how to clean ar-15

Charlotte

3 min read

·

02-02-2025

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Maintaining your AR-15 is crucial for its longevity and reliable performance. Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions and ensures accuracy. This guide provides a step-by-step process for effectively cleaning your AR-15 rifle.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials:

• AR-15 cleaning kit: This typically includes a cleaning rod, bore brush, patches, a cleaning jag, and a slotted tip. You can buy a pre-assembled kit or build your own.
• Gun oil: Use a high-quality gun oil specifically designed for firearms. Avoid using WD-40 or other general-purpose lubricants.
• Gun solvent: A solvent helps break down fouling and carbon buildup.
• Cotton patches or lint-free cloths: Avoid using paper towels as they can leave behind fibers.
• A sturdy work surface: Choose a well-lit area with enough space to lay out your tools and parts.
• Eye protection: Always wear safety glasses when handling firearms and cleaning supplies.
• Gloves (optional): Protect your hands from chemicals and grime.
• Cable puller (optional): Aids in removing the bolt carrier group and helps prevent damage.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

1. Disassemble Your AR-15:

• Safety First: Always ensure your AR-15 is unloaded and clear before you begin. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine well.
• Field Strip: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for field stripping your specific AR-15 model. Generally, this involves removing the upper receiver from the lower receiver, and then separating the bolt carrier group (BCG). There are numerous online videos demonstrating this process for various AR-15 models. If you're unfamiliar, seek guidance from an experienced firearms handler.

2. Clean the Barrel:

• Attach the cleaning rod: Securely attach the cleaning rod to the cleaning jag.
• Apply solvent: Put a few drops of gun solvent onto a cleaning patch attached to the jag.
• Push the patch through the barrel: Slowly and steadily push the patch through the barrel from the breech (chamber end) to the muzzle (end of barrel). Repeat this process several times with fresh, solvent-soaked patches until the patches emerge clean.
• Dry the barrel: Repeat the process using dry patches to remove all traces of solvent. Ensure the barrel is completely dry.
• Lubricate the barrel: Lightly oil the barrel with a few drops of gun oil. A light coat is all that's needed.

3. Clean the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):

• Disassemble the BCG: Separate the bolt and the bolt carrier. Many AR-15s allow for easy separation of the bolt from the carrier. Again, refer to your owner's manual or a helpful video.
• Clean each component: Use a bore brush and patches, along with gun solvent, to clean the bolt, bolt carrier, cam pin, and extractor. Pay close attention to any areas of carbon buildup.
• Dry and lubricate: Once clean, dry all parts thoroughly and lubricate lightly with gun oil.

4. Clean the Upper Receiver:

• Clean the chamber: Use a cleaning brush and solvent to remove any remaining residue from the chamber.
• Wipe down the upper receiver: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Pay attention to the gas key.
• Lubricate: Apply a very small amount of oil to the rails of the upper receiver.

5. Clean the Lower Receiver:

• Remove the trigger group: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe removal of the trigger group.
• Clean and lubricate: Clean the lower receiver and trigger group thoroughly. Lubricate the trigger group pins and other moving parts lightly.
• Reassemble: Once cleaned, reassemble the trigger group carefully, making sure to properly align all components.

6. Reassemble Your AR-15:

Carefully reassemble your AR-15, following the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure all parts are correctly aligned and seated.

7. Function Check:

After cleaning and reassembly, visually check to ensure all parts are present and seated correctly. You can perform a dry function check (without ammunition) to ensure smooth operation.

How Often Should You Clean Your AR-15?

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of ammunition used, environmental conditions, and shooting volume. As a general guideline:

• After every range session: This is ideal for maintaining optimal performance.
• At least every 200-300 rounds: Even with infrequent shooting, regular cleaning is important for preventing buildup.

Conclusion:

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your AR-15 in top condition. By following these steps and using the appropriate materials, you can ensure the accuracy and longevity of your firearm. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions relevant to your AR-15 model. If you're unsure about any step, seek guidance from an experienced firearms handler.