December 31, 2012, 02:47 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 31, 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 303
|
Spare parts
Anything mechanical has a failure rate, what are the most commonly replaced worn parts on the AR15 platform (S&W M&P), what would be reasonable to try and acquire to make sure the one I own lives forever.
Obviously two of everything on it would be grand, but now likely more like 3 grand... I would just like to know if something breaks I have one in my closet, not have to scour the web after the fact. Any resources on duty cycles on the individual parts would be great. Thanks in advance. |
December 31, 2012, 03:05 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 29, 2008
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,346
|
Look at what is critical to operation and what takes a beating or heavy use:
- firing pin - bolt, lugs can break off but more likely the extractor, extractor spring, ejector spring - bolt cam - bolt o-rings - hammer spring - trigger group - buffer spring - buffer retaining pin Then I would look at what could easily get lost during field or detail strip: Pretty much every pin and spring, and the cotter pin that secures the firing pin. To make it easy, maybe a lower parts kit and a spare complete bolt. Might want to add a gas tube. The bolt would be my top priority or a bolt rebuild kit. Sure I missed a few things but that is my first thought. |
December 31, 2012, 03:12 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 31, 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 303
|
Aside from just some manufacturing fault or freak accident, any idea what the duty cycle on any of these are?
I have not owned it long, < 1k rounds since it was new, cleaned meticulously after every range visit. I see things that were once black are now shiny, but cannot see any visible signs of anything other than cosmetic wear on anything. essentially is there a point where something should be replaced because of use *Just to be sure* like changing the oil, or keep it clean then run it till it breaks? |
December 31, 2012, 03:40 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 26, 2008
Posts: 726
|
A spare bolt, firing pin, and complete lower parts kits will keep your AR running for a very long time...
Before the craziness, ~$130 of parts.
__________________
SailSkiDrive Hk USP 45 Expert, USP 40, USP 9, SIG P226, S&W M&P9, Hk 4, Makarov, Desert Eagle 40, Beretta FS92 Centurion, Kimber TLEII 1911A1, Glock 22, SIG P225, 1943 Rem Rand 1911A1, S&W mod 64, Walther PPQ, SIG P229, Browning BDA 45 (SIG P220), Hk45, SIG P230 |
January 1, 2013, 07:19 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 31, 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 303
|
Ok, thanks folks.
|
January 1, 2013, 07:34 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 10, 2012
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 6,875
|
__________________
If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . |
January 1, 2013, 10:52 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 6, 2011
Location: NE Georgia
Posts: 1,070
|
If you keep spare parts you are much more likely to need one because you lost something than you ever will be because you wore something out or broke it.
|
January 2, 2013, 12:56 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 21, 1998
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 4,307
|
A complete bolt should be in every AR owners range bag. After that, a lot of it depends on the specifics of your build.
Bolt carrier with a new cam and firing pin would be good parts to add after the bolt. I would probably go with a gasblock and gas tube next. Next a charging handle. Then a complete set of springs. Then a bolt rebuild kit. I don't use buffer retainers or forward assists at all. They are prone to breakage so I just strip them out if I end up with a lower that has those parts and never buy them when I build new. |
|
|