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Thread: What really fails on the AR?

  1. #1
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    What really fails on the AR?

    Some recent threads here and elsewhere has me interested in hearing other people's experiences. When you've seen an AR fail, and provided that you're able to diagnose why it failed, what have been the primary reasons?

    Dean Caputo says ARs fail primarily due to MEAL for Magazine, Extractor, Ammunition, and Lube. Note that only one of those four primary causes of failure are actually related to the carbine itself. For the purposes of this discussion let's ignore M, A, and L as outside forces.

    Let's exclude aftermarket parts & fiddlings if we can (I "fix" more guns removing the Enidine than any other single "repair", and I've also seen folks stake their carrier key all to shit and then have it shear off, etc.). If some jerkoff installs a receiver endplate sling mount and doesn't stake it it's not exactly a fault of the gun when his muzzle falls in the dirt.

    Is it chamber issues? Gas port issues? Wrong buffer? Wrong spring? Is Dean right and the extractors go? Sub-standard LPK parts fail? Gas keys come loose? Bolt or barrel material or testing?

    Actual experience, no web anecdotes please.

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    MEAL is good for ARs in general but I see lots is failed ejectors too. Usually from brass/carbon down in the ejector hole in the bolt or way too much extractor tension on a gun that doesn't need it (for example on a midlength). So I personally would add an E.
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    Over the least 15 years, the failure of SO Tac Team rifles has been a few extractors, but by far mostly magazines, virtually all of them USGI. Haven't had a failure I'm aware of since they started using PMAGS, although over the last few years there has been something of a switch away from AR15s on the TAC Team to the HK UMP.

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    oops.
    Last edited by noyes; 09-05-10 at 11:29.

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    Rob specifically asked that we exclude Magazines, Ammo & Lube in this discussion.
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    Where can I buy a metal properly made and toleranced go/nogo gauge for mag feed lips?

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    I think you already answered your own question Rob. MEAL is exactly it and also applies equally to nearly all other semi-auto/autos. That and the owner FU$*(#* with it with aftermarket stuff.

    Bolt lugs cracking is the only thing that comes to mind after very extensive use. Cam pin wearing? These are things that can be spotted with a good/thorough inspection and simply replaced before a problem arises.

    I'd wager that MEAL accounts for 98% or more of issues assuming the owner maintains it well and gadgets are quality and properly installed.

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    Quote Originally Posted by rsilvers View Post
    Where can I buy a metal properly made and toleranced go/nogo gauge for mag feed lips?
    Pmags come with one, it's built into the cap. I don't know that the gauge would apply to aluminum mags though.
    Last edited by rob_s; 09-05-10 at 11:59.

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    The operator?

    I put an "O" ring behind the extractor to see what would happen.
    It fired a few rounds and then the bolt got stuck in battery.
    With a live round in the chamber!

    I doubt the chamber was to spec.
    I since sold that upper.

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    Extractor tension is an issue more than a worn or broken extractor.

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