AR Maintenance/Lifespan

[MWL556]

Trying to put together a maintenance worksheet for my AR... Anyone have any good interweb resources or input on the general lifespan (aka, how many rounds) of most working parts on an AR? Mainly referring to the BCG, barrel, gas system, lower parts, buffer/spring... Also any major tell tale signs of prone failure to look for in these parts? I'm running a Spikes 14.5 middy with just base line stock parts, nothing special.

I have some money to burn too, so wanted to grab some of these parts to have handy while prices and availability are decent.

Kind of a noob question, I know, but just want to make sure I'm doing it right moving forward.... Thanks!

 

[rocket500]

What are you doing with it? Most folks never wear out any of the parts on their AR. Its a reliable weapon.

 

[MWL556]

What are you doing with it? Most folks never wear out any of the parts on their AR. Its a reliable weapon.

Just weekend warrior stuff for now, nothing stressful. Might dabble in some competitions in the future though.... It's my first build, so I'll be keeping it and running it for a very long time.

 

[rocket500]

You'll spend multiples of what the rifle cost on ammo before you need to replace anything material on that rifle. Parts are plentiful. I wouldn't worry about spare parts, spend the cash on more ammo.

 

[ARmechanic]

If you got money to burn you can build one or upgrade muliple components based on how you want the gun to feel or function.

 

[AllaSnackbah]

pretty much the only thing i keep is an extra BCG and the takedown pin retention and buffer pin springs. i think i have a spare lpk kicking around too.

 

[Supermoto]

I would recommend getting another bolt, you don't need the entire BCG, the carrier never fails.
A cam pin.
trigger and hammer pins, they sometimes break
hammer and disconnect
These are parts that are prone to break and will stop your rifle if they do, so its good to carry them in your range bag

 

[beaker]

If you are thinking longer term, you could put a spare LPK and another barrel on the shelf, and get the tools needed to change out the barrel. Beyond what Supermoto said, maybe add a firing pin to the range bag.

 

[Theoldhag88]

i know on my SBR the bolt is recommended to be replaced every 6k rounds.

 

[doctorbossman]

After approx 3000 rounds the only parts failure I've had is a broken bolt cam pin. Luckily I had a Bushmaster field repair kit. Highly recommended at less than $30.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/bushmaster-ar-15-field-repair-kit.aspx?a=1128194

 

[mac1911]

The ohh shit kit .....small parts springs pins ect.
If you go by lucky gunners AR test brass vs steel you should get to 5k rounds before barrel is failing? Sooner if your pushing hot target loads?
I assembled a range beater with the least expensive and used parts ....I put 3000+ rnds through it never a issue.

I have something like this on my computer but cant seem to get it out.
http://archive.org/stream/milmanual...-23_m16a2_maintenance__repair_manual_djvu.txt
This at least will get you going in the right direction.
Then again Murphy will play his evil game and what ever extra part you don't have will fail. Play it safe buy complete rifle lube heavily with clp and toss in back off closet.

 

[AllaSnackbah]

the obvious solution is to have several AR's so that if one breaks you can use another one or cannibalize one for parts

 

[PatMcD]

Gas rings.

I'll use the same bolt and gas tube through several barrels.
I do carry a spare BCG with me, though when I'm out of town.

 

[MWL556]

All good stuff. Thanks guys.