Maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of your AR-15 rifle requires regular cleaning. Proper cleaning not only ensures reliable operation but also prevents premature wear and corrosion, extending the lifespan of your firearm. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice in the world of firearms, understanding the fundamentals of AR-15 cleaning is paramount. This comprehensive guide will take you through the necessary steps to effectively clean your AR-15, providing detailed instructions and tips to achieve the best results.
Before embarking on the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. A cleaning kit specifically designed for AR-15s is highly recommended, as it typically includes essential items such as cleaning rods, bore brushes, patches, and lubricants. Additionally, you’ll need a clean work surface, a safety mat, and a pair of gloves to protect your hands from solvents and chemicals. With everything in place, you can proceed with the cleaning process with confidence, ensuring the best possible care for your firearm.
The first step in cleaning your AR-15 is to field strip the rifle. This involves disassembling the major components, including the upper receiver, lower receiver, bolt carrier group, and charging handle. Once disassembled, you can proceed with the cleaning of each individual component. The bore, chamber, and gas system require thorough cleaning to remove any fouling or debris that may have accumulated during firing. Using a bore brush and patches soaked in cleaning solvent, carefully scrub the bore and chamber. For the gas system, use a pipe cleaner or a dedicated gas tube cleaning tool to remove carbon buildup and ensure proper gas flow.
Lubrication
Lubrication is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of your AR-15. It reduces friction, wear, and corrosion, ensuring smooth operation and preventing premature failure. Here are the steps to lubricate your AR-15:
Step 1: Gather your tools and supplies.
You will need a cleaning rod, patches, a brush, and lubricant. Use a high-quality lubricant specifically designed for firearms.
Step 2: Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG).
Pull the charging handle fully to the rear and align the takedown pins. Push out the rear takedown pin and remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver. Grip the charging handle and pull it straight toward the rear to remove the BCG.
Step 3: Clean the BCG.
Using a patch and solvent, clean the inside and outside of the BCG. Pay special attention to the bolt face, extractor, and firing pin assembly.
Step 4: Lubricate the BCG.
Apply a small amount of lubricant to the following areas: the bolt face, extractor, firing pin assembly, cam pin, and rails.
Step 5: Reassemble the BCG.
Insert the BCG back into the upper receiver and align it with the charging handle. Push the charging handle forward to engage the bolt carrier with the rails.
Step 6: Lubricate the upper receiver.
Apply a small amount of lubricant to the following areas: the charging handle track, rails, and ejection port.
Step 7: Lubricate the lower receiver.
Apply a moderate amount of lubricant to the following areas: the buffer tube, hammer, trigger, and disconnector. Use a small amount of lubricant on the safety selector and magazine release button.
| Areas | Lubrication Type |
|---|---|
| Bolt Face | Wet |
| Extractor | Wet |
| Firing Pin Assembly | Wet |
| Cam Pin | Wet |
| Rails | Thin Film |
| Charging Handle Track | Thin Film |
| Ejection Port | Thin Film |
| Buffer Tube | Wet |
| Hammer | Light |
| Trigger | Light |
| Disconnector | Light |
| Safety Selector | Small Amount |
| Magazine Release Button | Small Amount |
Safety Precautions
Before cleaning your AR-15, ensure you follow the following safety precautions:
- Unload the firearm: Remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is empty.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction: Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, even when unloaded.
- Wear safety glasses: Eye protection is crucial to prevent debris from entering your eyes.
- Use a well-ventilated area: Cleaning solvents can release fumes, so work in a well-ventilated space.
- Keep solvents away from children: Cleaning solvents are toxic and should never be handled by children.
- Never reuse cleaning patches or brushes: Dirty patches or brushes can transfer carbon and debris back into the firearm.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Refer to the firearm’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
- Use the correct tools: Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive brushes, as they can damage the firearm’s components.
- Consider professional cleaning: If the firearm is heavily fouled or you are not comfortable cleaning it yourself, seek professional assistance from a qualified gunsmith.
9. Detailed Cleaning of Upper Receiver
To clean the upper receiver thoroughly, disassemble it as follows:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a | Remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group (BCG). |
| b | Depress the cam pin behind the bolt catch and lift the bolt catch. |
| c | Slide the upper receiver off the lower receiver. |
| d | Clean the upper receiver with a bore cleaner and a clean cloth. |
| e | Lubricate the bolt catch and cam pin. |
| f | Reassemble the upper receiver by reversing the disassembly steps. |
How To Clean Ar 15
The AR-15 is a popular semi-automatic rifle that is used by both civilians and law enforcement. It is a reliable and accurate weapon, but it is important to keep it clean in order to maintain its performance. Here are the steps on how to clean an AR-15:
- Unload the rifle. Make sure the magazine is empty and the chamber is clear.
- Remove the upper receiver. Push the takedown pins out and lift the upper receiver off of the lower receiver.
- Clean the bolt carrier group. Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver. Use a cleaning rod and a patch soaked inCLP to clean the bolt, bolt carrier, and gas key.
- Clean the barrel. Use a bore brush and a patch soaked in CLP to clean the barrel from the breech to the muzzle. Run the brush through the barrel several times, then follow up with a patch soaked in CLP.
- Clean the upper receiver. Use a cleaning rod and a patch soaked in CLP to clean the upper receiver. Be sure to clean the charging handle guide rails and the ejection port.
- Clean the lower receiver. Use a cleaning rod and a patch soaked in CLP to clean the lower receiver. Be sure to clean the trigger mechanism and the magazine well.
- Reassemble the rifle. Insert the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver. Push the upper receiver onto the lower receiver and insert the takedown pins.
- Lubricate the rifle. Apply a small amount of CLP to the moving parts of the rifle, including the bolt, bolt carrier, and trigger mechanism.
People Also Ask About How To Clean Ar 15
How often should I clean my AR-15?
You should clean your AR-15 after every use, or at least every few hundred rounds.
What type of cleaner should I use?
You should use a cleaner that is specifically designed for firearms. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the finish of your rifle.
How do I know if my AR-15 is clean?
Your AR-15 is clean when there is no visible dirt or debris on the moving parts of the rifle. The barrel should be shiny and free of fouling.
What are some tips for cleaning an AR-15?
Here are some tips for cleaning an AR-15:
- Use a cleaning rod guide to help prevent the cleaning rod from scratching the barrel.
- Run the cleaning rod through the barrel from the breech to the muzzle. Do not push the cleaning rod all the way through the barrel, as this can damage the crown.
- Use a boresnake to clean the barrel if you do not have a cleaning rod.
- Apply a small amount of CLP to the moving parts of the rifle after cleaning.
