Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

AR-15 Reliability...

cwinn
What modifications/parts/work would you have done to/put on your AR-15 if you wanted to ensure it would be as reliable as possible for as long as possible?
0

Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • kimberkid
    One of the new piston uppers ... [:D]

    Chance favors the prepared mind [8D]
    Topeka.gif
    0
  • gap1916
    A Mil Spec Bushmaster is pretty good as is. My 2 cents [8D]

    Greg
    Former USMC
    A N G L I C O
    0
  • mateomasfeo
    quote:Originally posted by cwinn
    What modifications/parts/work would you have done to/put on your AR-15 if you wanted to ensure it would be as reliable as possible for as long as possible?


    I have three, all original Colt AR15's. I cannot remember the last time one malfunctioned. Keep it clean and lubricated. I have found a dab of Militec grease, and a few drops of oil are all ya need.

    Magazines are important. MUST be in good working order with the new green follower.

    Quality ammo. Only malfunctions I have ever had in my personal guns were ammo related. Spend a few extra bucks at ammo time.

    Spend your money on adding holo sights and flashlights and lasers!! Leave the Colt stock.




    oswald.jpg

    Mateomasfeo

    "I am what I am!" - Popeye
    0
  • Mobuck
    FYI the reason the 15 is so reliable is because it doesn't originally use a piston operating system. Why add one to mess things up?

    Mobuck
    0
  • boeboe
    One of the big reported problems with the AR15/clones is it deficates where it eats. It poops where it eats. More technically, the gases and debris from the spent rounds are deposited right where new rounds are being deposited. There are problems associated with that. That is the best reason for a newly designed upper.

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
    0
  • v35
    Right you are BoeBoe. Next it needs a more powerful operating spring, a proper operating handle tied to a more effective forward assist and better access to the breech to get at a jam and / or to load single rounds.
    Many a GI saw the wrong end of a bayonet while trying to clear jams.
    They don't have the tolerance for dirt, dust and grime their predecessors had.
    0
  • cwinn
    My Olympic AR has yet to fail also, but i got to thinking that it couldnt hurt to make the extra effort to prevent it, especially if i ever had to use it for extended periods without thorough cleaning. Thanks for the input.
    0
  • Txs
    As has been stated, when using ammunition the rifle was designed to shoot, along with reasonable cleaning procedures, they're highly reliable rifles.

    There is one problem which might arise when using certain non-GI ammunition. We use M16's with light bullet/low penetration ammunition and experienced feedway jams when firing full auto. Colt sent me a batch of higher powered extractor springs and after several thousand rounds we've had zero problems. It should be noted that the initial testing with these springs consisted of firing several thousand rounds, both SA and FA, without stopping for maintenance. Note that this problem only occurred when firing FA, which sets up an entirely different set of timing/harmonics issues than SA fire.

    Bear in mind these rifles do require lubrication. When in extremely dusty environments, use a dry lube. Otherwise use something at least equal to CLP.

    They aren't near as finicky as some would have you believe, as long as reasonable maintenance and cleaning procedures are used.
    0
  • kingjoey
    They are very reliable rifles if properly maintained. Because of the design of the gas system they do foul the action up. If cleaned and lubed, they work great. I haven't had a problem yet with my Bushy and it's in the more trouble-prone M4 config. I'd also second the advice about good mags. Get the USGI mags, they work[8D]

    billthecat.gif

    AACKKKK!!!ACK!!THPPPPTT!!!
    0
  • boeboe
    The key to all this is found in phrases posted such as...Keep it clean and lubricated....with reasonable cleaning procedures....if properly maintained....(and one good point about proper ammo, it was incorrect ammo that gave them a bad reputation in Viet Nam). The discussion about unreliability found in the AR15/M16 style rifles will go on and on.

    It will always be compared to the AK. And the AK will always be compared to the AR. One has accuracy and needs continuous cleaning. One is not much on accuracy, but always seems to work.

    There are all sorts of rifles between these extremes. The AR15/clones are popular because the US Military insisted on sticking with them (even after it was realized they may have made a bad decision). Actually, IMHO, the AR180 and M96 Expeditionary Rifles beat the AR15 all to pieces. And I have an AR Clone, not a 180 or M96. If you want both accuracy and reliability, do something uncommon and look at some different rifles.



    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity