cleaning ar-15,Cleaning an AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide

Cleaning an AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping your AR-15 in top condition is crucial for both performance and safety. Regular cleaning ensures that your firearm operates smoothly and reduces the risk of malfunctions. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning an AR-15, covering all the necessary steps and tools.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Gun cleaning kit
• AR-15 cleaning rod
• AR-15 chamber brush
• AR-15 bolt carrier cleaning kit
• AR-15 bolt carrier
• AR-15 bolt
• AR-15 chamber flag
• AR-15 bolt flag
• AR-15 receiver
• AR-15 upper receiver
• AR-15 lower receiver
• AR-15 magazine
• AR-15 cleaning solvent
• AR-15 lubricant
• AR-15 patch cleaner
• AR-15 patch
• AR-15 cotton swabs
• AR-15 rag or paper towels
• AR-15 safety glasses
• AR-15 hearing protection

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when cleaning your firearm. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection to protect yourself from any debris or noise.

Step 2: Field Strip the AR-15

Field stripping your AR-15 is the process of removing the upper and lower receivers. To do this:

1. Remove the magazine and ensure the firearm is unloaded.
2. Lower the bolt carrier group (BCG) by pulling the charging handle to the rear and locking it back.
3. Remove the bolt by pulling it out of the BCG.
4. Remove the bolt carrier group by pulling it out of the upper receiver.
5. Remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver by pulling it forward and down.

Step 3: Cleaning the Upper Receiver

Clean the upper receiver thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or fouling. Use the following steps:

1. Apply cleaning solvent to a patch and wipe down the interior of the upper receiver.
2. Use the AR-15 cleaning rod and chamber brush to clean the barrel and chamber.
3. Apply solvent to a patch and wipe down the exterior of the upper receiver.

Step 4: Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group

Clean the bolt carrier group to remove any carbon buildup or fouling. Follow these steps:

1. Apply solvent to a patch and wipe down the exterior of the bolt carrier group.
2. Use the AR-15 bolt carrier cleaning kit to clean the interior of the bolt carrier group.
3. Apply solvent to a patch and wipe down the exterior of the bolt carrier group again.

Step 5: Cleaning the Bolt and Firing Pin

Clean the bolt and firing pin to ensure proper operation. Use the following steps:

1. Apply solvent to a patch and wipe down the bolt and firing pin.
2. Use the AR-15 cleaning rod and chamber brush to clean the interior of the bolt.
3. Apply solvent to a patch and wipe down the bolt and firing pin again.

Step 6: Reassembling the AR-15

Reassemble the AR-15 by following these steps:

1. Insert the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver.
2. Insert the bolt into the bolt carrier group.
3. Insert the bolt carrier group into the lower receiver.
4. Insert the upper receiver into the lower receiver.
5. Insert the magazine and ensure the firearm is unloaded.