12-01-2011, 08:29 PM
The reason for the required maintainance schedule is to hopefully replace worn or high count items "before" they break. The idea is to replace items before they reach thier maximum usage. The military tests to the point that they can predict that Part A typically breaks at 16,500 (on average). So, they require that all Part A's are change at 12,000 rounds (by the armory personell). This is to hopefully ensure that a weapon doesn't fail in the field due to worn out parts. I know .... I really over simplified this explanation, but that's basically how it goes.
Now that I am a civilian shooter, several things are different. 1. I don't turn in my rifle to the armory for maintainance. 2. I always use the same rifle and don't get issued a different rifle every time. And, 3. (which only applies to some) I am strictly semi auto and don't have the capability to shoot full auto which heats up the parts in my rifle to extremes.
By owning the rifle, I know it from top to bottom and can see the wear as time goes on and change the parts as needed. Also, I can use it till failure and then just change the part. Since the Grendel isn't my SHTF rifle, it's not as critical. If you are civilian contractor or law enforcement, then curcumstances will more than likely be different for you than they are for me.
Now that I am a civilian shooter, several things are different. 1. I don't turn in my rifle to the armory for maintainance. 2. I always use the same rifle and don't get issued a different rifle every time. And, 3. (which only applies to some) I am strictly semi auto and don't have the capability to shoot full auto which heats up the parts in my rifle to extremes.
By owning the rifle, I know it from top to bottom and can see the wear as time goes on and change the parts as needed. Also, I can use it till failure and then just change the part. Since the Grendel isn't my SHTF rifle, it's not as critical. If you are civilian contractor or law enforcement, then curcumstances will more than likely be different for you than they are for me.