What interval to replace AR parts?

[kidicarus13]

I know there are too many variables for exact round counts but when do you look to replace what parts? O-rings, springs, bolts, etc.

[Great-Kazoo]

When and if you start having issues. Replace a bolt? unless it cracked or running full auto rarely, but it does happen.
Extractor, extractor spring, Gas rings, loose bolt carrier key or screws, ejector spring, blow by on the gas tube / front gas block. I've seen more issues with magazines than the rifle itself.

[brutal]

^ This ^

Keep spares on hand.

[brutal]

When and if you start having issues. Replace a bolt? unless it cracked or running full auto rarely, but it does happen.
Extractor, extractor spring, Gas rings, loose bolt carrier key or screws, ejector spring, blow by on the gas tube / front gas block. I've seen more issues with magazines than the rifle itself.

I've certainly not been exposed to as many as others, but the only broken bolt I've seen outside 8 years in the Army was a friends NFA RDIAS equipped Bushmaster AR-15 after around 10K rounds. He ran that thing with all manor of barrels too, down to a 6.5 kitty kat.

[ray1970]

This reminds me of my job. I'll try to keep it brief.

Under the old owners, we had a maintenance program where critical equipment was inspected and overhauled at certain intervals. Everything was reliable and could be counted on when needed.

Under the new owners, the equipment is basically run until it begins to have issues and then repaired. Seems most of it shits the bed when it's needed the most and then it's a big emergency to get it up and going.

Of the two methods, I prefer the first.

I'm going to disagree with those that tell you to run it until you have issues and then fix it.

If it's strictly a range toy, then that's fine. Who really cares.

If it's something you would grab in a desperate situation and count on to protect yourself or those you love, then make it a point to replace stuff before it actually fails.

I probably go above and beyond with replacing wear items on my rifles so I won't tell you my intervals.

[Great-Kazoo]

This reminds me of my job. I'll try to keep it brief.

Under the old owners, we had a maintenance program where critical equipment was inspected and overhauled at certain intervals. Everything was reliable and could be counted on when needed.

Under the new owners, the equipment is basically run until it begins to have issues and then repaired. Seems most of it shits the bed when it's needed the most and then it's a big emergency to get it up and going.

Of the two methods, I prefer the first.

I'm going to disagree with those that tell you to run it until you have issues and then fix it.

If it's strictly a range toy, then that's fine. Who really cares.

If it's something you would grab in a desperate situation and count on to protect yourself or those you love, then make it a point to replace stuff before it actually fails.

I probably go above and beyond with replacing wear items on my rifles so I won't tell you my intervals.

To each their own. If i had a firearm i couldn't depend on due to potential issues i'd sell or never own it. Then again i don't own S/A 45's

I understand PM is Job 1 in all fields. Some are lax, as your boss is.
IF i replaced parts prior to a failure time. How many times should one replace their optics or iron sights? That nitrogen filled tube could crap out, BUIS spring or detent weaken, etc.

I follow PM guidelines on my guns

http://www.mrfa.org/m16.htm

Of course that old saying still holds water.

Cardboard's Maintenance Free.............................................. ........Till it rains out.

[Delfuego]

I'm going to disagree with those that tell you to run it until you have issues and then fix it.

Ray replaces his rifles long before the sell-by date!

[asmo]

After 1000 rounds or so the gun is basically worthless, even worse it could blow up in your face at any time... Just give it to me and I will take care of it.

[Great-Kazoo]

Ray replaces his rifles long before the sell-by date!

That's buckaroobansi. I doubt his guns are close to freshness date.

[BPTactical]

Cmon guys, you know the correct answer is to buy another rifle.
Jeez....





Common sense is the answer here, use your rifle, clean it well and keep your eyes out for deficiencies. The most apparent is gas rings, when you extend the bolt in the carrier and stand it on its nose the ring tension should be sufficient to support the weight of the carrier.
Recoil, extractor and magazine springs every 3-4K rounds.
Gas tubes- keep an eye where it joins the gas block, a bit of leakage here is normal but if it shows strong indicators of blow by then address it. If you have an aluminum gas block they will erode at the barrel port after enough rounds. They will also show wear at the breech end where it rides in the key, keep an eye on it for unusual wear and usually you will see the swell of it worn off.

I guess that would meet the criteria of preventive maintenance.
Spare firing pin and gas rings are nice to keep handy.