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Posted: 9/15/2002 6:55:57 PM EDT
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Hi, I know this has probably been discussed before but I did a search and couldn't find much info. I have approx 15K through my colt post ban 20". I've had to replace my extractor spring but thats it. The inside of the upper and the exterior of the bolt assy still have their finish on them and look good. Barrel wise, my grouping isn't as good at it was when new but thats understandable. With the exception of springs, shouldn't it last forever if properly maintained (I use gunscrubber and militec)? I do shoot fast often and sometimes I'll drop around 750 rounds in a day. I don't worry at all when I do this to my AK-47s but I do worry with my AR-15s. I use my Colt 20" as my beater and don't use my Bushmaster shorty much. I had read at onetime on this site that they wear out at about 10,000 rounds??? Obviously mine didn't. Thanks for all comments. Craig |
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Accuracy with match grade barrels has noticibly degraded (to people that buy match grade barrels) by around 5000 rounds. I've seen FA guns trash barrels in a single day of shooting. That being said, with proper maintenance and replace of parts like you mentioned, the basic gun should last long enough for it to be condfiscated by the government from your grandchildren. I'm willing to bet that the accuracy of your gun has degraded somewhat, but apparently not enough for you to care about it  |
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The beauty of an AR is the perfect (one would hope) modular fit of all parts. Trigger gets sloppy, replace hammer & trigger. Pivot pins loose, get anti-walk pins. Groups getting "Wide", swap on a fresh barrel. With proper tools, replacement parts and reference materials, almost anyone can do service/replacement of any component(group) as required to keep there rifle in proper functional condition. It is one of few firearms which requires no fitting. |
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Can the bolt itself (not gas rings) or the carrier wear out though? Is there anyone on this site that has worn this stuff out and with how many rounds? I'm not worried about the little stuff like you listed, just the major components. I shoot a lot and I'm wondering if I need stock up on bolts, carriers, and barrels. I stocked up stuff for my AKs and its a good thing I did, its hard to find good forged AK parts kits these days. thanks |
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Sure, technically speaking any moving part can wear out eventually. There's been reports here of BM bolt carriers breaking in two. This is a result of faulty parts rather than true wear. Personally I wouldn't sweat too much getting AR parts as there's a slew of companies making them & several newcomers entering the market such as Les Baer & Wilson. One thing I've found to help in accuracy is to clean the bore with a "tornado" brush. It gets out a lot more of the deposits in the bore than a bristle brush. |
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