Two Long-Term Reliability Questions

[shappy0869]

1) How long could you expect a barrel to last on a typical EBR (.223 through .308 calibers)? 1K rounds, 5K rounds, 10K rounds or longer? Would you consider a rifle with a non-user replaceable barrel a serious detriment?

2) Stoner gas system vs gas/piston system. Not trying to start another debate between the two, but which one requires less long-term maintenance? I am not talking about normal cleaning and maintenance, but parts actually wearing out and needing replacement.

Thanks.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

They all CAN be user replaceable with tools and training. There are A LOT of variables in this question. Count on 5000 for a GI non-chrome bore with minimal normal care for serious point target use past 400m.

I don't think any reasonable person would fight you on the fact that the stoner system will outlast just about any non-direct piston system out there assuming normal cleaning and non-corrosive ammo. Reliability is up for debate.

That said, I've opted out of AR land for piston operated weapons altogether. Just my pref though.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

When asking how long a barrel will last, it is important to define what your rejection criteria are. After that, you need to realize that different barrels will have different wear characteristics (stainless steel v. chrome lined for example). Finally, you need to tell us how you plan to use the barrel. If you are going to be doing full-auto double beta-mag dumps/ suppressor prior to plinking at 6" steel at 600yds, then you are probably looking at a very short lifespan for the barrel.

If you are shooting once every 30 seconds and allowing the rifle to cool to ambient temperature every ten minutes and your target is a 20" plate at 50yds, then the same barrel will last much longer.

The major enemy of a barrel is heat though. The hotter you run the barrel, the shorter you can expect the barrel to last. To use a rough example, the SOPMOD project manager reports that M4 Carbines used by SOCCOM have a barrel life of approximately 6-10k in heavy use.

As for parts wear and tear, that again depends on a lot of factors. Give us more specific information and we can give better answers.

 

[Essex County]

Interesting question. Most of us don't have to worry about it. Essex

 

[shappy0869]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I was just looking for some sort of general reference, like the SOPMOD project manager reports you referenced. If they are getting that kind of life out of them, then as a casual shooter, I can assume barrel life for me would be more towards the latter level.

As for wear and tear, the same casual shooter criteria would apply. I am probably just being a bit too calculating as either system would likely give me many years of service.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Buy 2 or 3 .

 

[shappy0869]

If only!

Only have budget for one EBR. :banghead:

 

[mpmarty]

That's cause you buy ARs instead of AKs

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

shappy, check out pages 41-57 of this link:
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/taylor.pdf

It has the SOPMOD data I was referring to and may give you a better idea what to expect.

 

[shappy0869]

Good info, thank you!