How to Clean AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide
Cleaning your AR-15 is an essential part of maintaining your firearm. Regular cleaning not only ensures that your weapon functions smoothly but also extends its lifespan. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning your AR-15, step by step.
Materials Needed
Before you start cleaning your AR-15, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
- Gun cleaning kit
- Clean cloth or paper towels
- Gun oil or lubricant
- Gun solvent
- Compressed air or a cleaning rod
- AR-15 cleaning brush
- AR-15 chamber brush
- AR-15 bolt carrier
- AR-15 bolt
- AR-15 receiver
Step 1: Safety First
Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded, and the magazine is removed. Point the firearm in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger.
Step 2: Field Strip Your AR-15
Field stripping your AR-15 is the process of disassembling the firearm for cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is clear.
- Lower the bolt carrier group (BCG) by pulling the charging handle to the rear.
- Remove the BCG from the upper receiver.
- Remove the bolt from the BCG.
- Remove the gas key from the upper receiver.
Step 3: Clean the Receiver
Use a clean cloth to wipe down the receiver. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris. If necessary, use a solvent to clean stubborn stains.
Step 4: Clean the Bolt and Bolt Carrier
Use a cleaning brush to scrub the bolt and bolt carrier. Apply solvent to the brush to help remove any fouling. Pay special attention to the areas where the bolt and carrier meet.
Step 5: Clean the Gas Key
Use a cleaning brush to clean the gas key. Apply solvent to the brush to remove any fouling. Ensure that the gas key is free of any debris.
Step 6: Clean the Bolt
Use a cleaning brush to scrub the bolt. Apply solvent to the brush to help remove any fouling. Pay attention to the extractor, firing pin, and cam pin.
Step 7: Clean the BCG
Use a cleaning brush to scrub the BCG. Apply solvent to the brush to help remove any fouling. Pay attention to the areas where the bolt and carrier meet.
Step 8: Clean the Upper Receiver
Use a cleaning brush to scrub the upper receiver. Apply solvent to the brush to help remove any fouling. Pay attention to the areas where the bolt and carrier meet.
Step 9: Dry the Components
Use a clean cloth to wipe down all the components. Ensure that they are completely dry before reassembling.
Step 10: Apply Lubricant
Apply a thin layer of gun oil or lubricant to all the moving parts of the firearm. This includes the bolt, bolt carrier, gas key, and charging handle.
Step 11: Reassemble the AR-15
Follow the reverse order of disassembly to reassemble your AR-15. Ensure that all components are properly aligned and secure.
Step 12: Test the Firearm
After reassembling your AR-15, test the firearm to ensure that it functions properly. Fire a few rounds to confirm that the weapon is working as expected.
Table: Cleaning Schedule
Frequency | Steps |
---|---|
After Each Use | Wipe down the receiver and bolt carrier group with a clean cloth. |
Every
|