Question about Actions

[deadly0311]

After shooting yesterday with McCrazy and crew @ the Juniper Swamp Tactical match we got into an interesting conversation that none of us really could answer. So here is the question.

We are all aware that a barrel has a life span wether it be 1500rds or 10000 rds. But what about the action? Are today's actions good for an indefinite amount of rounds if properly taken care of ( ie-cleaned, kept rust free, and everything else) I just found this subject interesting and was curious as to the answer if there is one

 

[Pete Lincoln]

Re: Question about Actions

We still see Mausers coming in for re barreling that are up to 100 years old.
I'd say thats not bad going,

regards Pete

 

[lizzardking308]

Re: Question about Actions

As far as a round count who knows, but think about the USMC actions used in the 40's. They go 10K rounds between tubes and a lot of those receivers are pretty damn old and have had a bunch of tubes installed. They don't junk them based on round count, they junk em based on if they slam fire or are too sloppy. That being said I've handled a few 40's that the bolts are REALLY friggin sloppy and they still go back out.

 

[Revenge Seeker]

Re: Question about Actions

I Dont know the exact number, but there is a "useable cycle" on every machined part. soft, hard, really hard... all of it.
If you think about it, it's like a car.
By Part;
1)Bolt sees major forces, both linearly and axially(Open/Close of bolt).
2)Raceways get wear over time from general friction
3)Thread tennon sees much of the same force as the bolt, but radially rather than linearly.
4)Mounting holes(as well as fastners) see shear values and can start to deform/"EGG" over time

Just a few to get ya started...

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Question about Actions

yeah thats what we got to talking about, i know of an AI AW that has had about 16-18 barrels and still going strong, also aware of the "surplus" rifles that are pretty damn old. So i guess my question could be reworded to say what deems an action "worn out"? Geoff you were on to something good with the slop and slam fires, just curious what else can deem an action "worn out"

 

[Revenge Seeker]

Re: Question about Actions

By the way, the cycle life of something like a .243 will be significantly longer than that of a .300WM or the likes.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: Question about Actions

Interested as well.

I would say that the average user would probably never wear out a action. I think the AW down at RO has over 100k rounds through it and is on it's 10th barrel.