AR15 Bolt Service Life

[RTH1800]

For the first time I’m having extraction issues with my AR15.
I have quite a lot of rounds on it.
Do most people change out parts or simply replace entire bolt? Do you do this prior to failure?
I’m estimating 7500-10k rounds on it. Thanks RTH

 

[Rocketvapor]

10,000 25 CENT ROUNDS = $2,500.00 in ammo.
Assuming you have taken the bolt apart a few times and changed rings,
a new bolt wouldn't be a big expense.

 

[RTH1800]

I have them on hand. Just hate to be wasteful.

 

[pmclaine]

Is the bolt collapsing when you rest it on the face? Understand this iest is wrong and better test is to "Look" at the rings or see if it drops out of the carrier on its own when FP and cam are removed.

Maybe just replace the extractor?

Cost of a bolt aint huge. Often they are selling in the PX and I keep telling myself I should pick one up.

Do you have the time now to order parts or are you wanting to shoot tomorrow? (I suspect you have a spare AR )

Im cheap. Id put a new extractor, ejector, rings in and run it as long as the wear on the lugs and bearing surfaces looks equal and not excessive.

PS - Did replace the rings on my LMT at just prior to 1000 rounds but it had been running dirty for an extended period of time only adding oil.

The rings were worn to almost the point they should soon fall out of the track. Surprised me to see that. Gun was still running fine though. Easy fix. Now have multiple spares of small wear parts in cabinet.

 

[prreed10]

I broke my first extractor this year. Shooting ar’s for almost 20 years now. This extractor had maybe 20k on it. Bolt looked great.
Unfortunately it was on the clock in competition. I now plan to change them out every couple of years in my frequently used guns.

 

[Sieg]

FWIW - My Olympic Arms Ultramatch used for varmint hunting had approximately 16K rounds on the original bolt components and carrier. The accuracy finally started to drop off and inspecting with a bore scope revealed pretty heavy throat erosion and fire cracking.

I bought a new Krieger Varmint barrel from Compass Lake that came with a head spaced bolt, installed the new bolt in the old carrier and it's functioning fine.

I'd check your extractor hook condition and spring, ejector button and spring. Replacing those items as needed along with rings is quick and easy, and keeps your head spaced bolt.

 

[Vio515]

As long as the lugs are not worn badly, get a bolt rebuild kit. They usually come with a new extractor, extractor spring, extractor pin, and gas rings. If it is also a little weak ejecting, get a new ejector spring while your at it.

Rebuild the bolt and carry on.

 

[RTH1800]

I will install a new kit tonight. Thanks