Originally Posted by twl
I believe that CS springs are the best for longevity.
However, I use normal springs, and do regular replacement of them.
I replace all springs on my birthday each year.
I'm not a "high round count" type of shooter normally, so it's ok in my case.
If I were attending a training class, I'd replace all the springs before I went to the class, as preventive maintainance.
In a typical class which has alot of rounds expended, I'd also replace them soon after the class was over, maybe a few range trips later.
I'd consider 2000-2500 rounds a good time to consider changing all action-related springs, if you shoot alot and can't use the "birthday method".
Springs are cheap.
I think it's better to use routine replacement of them, so you don't get caught with a bad one at the wrong time.
I use the same attitude with all my other high wear items like extractors and firing pins too.
I realize that it is prevalent for AR owners to wait until something breaks, before they replace it. I don't use that philosophy.
To each his own.