance schedule. 2,500 round interval, Inspect and replace as necessary extractor spring, insert and O-ring 5,000 round interval Replace extractor spring Replace extractor insert Replace extractor Replace Crane O-ring Replace gas rings Replace action spring 10,000 round interval Replace bolt Replace lower receiver parts 15,000 round interval Replace barrel This is the maintenance schedule I follow for my hard use guns. I've posted it here several time throughout the years after I stole it from Jeff Gonzales. The reasoning behind the numbers is to replace parts before they have issues or break. Keep in mind this PM was developed for the M4 style platform; a sbr will be harder on parts while a rifle gas system will be gentler. Can a bolt last longer than 10k rounds? Yes. Can a bolt break before 10k rounds? Yes. |
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Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
Agree. Sure sounds like filthy 14 to me. |
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Agree. Sure sounds like filthy 14 to me. Quoted:
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
Agree. Sure sounds like filthy 14 to me. Its an online buddy
Highest round count I have is 8k on an LMT. It handled really well but was cleaned regularly. I had a few malfunctions but I am 95% they were magazine related but it was hard to take the time to stop and diagnose at the time. My bushmaster started having issues at 3-4k. I would say you should be able to expect around at least 15k with a good AR depending on ammo before you need to think about doing some parts swaps. You can likely push it further but if you want to maintain performance, I think 15k is a good number to replace the barrel and BCG. But thats just me. |
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Quoted: Is your buddies name Pat by any chance? Quoted: I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance? if people believe a rifle can go 40k w/o any maint they are retarded |
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Its an online buddy
Highest round count I have is 8k on an LMT. It handled really well but was cleaned regularly. I had a few malfunctions but I am 95% they were magazine related but it was hard to take the time to stop and diagnose at the time. My bushmaster started having issues at 3-4k. I would say you should be able to expect around at least 15k with a good AR depending on ammo before you need to think about doing some parts swaps. You can likely push it further but if you want to maintain performance, I think 15k is a good number to replace the barrel and BCG. But thats just me. Quoted:
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
Agree. Sure sounds like filthy 14 to me. Its an online buddy
Highest round count I have is 8k on an LMT. It handled really well but was cleaned regularly. I had a few malfunctions but I am 95% they were magazine related but it was hard to take the time to stop and diagnose at the time. My bushmaster started having issues at 3-4k. I would say you should be able to expect around at least 15k with a good AR depending on ammo before you need to think about doing some parts swaps. You can likely push it further but if you want to maintain performance, I think 15k is a good number to replace the barrel and BCG. But thats just me. Please pardon my ignorance [and I'm betting others don't know as well] but was is an 'LMT'? Thanks |
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I believe it depends on how hard it is used and the quality control that it went through. Some fail right out of the box, and some fail at 20k rounds, but generally I like to think 5k rounds in a few months and something "could" break. Just my opinion based on what I have read.
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Its an online buddy
Highest round count I have is 8k on an LMT. It handled really well but was cleaned regularly. I had a few malfunctions but I am 95% they were magazine related but it was hard to take the time to stop and diagnose at the time. My bushmaster started having issues at 3-4k. I would say you should be able to expect around at least 15k with a good AR depending on ammo before you need to think about doing some parts swaps. You can likely push it further but if you want to maintain performance, I think 15k is a good number to replace the barrel and BCG. But thats just me. Quoted:
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Just curious as to how many rounds people typically go through on a typical AR until major issues arise. I have a Bushi that has 10k+ rounds and I have replaced a gas ring and firing pin(I bent it). How many rounds should one replace a barrel, bolt carrier, springs, etc. I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
Agree. Sure sounds like filthy 14 to me. Its an online buddy
Highest round count I have is 8k on an LMT. It handled really well but was cleaned regularly. I had a few malfunctions but I am 95% they were magazine related but it was hard to take the time to stop and diagnose at the time. My bushmaster started having issues at 3-4k. I would say you should be able to expect around at least 15k with a good AR depending on ammo before you need to think about doing some parts swaps. You can likely push it further but if you want to maintain performance, I think 15k is a good number to replace the barrel and BCG. But thats just me. An online buddy that doesnt even know he exists
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Please pardon my ignorance [and I'm betting others don't know as well] but was is an 'LMT'? Thanks I don't know about that, but  LMT
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if it is, then he is leaving the most important part. if people believe a rifle can go 40k w/o any maint they are retarded Quoted:
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I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... Is your buddies name Pat by any chance?
if people believe a rifle can go 40k w/o any maint they are retarded Agree with that. While the Filthy 14 saga remains impressive, it certainly didn't accomplish it without a "single issue". BCG, extractor, and springs, etc, replaced as needed. Shitload of Slip 2000 and a quality rifle was the key to success. I think other "quality" correctly built rifles could pull this off without much difficulty. Meaning, functioning into the 30,000+ range by keeping well lubed and replacing parts when they break. Lol! I like Slip 2000 but also think that other quality lubricants would achieve similar results. Main thing was keeping it wet. The most important take away from that excercise (for me anyway) was busting the myth about going overboard keeping an AR spotless to achieve reliability. |
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I have two rifles that have between 16k-17k rounds through each of them and have yet to have a parts failure. One is a factory SR15 bought in 2007 and the other is a parts build using a 14.5" DD Govt profile midlength barrel, H2 buffer, Battlecomp, and Noveske FA BCG.
Both these guns have seen numerous classes, weekly matches, and weekly training. I'll see how much longer each will go but, it's been awhile since I've shot them. I did have two fail to fire malfunctions in the SR15 but, I chalk that up to weather conditions at the time. It was during a match where 70% of the participants left due to torrential down pours and a small group of us decided to stay and finish. I left my rifle on the table for a good 30 mins and couldn't close the ejection port door since the chamber flag was is there. I should have left that side facing down but, when my run was up, I just loaded a mag and could feel the rifle being severely sluggish the first two rounds. Next round got a click, I tapped, racked, and next round fired then, same thing happened again. Did the same malfunction clearance and shot the next 25-30 rounds trouble free. Only reason I told that story is because that's the last time I shot that rifle. I'm taking a Pat Mac class in October and plan on using the SR15 in that class to see if I'll have any further issues. I have cleaned the rifle since and I do plan on at least function testing it prior to the class. |
| My first privately owned AR had around 15K when she started keyholeing and required a re-barrel. Prior to that I replaced the extractor and extractor springs and that was it. Kept it clean, kept it oiled, and she ran like a champ until the barrel was shot out. |
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Some one should check out the filthy 14 article in the end it went like 37k rounds before EAG retired the rifle nd rebuilt it.Remember we have semi-auto rifles not selectfire rifles that get beat on from real combat use. IIRC, it went over 41k and a few parts were replaced throughout the test. |
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Don't know about you guys, but I think any platform that lasted 13k rounds fired until a minor part(extractor spring) needed to be replaced is really incredible.
Filthy14 lasted 31k rounds with few replacements needed, and cleaned only once. I would definitely trust my AR, and this is saying a lot b/c I had been an AK fanboy for the last 8yrs. Any gun will fail, whether parts breakage or weapon malfunction, even the AK. My Arsenal SGL31-95 had its firing pin broke near the tip when its near the 15k mark. My friend's Arsenal Izhmesh SGL21-95 had its FCG retaining wire/hook broke at 1700-2000rds. |
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40k equals 4000 per year for 10 years. His barrel is more than likely toast. 5k is suspect for a match rifle expected to perform at 600 yards. People who shoot 100 yards or less may get 40k provided they don't do magazine dumps. Accuracy loss at longer ranges is the first sign that it's time for a new barrel, or it's time to relegate that barrel to "fun gun" status and let em rip.
I shoot tournaments (NRA/CMP) and would never take a barrel to any match I care about with 10k down the tube. For sand lot use, running and gunning it would be fine. |
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I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... So your buddy spent apx $16,000 on ammo that all was fired through the BCM. Just asking. I find it a little hard to believe he shot 40,000 rounds "without a single issue". Sorry but I can't swallow that one. |
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Parts are so cheap right now there is no reason to put 40k rounds through a rifle without swapping out some key parts along the way. If you can afford that much ammo you can afford a couple hundred worth of parts. Unless you use the rifle professionally, no point in replacing parts before they need replacement. |
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So your buddy spent apx $16,000 on ammo that all was fired through the BCM. Just asking. I find it a little hard to believe he shot 40,000 rounds "without a single issue". Sorry but I can't swallow that one. Quoted:
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I have a buddy that has over 40k rounds through his BCM without a single issue. Not a fanboy of BCM, just sayin...... So your buddy spent apx $16,000 on ammo that all was fired through the BCM. Just asking. I find it a little hard to believe he shot 40,000 rounds "without a single issue". Sorry but I can't swallow that one. ETA: My reading comprehension is on vacation and totally disregarded the part where he questioned the fact that the posters friend never had a single issue. It could be possible but, all depends on the firing schedule I guess. I really do not find it hard to believe. When I first got serious about training, I took multiple classes a year, went to the range a few times a week and shot 2 carbine matches every month. On average, I would shoot over 1K rounds a month. This was when you could get 1K rounds for $250-$275 and I had stocked piled over 35K rounds through the years. He didn't give a time frame for when his friend shot the 40K but, I could see the possibility of it happening over a two year span. That's just my take on it though. I personally know guys who put a minimum of 50K rounds down range training per year but, they roll their own ammo. |
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