cleaning an 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 its performance and longevity. Regular cleaning not only ensures that your firearm operates smoothly but also extends its lifespan. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning an AR-15, covering all the necessary steps and tools you’ll need.

Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Gun cleaning kit
• Gun oil or lubricant
• Gun solvent
• Compressed air or a cleaning rod
• AR-15 cleaning brush
• AR-15 cleaning patch
• AR-15 chamber brush
• AR-15 bolt carrier
• AR-15 bolt
• AR-15 lower receiver
• AR-15 upper receiver

Step 1: Safety First

Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded, the magazine is removed, and the chamber is clear of any ammunition. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Step 2: Field Strip the AR-15

Field stripping the AR-15 is the process of disassembling the firearm into its basic components. This allows you to clean each part thoroughly. Follow these steps to field strip your AR-15:

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

Step 3: Clean the Upper Receiver

The upper receiver is the part of the AR-15 that houses the barrel and the bolt carrier group. Clean it using the following steps:

1. Use a cleaning brush to remove any loose debris from the upper receiver.
2. Apply gun solvent to the brush and scrub the interior of the upper receiver.
3. Use a cleaning patch to wipe away the solvent and debris.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the interior of the upper receiver to prevent rust and corrosion.

Step 4: Clean the Barrel

The barrel is the most critical component of the AR-15, as it determines the accuracy and performance of the firearm. Clean the barrel using the following steps:

1. Attach the cleaning rod to the cleaning brush.
2. Apply gun solvent to the brush and scrub the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle.
3. Use a cleaning patch to wipe away the solvent and debris.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the exterior of the barrel to prevent rust and corrosion.

Step 5: Clean the Bolt Carrier Group

The bolt carrier group is responsible for cycling the rounds through the firearm. Clean it using the following steps:

1. Use a cleaning brush to remove any loose debris from the BCG.
2. Apply gun solvent to the brush and scrub the interior of the BCG.
3. Use a cleaning patch to wipe away the solvent and debris.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the interior of the BCG to prevent rust and corrosion.

Step 6: Clean the Bolt

The bolt is the component that extracts and ejects the spent rounds. Clean it using the following steps:

1. Use a cleaning brush to remove any loose debris from the bolt.
2. Apply gun solvent to the brush and scrub the bolt.
3. Use a cleaning patch to wipe away the solvent and debris.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the bolt to prevent rust and corrosion.

Step 7: Reassemble the AR-15

Once all the components have been cleaned, reassemble the AR-15 using the following steps: