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MaintenanceRound countArmorer

AR Maintenance & Armorer Schedule

Proactive maintenance keeps rifles reliable and inspection-ready. Build your schedule around round counts, not guesswork, and log every change so issues are caught before they cost training days.

Intervals assume clean, lubricated rifles shot with quality ammo.Adjust cadence for suppressed-only guns, full-auto use, or harsh environmental exposure.

Inspection cadence

Align inspections with round count milestones so nothing slips. Add calendar reminders if round tracking is inconsistent.

Every Range Trip (0–500 rounds)

Schedule it
  • • 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.

Quarterly or 1,500 rounds

Schedule it
  • • 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 staking 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.

Semi-Annually or 3,000 rounds

Schedule it
  • • 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.

Annually or 6,000 rounds

Schedule it
  • • 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 erosion, record measurement to track future drift.

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

Battery replacement schedule

Dead batteries fail at the worst times. Schedule replacements by calendar date, not runtime estimates, and keep spares for every device on the rifle.

Red Dot Sights (Aimpoint, Trijicon MRO, Holosun)

CR2032 (most common) or AA/AAA lithium

Replace: 12 months or 50,000 hours runtime

Always-on optics like Aimpoint PRO can run 3+ years on medium brightness. Replace at scheduled intervals even if still functional.

Holographic Sights (EOTech EXPS, XPS series)

CR123A (single or dual depending on model)

Replace: 6–12 months or 1,000–1,500 hours runtime

EOTechs consume power faster than red dots. Verify auto-off settings and replace batteries before training blocks.

LPVO / Prism Scopes with Illumination

CR2032 or AAA

Replace: 12 months or when dim at max brightness

Daylight-visible reticles drain faster. Many shooters keep illumination off; test brightness monthly and replace proactively.

Weapon Lights (Surefire, Modlite, Cloud Defensive)

CR123A (primary) or 18650 rechargeable

Replace: Every 3–6 months or after 50+ activations

High-candela lights drain batteries quickly. Rotate fresh primaries for duty use; keep spares in light body cap or stock.

IR Lasers (MAWL, DBAL, PEQ-15)

CR123A or proprietary rechargeable packs

Replace: Every 6 months or before night ops

Verify IR function with NODs before mission. Cold weather drastically shortens runtime; keep spares warm in pouches.

Visible Lasers (rail-mounted)

CR2 or button cell

Replace: 12 months or when output dims

Low power draw; failures are rare. Test before qualifications and replace if beam wavers or flickers.

Optic-Mounted Red Dots (RMR, DPP, SRO on LPVO)

CR2032 or CR1632

Replace: 12 months or 20,000+ hours

Top-mounted RDS for fast CQB transitions. Brightness setting affects runtime; test with optic caps on to confirm auto-adjust works.

Pro tip: Mark battery install dates with a label maker on the device body or in your rifle data card. Buy batteries in bulk from reputable sources—counterfeit CR123As are common and fail catastrophically.

Log templates

These templates keep data consistent across shooters and shifts. Print on waterproof paper and back up digitally.

Rifle Data Card

Copy-friendly
  • • Serial number, barrel length, gas system, suppressor assignment.
  • • Optic type, mount torque, zero distance and ammo used.
  • • Buffer weight, spring color, trigger model, and round count since last service.

Laminate and zip-tie to the stock or store in the rifle’s case pocket.

Maintenance Log Sheet

Copy-friendly
  • • Date, armorer name, round count, cleaning performed.
  • • Parts inspected / replaced with lot numbers.
  • • Malfunctions observed, corrective action, follow-up date.

Duplicate digitally so fleet trends are easy to spot during audits.

Suppressor POI Record

Copy-friendly
  • • Suppressor serial, host rifle, mount torque, ammo lot.
  • • Unsuppressed zero, suppressed impact shift (MIL/MOA).
  • • Notes on gas settings, buffer changes, environmental conditions.

Store with the can; toss in the case when traveling to training.

Spare parts strategy

Build tiered kits so you can fix most issues at the range and tackle deeper rebuilds back at the bench.

Field Repair Kit

Stocked
  • • 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.

Armorer Bench Kit

Stocked
  • • 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.

Fleet Sustainment Bin

Stocked
  • • 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.

Closing thought

Consistent logs turn maintenance from a scramble into a predictable rhythm. Review them monthly, share trends with the team, and schedule parts orders before the bins run dry.