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Has anyone honestly worn out an AR-15

7.4K views 23 replies 12 participants last post by  Sniper03  
#1 ·
Excluding a gun used for military purposes, has anyone ever worn out a BC, bolt, or barrel of an AR-15 that was kept properly cleaned and lubed, and not abused or used for mag dumps and other stupid uses? I don't think I can afford to wear one out....especially at what ammo costs today. Just curious.
 
#2 ·
I have not nor know of anyone personally.

I know you said "excluding military," but in my Army days I vaguely recall that the wearout periods for our M4s for barrel replacements was something in the 30,000 round range. That's not official, and from vague memory. I don't recall ever hearing of any bolt wear out periods.

Assuming 30k rounds, in today's ammo prices, that's around $25,000. Figure a barrel is maybe $100-200. I'd say any tool that wears out after such return on investment is pretty good.
 
#3 ·
I have not nor know of anyone personally.

I know you said "excluding military," but in my Army days I vaguely recall that the wearout periods for our M4s for barrel replacements was something in the 30,000 round range. That's not official, and from vague memory. I don't recall ever hearing of any bolt wear out periods.

Assuming 30k rounds, in today's ammo prices, that's around $25,000. Figure a barrel is maybe $100-200. I'd say any tool that wears out after such return on investment is pretty good.
I've heard counts in that range and military use includes full auto fire. An AR-15 won't see automatic fire and mag dumps just make no sense to me. Heat is what dooms a barrel so I've read and heard. Nitrited barrels are allegedly very hard and wear resistant. Disclaimer, I don't know from first hand experience. Non-auto use won't generate tremendous amounts of heat if the shooter is concerned about accuracy at all.

I suspect there will be a lot of very good condition AR's on the market in years to come. I probably won't be around then. It would be interesting to know how many AR-15's there are out there. Many millions no doubt. I wonder what market saturation will be. I don't think they will be confiscated or bought back either. Just my opinion. The communists will wear out their welcome soon at the rate they're going. They re-define stupid everyday. Meanwhile, interested in hearing about a worn out AR.
 
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#4 ·
I don't think I can honestly wear out any of my guns in my lifetime, assuming they were a quality brand and not abused/neglected.

Slightly OT, but related:

I am trying to think of ANY gun I've broken or observed actually damaged or breaking (outside of ammo related causes or user errors, which is different) I can think of only two.

1. While at the range, probably now 20+ years ago, a friend had a new polymer Smith and Wesson striker pistol (the SV9 or whatever series). The frame was defective and broke into many pieces while he was shooting. It just crumbled. The gun was obviously ruined. SW gave it a brand new one as a replacement.

2. About 5 years ago, I bought a Ruger Security Six made in the mid-1970s. So at that point the revolver was 4 decades old, and looked every bit of it. It was not a safe queen and clearly a used revolver, although not abused. While repeatedly working the trigger and hammer (not dry firing per se, just repeatedly cocking and releasing the hammer) the trigger spring broke.

For overwhelming number/% of guns, I think the things that go wrong are probably the little springs and guts. Or neglect, abuse, user error. I don't think I've ever seen a worn out barrel from shooting too much.
 
#5 ·
I've worn out parts - Extractor's, Ejector's, Spring's etc.. Broke several Bolt's, and have worn out a couple barrel's IMO. All of my rifles are precision rifle's. When they start loosing accuracy, they are worn out to me. Just part of the game.

For most regular type shooting, it's hard for anyone to shoot out a barrel in a 223. But when it comes to shooting precision shooting, they don't last too many years. A few prairie dog hunt's will burn right through one.
 
#6 ·
Southernguns

To answer your question. I purchased my first AR from a Company on a Law Enforcement Letterhead. Had it in my patrol car and at the Firearms Range since I was also the Range Master and Senior Instructor. Used it for training and qualifications several years. The rifle was fired quite a bit by me and also used by some of the officers from time to time. Later I went to work after retirement, at an AR Manufacturer's Company as National Director of Law Enforcement, Government Sales and Training. I say this because I used my own rifle previously purchased for my demonstrations all over the US since I felt more than comfortable with it and with the optics and set up I had. This went on for several years and thousands of rounds. So from 2001 when I first go it until 2007 it got a lot of rounds fired through it. In 2007 I checked the Throat Erosion which I determined at about 5.5 points on the Gauge I probably should replace the Barrel. Bottom line I still have it today and as far as other parts none have been replaced except for the Gas Rings which have been replaced twice since it was new. They never failed but were showing some signs of wear. Moral to the story IMO you or most all other people will never wear a AR-15 Rifle out. I am guessing my rifle has a total of 35-40,000+ rounds fired through it over the years.
So it should be of little concern about wearing it out! But with years of a lot of use and several thousand rounds one should check the Throat Erosion every few years.
If the Throat Erosion Gurage gets even close to the Red Line it is best to change Barrel "NOW"s to keep form having a catastrophic event! (Blow Up!). I will always change them at Line #5 For rifles that have thousands of rounds through them it is a good idea to check the *Cam Pin Hole in the Bolt for "cracks' they may be very hard to see without a bright light or excessive wear on the Cam Pin. If you ever see a Rifle that has the Bolt Broke in half at the Cam Pin Hole that is a definite sign the Throat Erosion is extreme! And the Barrel Needs Changed and a New Bolt.
Below you are looking at the Throat Erosion Gauge in the Chamber and using the Aluminum ledge at the bottom of the receiver as a reference point looking straight down at 90 Degrees on a perfect Chamber it will be at Line #2 from the Tip of the Gauge that is in the Chamber.
Image

Image

Pictures are the Property of Weapon Systems Training Council LLC.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for all the input.

I won't every wear out my AR-15 at my age and desire (or lack of) to shoot often. I may get the throat erosion checked on my Mini-14 just out of curiosity. It still drives nails for what it is. I can see being persnickety with a "precision gun" or competition gun. I was just curious since I am new to AR-15's but not the .223/5.56mm caliber.
My S&W M&P15 may be "value priced" but sure looks like a well built gun to me. I won't be wearing it out. That isn't why I bought it.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for all the input.

I won't every wear out my AR-15 at my age and desire (or lack of) to shoot often. I may get the throat erosion checked on my Mini-14 just out of curiosity. It still drives nails for what it is. I can see being persnickety with a "precision gun" or competition gun. I was just curious since I am new to AR-15's but not the .223/5.56mm caliber.
My S&W M&P15 may be "value priced" but sure looks like a well built gun to me. I won't be wearing it out. That isn't why I bought it.
IraqVeteran8888 has some nice videos on YouTube of what it takes to burn down ARs in full auto. Nothing you and I will ever approach, but it's some interesting material. A few of the videos are quite surprising. :)
 
#10 ·
#12 ·
Yes I have a worn out barrel from shooting these BiMetal rounds.
That's about all the rounds I have through it is the 5000 or less.
It key holes bad now no matter what I do.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Wearing out an AR-15 would take some doing, but while I was in the Army, I was issued a couple of M-16’s that should have been retired. I had one where a pin rocked out of place, and when I slipped it back into place, the gun would only fire a single round at a time.

I was issued a new Colt M-4 in my last NG unit, and I brutalized it. I put at least 300 rounds through it, on full auto, in a few minutes time, and it didn’t even blink.

The barrel was smoking and it was HOT, so I stopped. That may have been the best gun that I have ever fired. It changed my mind about the M-16/ AR 15 family right on the spot.

So my thinking is, you probably can’t wear a Colt M-4 out, in a single lifetime of everyday use.
 
#13 ·
Yes, it would be highly unlikely for anyone here to ever wear out an AR-15. Other than possibly a set of Gas Rings in time.

For those who might not know how to test the Gas Rings. Take the Bolt Carrier Group out of the Rifle.
Pull the Bolt Face all the way Forward in the Carrier. Then Set the Bolt Carrier Group with the Bolt Face down on a table or flat surface with the Bolt Carrier in the Vertical up right Position. If the Weight of the Bolt Carrier by itself causes the Carrier to Fall Down on the Bolt it is best to replace the Gas Rings. If they are ever taken Off the Bolt throw them away. Other than gently wiping them down when cleaning that is all that is required. Lightly Lube them and reassemble the Bolt back in the Carrier.
The only other replacement Item might be the Barrel and with many thousands of rounds fired through them which for most here is highly unlikely! But a Throat Erosion Test would reveal if the Barrel needed replaced. As I have shown in the above pictures of the Throat Erosion Gauge and technique to check.

As 7.62 mentioned be careful what rounds you shoot through your good ARs or other guns.
What has happened to him shooting those BiMetal Bullets. It has scrubbed out his Lands and Grooves otherwise known as Riflings.

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#23 ·
Good info. on the gas rings. I can see that being a good test. I only shoot brass cased ammo with no bi metal bullets. Only copper bullets.

That was Windjammer that has his grandpa's Winchester, not me. :)
 
#14 ·
7.62

I did have one other question for you. What is the Barrel Twist Rate in your Rifle. And also what Grain Bullet are those BiMetal Rounds. And fired at what Range! Just out of curiosity! And I am assuming when you first started shooting them the Rifle shot excellently?

Thanks
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#15 ·
7.62

I did have one other question for you. What is the Barrel Twist Rate in your Rifle. And also what Grain Bullet are those BiMetal Rounds. And fired at what Range! Just out of curiosity! And I am assuming when you first started shooting them the Rifle shot excellently?

Thanks
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Yes it was a new upper when I started using it. It was a 1in9 twist 5.56 barrel, shooting Silver Bear 62gr .223 HP.
It was a good shooter through about the first 2K or 3K rounds but went down hill quickly after that. When it got bad enough I couldn't hit the target anymore at 100yds I bought a bump stock for it figuring I couldn't hurt it anymore & used it for bump firing. LOL
 
#16 ·
I’m pretty new to AR’s but I can imagine a lot of people wear them out. Buying bulk ammo and shooting a lot (extreme fun) will take a toll on anything. I’ve got a few guns that are no spring chickens anymore so I download them a bit . When 556 rounds used to be cheap I didn’t have an AR but even at the higher prices I will most likely put more rounds thru that gun than anything I own. Not counting pistols. The only way that gun is advantageous in a SHF scenario is if you are practiced and proficient and there’s only one way to get there. Lots of rounds wear stuff out.
 
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#17 ·
I don't baby my AR, but I don't beat it up, either, 99% handloads that are lower pressure than 5.56mm loads, generally. I have spare gas rings and will pick up more, JUST in case. Cheap insurance. I don't do mag dumps, (if you load your own on a single stage press like I do, you tend not to waste them doing mag dumps or bump firing), and rarely load more than 5 in the mag during range time. Proper lube was told me to be the real key to the AR, and I try to keep her wet. :) I have a feeling I will wear out before the barrel wears out, and it's a Bear Creek.
 
#18 ·
I have my great grandfather's Winchester 1886 leaver action. There is no way of knowing how many rounds have been shot through it, but it still loads and ejects round. And is still accurate out to 100 yrds. A bore scope reveled that the barrel had no rifling about an 1 1/2 inches from the chamber. But the rest of the barrel was good.
Going by that an AR I5 that I build today will outlive me, my son, and his son.
 
#19 ·
I have worn out 2 barrels on what used to be my primary AR (since sold with full disclosure and a 3rd fresh barrel and many new parts to freshen it up and make it a good value for the buyer)

The company replaced the barrels no questions asked as part of lifetime warranty.
This was when Ammo was cheaper and I was doing a lot of Carbine courses.
 
#21 ·
Now to be honest I have worn out barrels, broken parts, replaced parts, but I have yet to wear out the upper or lower. I wonder if that's what the OP is talking about.
 
#22 ·
Southerngun
Very nice having your Grandpa's Winchester, Love to see some Pictures!


But in my business I see ARs that should be worn out due to their round count and use. But they are not! Most of the higher count riffles are Chrome Lined Barrels but even in select fire mode they have been allowed to cool and not abused. While other times as you referred to, it is due to a metallurgical issue with some Barrels. I have seen Barrels there is NO WAY they should be worn to the point that they are. When you literally see hundreds of them checked each year some definitely do not make sense! But as I mentioned in a previous post here. Once the Throat Erosion starts it accelerates if the weapon is used a lot or not allowed to cool off, And in extreme cases after the Throat Erosion gets to an extreme the Head Space can also change in time causing a serious issue
If anyone has ever had a Bolt Break in half or Crack at the Cam Pin Hole on an AR Rifle? That is normally a sign of extreme Throat Erosion! Check it and if it is the Barrel needs replaced immediately. But as was mentioned earlier the accuracy of the rifle will also be deleatiing.

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#24 ·
Southernguns

Thanks!
Maybe Windjammer will sent us some Pictures?:)

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