I RUINED My $1500 AR-15?! (20,000 Rounds)

Published on June 15, 2020
Duration: 18:18

This video details the process of diagnosing accuracy issues in a BCM AR-15 after approximately 20,000-25,000 rounds and a significant torture test. The presenter explores two main causes: potential damage from aggressive disassembly attempts to remove a seized gas tube and wear from extreme round count, particularly with steel-cased ammunition. The investigation led to replacing the bolt carrier group, which resolved reliability issues, but accuracy problems persisted, suggesting potential barrel wear.

Quick Summary

An AR-15's accuracy can degrade significantly after 20,000+ rounds due to barrel wear, especially with steel-cased ammo. Aggressive gunsmithing, like forcing seized gas components, can also cause mechanical damage and misalignment, further impacting precision. Replacing worn parts like the bolt carrier group can restore reliability, but persistent accuracy issues may indicate a worn-out barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Test
  2. 00:4950 Yard Group Analysis
  3. 01:2125 Yard Group Analysis
  4. 02:55BCM AR-15 Overview & History
  5. 03:43AR-15 vs AK-47 Torture Test Recap
  6. 06:10Diagnosing Reliability Issues Post-Torture Test
  7. 06:30Seized Gas Tube & Block Nightmare
  8. 07:03Bolt Carrier Group Replacement
  9. 08:26Accuracy Problems Reappear
  10. 10:45Hypothesis 1: Mechanical Damage
  11. 13:20Hypothesis 2: Barrel Wear (20,000+ Rounds)
  12. 16:46Examining High Round Count AR-15 Parts
  13. 17:40Upper Receiver & Charging Handle Wear
  14. 19:40Old vs. New Bolt Carrier Group
  15. 21:30Lower Receiver & Controls
  16. 23:30Barrel & Gas System Details
  17. 24:50Conclusion & Call for Comments
  18. 26:00Patreon & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary reasons for accuracy loss in a high-round-count AR-15?

Accuracy loss in an AR-15 after extensive use (20,000+ rounds) can stem from two main issues: barrel wear due to the sheer volume of fire and ammunition type, or mechanical damage caused by aggressive disassembly attempts, such as forcing seized components like the gas block or tube.

How does extreme round count affect an AR-15 barrel?

Shooting tens of thousands of rounds, especially with steel-cased ammunition, significantly accelerates barrel wear. This wear can erode the rifling and chamber, leading to a decrease in projectile velocity consistency and a noticeable degradation in accuracy, often manifesting as larger group sizes.

What kind of reliability issues can arise from a worn bolt carrier group (BCG) in an AR-15?

A worn BCG can lead to reliability problems because it may not cycle the action with enough force to properly eject spent casings or feed new rounds. This can result in malfunctions like failures to eject, short-stroking, or stovepipes, impacting the rifle's overall functionality.

Can aggressive gunsmithing damage an AR-15's accuracy?

Yes, aggressive gunsmithing, particularly when trying to remove seized parts like a gas block or tube with excessive force or improper tools, can misalign the barrel, damage the gas system, or even warp the barrel itself, all of which can severely impact the rifle's accuracy.

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