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Posted: 1/1/2010 10:46:21 PM EDT
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Hi experts! Noob question here. But is there a maintenance schedule for an AR? For example, replace gas rings after 2000 rounds. What parts should be replaced at what round count? I know that running it in extreme conditions would change these values, but as a generalization what is a good rule of thumb? Is there an existing chart?
Thanks! |
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download the TM 9-1005-319-23 and -10 and replace parts when they no longer pass the inspection tests.
TM 9-1005-319-10 (3MB PDF) Operator's Manual w/Components List M16A2, M4, M4A1 TM 9-1005-319-23 (2.6MB PDF) Unit And Direct Support Maintenance Manual M16A2, M4, M4A1 found here |
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I would add keep a log book and I would argue that a maintenance schedule depends on the weapon’s use. IMO in civilian life the TM’s ‘maintenance schedule’ is more suitable for a casual shooter/hunter. A LEO, competition shooter, or a guy who is prepping for SHTF probably wants to be much more proactive. Major parts do break, but mostly they wear out predictably in rifles. Carbines may be a different story. Springs I look at as consumables. Various springs (and gas rings) will almost certainly need to be replaced one or more times in a weapon’s life.
In rifle length gas systems using mil spec springs I typically replace gas rings, ejector spring, and extractor spring at 5k rounds max. I target replacing the operating spring, disconnector spring, trigger spring, and hammer spring at 5k rounds. The 5k is arbitrary, the standard springs are cheap. Weapons subjected to long strings of rapid fire may need parts replaced much sooner. Also I would accelerate the replacement rate of the operating spring in a CAR. The use of Chrome Silicon springs may change all of this. I am using some CS springs, but do not have enough time/rounds on them to draw any conclusions yet. |
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Quoted:
I would add keep a log book and I would argue that a maintenance schedule depends on the weapon’s use. IMO in civilian life the TM’s ‘maintenance schedule’ is more suitable for a casual shooter/hunter. A LEO, competition shooter, or a guy who is prepping for SHTF probably wants to be much more proactive. Major parts do break, but mostly they wear out predictably in rifles. Carbines may be a different story. Springs I look at as consumables. Various springs (and gas rings) will almost certainly need to be replaced one or more times in a weapon’s life. In rifle length gas systems using mil spec springs I typically replace gas rings, ejector spring, and extractor spring at 5k rounds max. I target replacing the operating spring, disconnector spring, trigger spring, and hammer spring at 5k rounds. The 5k is arbitrary, the standard springs are cheap. Weapons subjected to long strings of rapid fire may need parts replaced much sooner. Also I would accelerate the replacement rate of the operating spring in a CAR. The use of Chrome Silicon springs may change all of this. I am using some CS springs, but do not have enough time/rounds on them to draw any conclusions yet. Yes because the TM and FM are for civilian use only. 
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Yes because the TM and FM are for civilian use only.
Don’t take me wrong the TM is the reference I fall back on and it is a good source for repair procedures, trouble shooting, and inspection for many defects. I am having a hard time putting this into words, but essentially I think the TM is reactive not proactive and I am not suggesting throwing away the TM, but I am suggesting that going beyond the TM is appropriate for some people. It is more cost effective for DOD to replace parts as things go wrong. IMO an armorer can do everything by the book and a weapon with a high round count can have a self induced stoppage that could have been prevented anytime it goes out the door. So IMO a person who wants the least possible chance of something going wrong with his AR will proactively replace parts due to aging. |
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