AR-15 Maintenance Schedule 2026: Complete Armorer Inspection Guide

• • Clean and lubricate bolt carrier group, focusing on cam pin, gas rings, and extractor.
• • Inspect muzzle device and suppressor mounts for carbon build-up and torque drift.
• • Check optic mount witness marks and sling attachment hardware.

Summarize any malfunctions in your log immediately after the session.

• • Gauge gas rings (bolt should stay extended when carrier is held vertically).
• • Measure action spring free length; replace if below 10.0" (carbine) or 12.5" (rifle).
• • Inspect buffer face and carrier key for peening or stakingStaking[Components]Deforming metal screw threads (usually on the gas key) to prevent them from vibrating loose under recoil. Essential for reliability. walk-off.
• • Verify trigger pins are flush and not walking; reapply thread locker to grip screw if needed.

Excellent time to swap weapon light batteries and confirm zero on primary optics.

• • Headspace check with GO / NO-GO gauges using the fielded bolt.
• • Inspect barrel extension lugs and feed ramps for erosion or sharp edges.
• • Disassemble lower; clean detent channels, selector, and magazine catch.
• • Rotate magazines: mark training vs duty, retire any with dents or weak springs.

Document any parts replaced and reset the round count counter on the rifle’s data card.

• • Replace extractor spring, insert, and O-ring. Install new gas rings.
• • Swap action spring and buffer detent spring regardless of appearance.
• • Inspect upper / lower fit, takedown pin tension, and cam pin track for elongation.
• • Borescope barrel for throat erosionThroat Erosion[Barrel]Gradual wear at the chamber end of the barrel from hot propellant gases. Affects accuracy over thousands of rounds by changing the bullet's jump to the rifling., record measurement to track future drift.

Schedule armorer-led function test and suppressed / unsuppressed live fire with all duty ammo types.

• • Complete bolt repair set (extractor, springs, gas rings).
• • Action spring, buffer retainer, firing pin retaining pin.
• • Weapon lube, lens cloth, small punch, multitool.

Keep in go bags or patrol cars. Handles 90% of range-day failures.

• • Torque wrench set, reaction rod, punches, roll pin starters.
• • Headspace gauges, go/no-go for mags, borescope.
• • Spare triggers, selectors, detent springs, buffer weights.

For scheduled maintenance days and annual inspections.

• • Labeled bins for springs, pins, and extractor kits with inventory cards.
• • Extra charging handles, gas blocks, and buffer tubes.
• • Dedicated suppressor tools, Rocksett, shims, and anti-seize.

Supports agencies or teams managing multiple carbines with shared parts.