Aaron R. owned a PSA AR-15 with an upgraded receiver and bolt carrier group, and typically shot Hornady ammo through his rifle.
He didn’t go cheap with his rifle parts or the ammo he shot.
And for a long time, the AR-15 operated flawlessly.
Then, one day at the shooting range, Aaron was using a new box of ammo, attempting to zero his rifle at about 25 yards.
After firing about ten rounds, he pulled the trigger and his AR-15 rifle exploded.
The explosion blew out the bottom of the bolt and the magwell ballooned up.
A piece of the bolt had blown into the mag well, the magazine blew out of the bottom and gas surrounded Aaron’s face,
Aaron said a round failed to extract and blew a hole in the casing on the extractor side and back into the chamber, causing the bolt carrier group to crack in half.
The upper part of the rifle was destroyed, but the optics, handguards, and grip were still in one piece.
It’s unclear the exact reason that Aaron’s rifle exploded.
It could have been bad ammo or an issue with one of the gun parts.
Regardless, a common concern for many people who purchase an AR-15 is how long the rifle will last.
Now, AR-15s aren’t cheap weapons, so it makes sense you’d want to understand the lifespan of the rifle and how much use you can expect to get out of it.
You want to know which parts wear out faster, how many rounds the barrel is expected to be good for, etc.
Considering this, here are a few things that can influence the lifespan of your AR-15 and similar weapons.
Quality:
Of course, one of the biggest factors in the lifespan of any firearm is whether it’s from a quality manufacturer.
So, when it comes to an AR-15 I would stick with well-known brands such as Sig Sauer, Colt, Ruger, S&W, Daniel Defense. (The AR I use is a custom one I had built for me that’s very high quality.)
Don’t go with a company that you aren’t familiar with, or that doesn’t have a track record of quality parts and firearms.
Amount of usage:
If you get an AR-15 and never shoot it then it will last forever.
The frequency and way you use your rifle will obviously play a big role in how long the gun lasts.
For instance, going to the shooting range and firing 100 rounds or so is something that most rifles can handle without issues.
On the other hand, if you shoot your rifle excessively for long periods it can cause wear and tear.
If you don’t give the rifle time to cool off or use it constantly it can accelerate wear on the rifle.
Cleaning:
As with any weapon, the way you clean and care for your AR-15 plays a big role in the lifespan of the rifle.
For example, regular maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of the parts of the rifle can extend the lifespan.
In addition, regular inspection will help you determine the amount of wear and tear on the rifle and if parts need to be replaced.
You should look for signs of fouling, corrosion, and any breakage on the rifle parts.
Ammo quality:
Additionally, the type and quality of the ammo you shoot in your AR-15 can also play a role in the lifespan of the rifle.
I recommend quality brass ammo and would stay away from steel-cased ammo.
Also, I like to shoot factory-made ammo so that I know it’s manufactured to the correct specifications.
I know a lot of people like to reload ammo, but it can lead to miscalculations with the ammo that could damage the gun.
Overpowered ammunition can increase the wear on the rifle.
Signs of wear and tear:
With even the best care in the world, a firearm will eventually wear over time.
And there are signs to look for that can let you know that parts are wearing out.
For example, if you notice increased recoil, it could indicate worn-out springs.
If the firing pin indentations are inconsistent it could be a sign that the firing pin needs to be replaced.
Lastly, if your rifle experiences frequent malfunctions or failures it can indicate worn or damaged parts.
Now, the truth is, with proper care, the lifespan of your AR-15 can be a very long time.
Unless you spend a ton of time shooting you likely won’t reach that threshold for years.
