What to know before buying a AR-15?

Key Takeaway

• Determine your purpose for purchasing the rifle.
• Some common purposes for purchasing an AR-15 include target shooting, hunting, home defense, and competition.
• See if the company has a satisfying reputation.
• Look for a great warranty or guarantee to save you from encountering issues in the future.

What parts are most likely to break on an AR-15?

Extractors. For most firearms, the extractors are one of the most common places where wear and tear can occur. For AR-15s, however, the extractor is particularly prone to damage and wear. They can crack, chip, or break entirely depending on what kind of ammo casing you’re shooting.

What caliber ammo does an AR-15 use?

5.56×45mm
The AR-15 rifles usually comes chambered for either the military cartridge 5.56×45mm or the . 223 Remington. Because of the pressures associated with the 5.56x45mm, it is not advisable to fire 5.56x45mm rounds in an AR-15 marked as . 223 Rem, since this can result in damage to the rifle or injury to the shooter.

What part of AR wears out?

So with that in mind, let’s examine the parts that will wear out first.

• #1: Your Bolt. Before you start coddling your bolt and cooing to it gently before every round, just remember that your bolt was designed to be used and abused.
• #2: Your Gas Tube Components.
• #3: Your Extractor.
• #4: Your Firing Pin.

How long do AR-15 barrels last?

The average life of an AR-15 barrel is about 20,000 rounds. Let’s generously assume that the average new shooter goes to the range once a month and fires 100 rounds through their rifle per session. At that pace, it would take about 16 years to wear out that barrel.

Why do you have to be 21 to buy a AR lower?

I believe all lowers, complete or not are transferred as “other” if there is no upper attached, meaning you have to be 21 to purchase it since it’s not classified as a rifle.

How many rounds can you put through an AR-15?

Unlike the M16, which is fully automatic, the AR-15 is “semi-automatic,” meaning a person has to pull the trigger for every shot. Most AR-15-type rifles are sold with a 30-round magazine, but it is possible to purchase after-market magazines with as many as 100 rounds.