Serviceability of Modern Assault Rifles: How Long Can They Last with Proper Maintenance?

The topic of how long modern assault rifles can remain serviceable when maintained according to their manufacturers' guidelines is often clouded by the stark difference between proper maintenance and normal wear and tear. This article delves into the intricacies of maintaining these firearms to ensure they remain in perfect operational condition for as long as possible.

Wear vs. Proper Maintenance

One of the key distinctions in the longevity of modern assault rifles is the stark difference between wear and tear and proper maintenance. If a modern firearm is completely disassembled and its components are placed in airtight containers with the appropriate preservation mediums, such as grease for metals and inert gas for most materials, it can remain in perfect condition for potentially millions of years, barring any issues with the packaging.

On the other hand, if a rifle is regularly used at the range and subjected to heavy use, such as firing a thousand rounds in full automatic mode without allowing the barrel or action to cool, it is almost certain to suffer permanent damage. This type of use far exceeds what could be considered normal, sustainable use. Even in more typical firing scenarios, where a rifle is fired a couple of hundred rounds at a time with normal maintenance between firings, different rifles have varying points of critical wear.

Barrel Wear and Other Critical Components

The barrel is one of the most crucial parts of an assault rifle, and while it can become worn over time with substantial bullet impact and heat, even a smooth-surfaced barrel will still allow the rifle to function, albeit with reduced accuracy. Other components, such as mechanisms and moving parts, can also wear out over time, but the specifics vary widely depending on the rifle's design.

In spite of wear and tear, virtually every component in a modern assault rifle is replaceable. The only exception is the part of the gun that accepts the serial number, which, in most cases, does not suffer significant wear. This means that with regular part replacements, as recommended by manufacturers, an assault rifle can theoretically remain in service indefinitely. Manufacturers often sell replacement parts as they are the suppliers of these components.

Normal Maintenance Practices

Normal maintenance includes steps taken to reduce wear and tear between uses, typically involving cleaning and lubricating the moving parts and the inside of the barrel. Some new rifles have advanced wear-resistant technologies that can drastically reduce wear in a flammable lubricant. However, other models lack these treatments or have critical components that are inherently weak links.

Assault rifles often undergo rigorous testing by the military to ensure their reliability under extreme conditions. These trials can involve firing tens of thousands of rounds in stressful, sustained fire scenarios, with any stoppages observed and reported. Malfunctions that require disassembly are considered more severe events, and a rifle that breaks to the point of requiring replacement of any parts is effectively removed from the trial. However, such trials are not reflective of normal use, which can vary significantly from regular sporting rifle usage.

Understanding the serviceability of modern assault rifles lies in recognizing the balance between proper maintenance and the inevitability of wear and tear. By adhering to manufacturer guidelines and regular maintenance procedures, assault rifles can remain serviceable for extended periods, ensuring their reliability and functionality in the hands of users.