Having spare parts and replacing components, such as springs and firing pins, over time is essential for maintaining the reliability, safety, and performance of your firearms. Just like a well-oiled muscle car, regular upkeep of your guns will go a long way when it comes to your overall experience with them.
What are some issues gun owners open themselves up to should they fail to regularly replace parts like springs and firing pins?
Wear and Tear
Springs lose tension over time due to repeated compression and decompression.
Firing pins can become brittle, deformed, or worn after extensive use. Consequently, worn parts can cause malfunctions; that’s why regular replacement ensures your firearm continues to function reliably under normal and stressful conditions (e.g., self-defense, hunting).
In short, with regular usage, your parts will inevitably wear out. Regular inspection and maintenance will address any issues before they become major problems.
Although it may appear arduous for inexperienced gun owners, like anything, a little research and application go a long way. There is a bevy of information available on the web on how to properly replace AK parts that need addressing.
Start by watching disassembly/reassembly videos. Furthermore, having a gunsmith supervise your first go could be a smart play.
Like anything, the more you try, the better your level of expertise will be. Lastly, safely test-fire after assembly is complete. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions or dangerous failures.
Common Malfunctions without Regular Maintenance
A bevy of potential issues can arise if you avoid the regular maintenance of your firearm. These problems vary in severity, but all undermine the overall experience with your weapon of choice.
Common malfunctions include:
- Failure to feed – the round doesn’t chamber properly.
- Failure to fire – trigger pull doesn’t result in a shot.
- Light primer strikes – the firing pin fails to hit with enough force to ignite the primer.
- Failure to eject – spent casing gets stuck or doesn’t clear the chamber. Sh&t’s creek, personified.
Safety: Another Reason to Maintain Springs/ Firing Pins
A worn or broken firing pin can cause a failure to fire or even an accidental discharge. Springs that are too weak might not return components to the battery properly, which can result in misfires or double feeds.
Prevention Maintenance is Cheaper
Replacing small parts regularly is easier and less expensive than dealing with catastrophic failure or damage to your firearm. As mentioned, consistent upkeep, like changing oil in a car, extends the life of the system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAUzlGZled8
Ironically, the same principle applies when it comes to our bodies.
Excluding acts of God, the chances of reaching old age increase exponentially with micro-decisions such as diet, exercise, and limiting high-risk behaviors.
The lesson: discipline and forethought go a long way, whether it’s with one’s car, firearm, or health.
Low-key Reason to Have Spare Parts
In a crisis or shortage (political, economic, supply chain), spare parts may become hard to find. Hence, keeping spare parts ensures your equipment stays operational no matter what’s happening around the world.
https://blog.k-var.com/reviews/circle-10-waffle-pattern-30-round-magazine-as-good-as-it-gets/
A perfect example is the fallout from COVID-19 in March 2020.
Within weeks, there were shortages of items varying from toilet paper to ammunition. Most of this scarcity was due to panic buying triggered by lockdowns, civil unrest, and supply chain disruptions attributed to factory shutdowns, reduced staffing, and global shipping delays.
The pending uncertainty that lurks around the corner is reason enough to load up now with spare parts.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Regularly replacing springs is crucial for maintaining the reliability and safety of your firearm. The positives are many, with some listed below:
- Enhanced Reliability: Regular replacement ensures consistent performance.
- Safety Assurance: Aging springs may compromise firearm safety features. Timely replacement mitigates risks of accidental discharges.
- Prolonged Lifespan: Routine maintenance extends the overall lifespan of your firearm, protecting your investment.
Typical Replacement Interval
Recoil springs: 3,000–5,000 rounds (varies by gun/caliber)
Firing pins: Inspect regularly; replace at signs of wear or every 20,000+ rounds
Unreliable Function in Critical Moments
What is of zero debate is how critical things can get if you avoid regularly replacing springs and firing pins over time.
The last thing you want is to have your weapon jam or misfire in a life-or-death situation where every second counts.
Preparation and responsibility will lead to optimal outcomes, regardless of sector, particularly with firearms.
Therefore, pay a little now so that you don’t incur the heaviest of costs down the road.
https://www.k-var.com/ak47-maintenance-kit
Lastly, we honor our nation’s heroes this Memorial Day. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
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