Maritime Environment project

[GH41]

Most components in an AR are anodized/coated aluminum anyway, so you just need to focus on the few critical parts that are not. For example, choose a handguard that uses a treated/coated barrel nut such as Geissele. Use a standard stainless grip screw, and a V7 aluminum castle nut. That leaves the barrel, and bcg. There are plenty of QPQ/nitride coated barrels out there, Faxon comes to mind here. BCGs can be had in QPQ/nitride as well, Toolcraft makes an excellent nitride bcg that can be found for a very reasonable price.

What about the trigger group? Detents and springs? Euro put up a post a couple of weeks ago about what a single drop of water can do to a detent spring. I am not so sure trying to corrosion proof everything wouldn't be more trouble than an accelerated maintenance regime. Components don't go from like new to corroded beyond being serviceable overnight.

[Hammered_Pair]

The best thing is to have components that can rust treated somehow. Whether it be NP3, DLC or Melonite (or a combination of them together).

Biggest components would be barrel, BCG, gas tube and gas block. Also certain items like roll pins and attachment hardware should be considered.

This is exactly what I am looking at Robar is high on list of options, it's the small parts-- detents, roll pins, screws that I am definitely looking to source in coated or otherwise resistant materials.

[Hammer_Man]

What about the trigger group? Detents and springs? Euro put up a post a couple of weeks ago about what a single drop of water can do to a detent spring. I am not so sure trying to corrosion proof everything wouldn't be more trouble than an accelerated maintenance regime. Components don't go from like new to corroded beyond being serviceable overnight.

There are Nickel Boron trigger groups, ALG ACT comes to mind. As far as small parts are concerned, when you find a source is of readily available corrosion resistant parts, do me and the rest of the group a favor and tell us where you found it.

Bottom line I don't think building a completely maritime resistant AR is possible right now. The best you can do, is select the most corrosion resistant materials you can. The rest of the parts will require your attention from time to time, to make sure they are properly lubricated, and in good functioning condition.

This is exactly what I am looking at Robar is high on list of options, it's the small parts-- detents, roll pins, screws that I am definitely looking to source in coated or otherwise resistant materials.

If you do find a source for corrosion resistant small parts, please inform the rest of the forum, as this type of info would benefit all of us. In the meantime, a little bit of PMCS goes a long way toward keeping your weapon in tip top shape. I would suggest more frequent tear downs for inspection, and keeping an ample supply of spare parts on hand.

[MistWolf]

How do Navy SEALs deal with the problem?

[AKDoug]

How do Navy SEALs deal with the problem?

and the rest of the entire military... oil and good maintenance.

[MorphCross]

Unless I am mistaken the safety/pivot/takedown detents are made of hardened stainless. If that stainless is in the 300 series it has the best corrosion resistance.

When it comes to the springs I would just make sure they have a fluid rust preventing lubricant that won't evaporate at the temperature highs it experiences.

[turnburglar]

I might be the wrong person to weigh in on this. Like I grew up on a beach so I am aware how salty it can be, but I spent all my gun time in the most Arid of deserts.

Are you not massively over thinking this? A 6920 should have the same or similar corrosion resistance than what a majority of Navy and USMC units are using. Im assuming they just do a regular inspection and replace parts as neccesary? If you need I can ask a buddy thats a recondo, but I doubt his answer will be different.

My answer; buy parts that are not bare steel, which shouldnt be too terribly difficult. Nitride BCGs and barrels. As mentioned a ALG trigger and LPK would be probably your best bet. I also like the V7 Al castle nut that someone else mentioned. Wouldnt want a rusted castle nut to break and cause a total failure.

[Iraqgunz]

Off the top of my head, correct MILSPEC pins are made from 1215L with a cadmium chromate coating for corrosion reasons and to prevent them from seizing in the hole.

Unless I am mistaken the safety/pivot/takedown detents are made of hardened stainless. If that stainless is in the 300 series it has the best corrosion resistance.

When it comes to the springs I would just make sure they have a fluid rust preventing lubricant that won't evaporate at the temperature highs it experiences.

[JediGuy]

I believe DSArms.com sells NP3-coated small parts. Robar is always there, of course.

[Hammered_Pair]

and the rest of the entire military... oil and good maintenance.

yes constant maintenance, part of what I am looking at is not replacing good maintenance habits but improving the ability of the weapon to withstand the harsh environment which aids in that and increases longevity in theory.