What's Your Parts Replacement Regimen?

[Doc Safari]

We're assuming that most shooters practice "preventative" parts replacement, and not waiting until the parts break, although it might be useful to post at what round count components consistently break for those of you who do a LOT of shooting.


I've read various round counts for replacing things like the cam pin, gas rings, buffer spring, extractor spring, ejector spring, extractor, bolt, etc. and I'd like to see just how all over the map some of the replacement regimens are.

Please tell us the approximate round count when you replace what component, and your reasoning.

--Please start with your "preventative" parts replacements (before they break), at what round count (or other criteria like spring length), and your reasoning.
.
--Then, if you have extensive shooting time, tell us at what round count certain components tend to break in your actual experience.

[titsonritz]

I replace parts via inspection not round count.

[Doc Safari]

I replace parts via inspection not round count.

Fine. Please elaborate.

For example: I will concur that I replace a cam pin when it develops that deep mark where the opening in the bolt carrier beats it up. I'm estimating the round count to be about 5 to 6 thousand rounds when I do that.

[markm]

Rings if they're noticeably loose. Maybe a can pin if it's looking beat up. Too many ARs to really be wearing parts out.

[turnburglar]

I will do the action spring every 3-5k rounds religiously. Everything else is an "as-needed" basis. I haven't needed to replace anything yet. (knock on wood)

[GSMullins]

Action spring: when it approaches the lower length limit in the TM-9 guide. None of my Sprinco's have set much, hence, I consider them a good investment.
Extractor spring & guide: if I see FTEx's.
Cam pin: when the wear will catch a fingernail.
Firing pin: when protrusion from the bolt face is out of the TM-9 spec.
Gas rings: when they fail the TM-9 test, or if cycling changes noticeably.
Mags that become problematic get taken out of the rotation; they're too cheap to mess around with spring changes and such.

Everything else, I'll run to failure. Murphy is always around *somewhere*......

As for round count, I'm too new to the game, and too few rounds down-range to be able to pin that. I prefer objective criteria anyway, rather than a theoretical round count.

[Doc Safari]

Cam pin: when the wear will catch a fingernail.
.

I like that one. Good rule of thumb.

[HeruMew]

Action spring: when it approaches the lower length limit in the TM-9 guide. None of my Sprinco's have set much, hence, I consider them a good investment.
Extractor spring & guide: if I see FTEx's.
Cam pin: when the wear will catch a fingernail.
Firing pin: when protrusion from the bolt face is out of the TM-9 spec.
Gas rings: when they fail the TM-9 test, or if cycling changes noticeably.
Mags that become problematic get taken out of the rotation; they're too cheap to mess around with spring changes and such.

Everything else, I'll run to failure. Murphy is always around *somewhere*......

As for round count, I'm too new to the game, and too few rounds down-range to be able to pin that. I prefer objective criteria anyway, rather than a theoretical round count.

Thanks foe being a long time educated lurker. With your knowledge, we hope to hear from more folks like you. Good rating in 8 years and 33 posts.

Nice to interact with you, and hope to do so more in the future.

Nonetheless, really enjoying this thread.

As a shooter with less than 10 thousand rounds total across all firearms, I just can't say my ARs have much opportunity to start needing replacements. If I recall, my Adam's Arms was at 4k and my PSA 10.5 pistol was at 2k.

Both solid, but I would be lying to say I have measured my action springs. Will be going sprinco when I do replace though based on your observations.

[Iraqgunz]

I have Sprinco springs that have been in place for years and unknown round counts. It's actually one of last things I worry about.

Gas rings are replaced when they fail the gas ring test. Almost all of my extractor springs are Sprinco as well.

Fire Control Springs are replaced based upon appearance during inspection.

Gas tubes are replaced when the top of the tube engaging the key becomes worn down.

[Diamondback]

So more of an "Inspect & Repair As Necessary," in short. Related to Doc Glockster's original question, if replacement is inspection driven, what would be a recommended inspection schedule?