To maintain optimal performance and longevity, it is imperative to keep your AR-15 clean and well-maintained. Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to malfunctions, reduced accuracy, and premature wear and tear. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to effectively clean your AR-15, ensuring its reliability and functionality.
Before embarking on the cleaning process, gather the necessary materials, including a cleaning rod, bore brush, chamber brush, patches, solvent, lubricant, and a cleaning mat. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction throughout the cleaning process. Begin by disassembling the rifle, separating the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, and other components.
Disassemble the Upper Receiver
Before you begin, ensure your weapon is unloaded and clear of any live ammunition. To disassemble the upper receiver of your AR-15, follow these detailed steps:
1. Remove the Charging Handle and Bolt Carrier Group
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Pull the charging handle fully rearward and lock it in place using the bolt catch. |
| 1.2 | Depress the takedown pins on both sides of the lower receiver to separate the upper and lower receivers. |
| 1.3 | Carefully lift the upper receiver off the lower receiver, ensuring the charging handle and bolt carrier group remain in place. |
| 1.4 | Depress the bolt catch and allow the bolt carrier group to move forward. |
| 1.5 | Lift the charging handle up and forward to remove it from the upper receiver. |
| 1.6 | Gently slide the bolt carrier group out the back of the upper receiver. |
Clean the Barrel
Cleaning the barrel of your AR-15 is essential for maintaining its accuracy and preventing malfunctions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly clean the barrel:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item |
|---|
| AR-15 Cleaning Kit |
| Bore Snake |
| Cleaning Patches |
| Cleaning Solution |
| Cleaning Rod |
Steps:
- Remove the Bolt Carrier Group: Open the upper receiver and remove the bolt carrier group.
- Insert the Cleaning Rod: Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod and insert it into the barrel from the chamber end. Gently push the brush through the barrel.
- Brush and Scrub: Apply a generous amount of cleaning solution to the bore brush. Rotate the brush as you push it through the barrel several times. This will loosen any dirt, debris, or fouling.
- Use a Bore Snake: After brushing, pull the cleaning rod and brush out of the barrel. Insert the bore snake into the barrel and gently pull it through to remove any remaining debris.
- Use Cleaning Patches: Attach a cleaning patch to the cleaning rod. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to the patch and insert it into the barrel. Push the patch through the barrel and dispose of it. Repeat this step until the patches come out clean.
- Lubricate the Barrel: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of lubricant to the barrel. This will help protect the barrel from corrosion and wear.
- Reassemble the Upper Receiver: Insert the bolt carrier group back into the upper receiver and close the receiver.
Lubricate the Barrel
Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth functioning and longevity of your AR-15 barrel. Here’s how to effectively lubricate your barrel:
1. Remove the Barrel from the Upper Receiver
Unpin the upper receiver from the lower receiver and remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group. Use a barrel nut wrench to carefully loosen and remove the barrel nut, then extract the barrel from the upper receiver.
2. Clean the Barrel
Follow the previous steps to thoroughly clean the barrel before lubrication. Use a bore brush and gun solvent to remove dirt, carbon buildup, and debris from the bore. Ensure that the barrel is completely clean and dry before proceeding.
3. Apply Lubricant
Choose a high-quality gun lubricant specifically designed for firearms. Apply a thin, even layer of lubricant to the following areas:
| Location | Application |
|---|---|
| Chamber | Apply a small drop on the bolt face and coat the chamber walls. |
| Barrel Extension | Apply a thin film on the exterior surface where it mates with the upper receiver. |
| Gas Tube | Lubricate the inside of the gas tube using a pipe cleaner or swab. |
| Bore | Apply a thin layer of lubricant along the length of the bore using a bore snake or cleaning rod. |
| External Surfaces | Apply a light coat to exposed metal surfaces, such as the exterior of the barrel and bolt carrier group. |
4. Reassemble the Barrel
Reinstall the barrel into the upper receiver and tighten the barrel nut to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Attach the upper receiver to the lower receiver and reinstall the charging handle and bolt carrier group.
Clean the Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group (BCG) is the heart of the AR-15. It’s responsible for feeding, firing, and extracting cartridges. As a result, it’s essential to keep the BCG clean and well-lubricated to ensure reliable operation.
To clean the BCG, you will need the following:
- AR-15 armorer’s wrench
- Cleaning rod
- Bore brush
- Chamber brush
- Solvent
- Lubricant
Follow these steps to clean the BCG:
1. Remove the BCG from the rifle.
To remove the BCG, first, make sure the rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Then, use an AR-15 armorer’s wrench to loosen the castle nut on the receiver extension. Once the castle nut is loose, you can pull the BCG out of the rifle.
2. Disassemble the BCG.
To disassemble the BCG, first, remove the firing pin retaining pin. Then, pull the firing pin and firing pin spring out of the bolt carrier. Next, remove the cam pin. Then, you can separate the bolt carrier and the bolt.
3. Clean the components.
Use a bore brush and solvent to clean the bore of the bolt. Then, use a chamber brush and solvent to clean the chamber of the bolt carrier. Finally, use a cleaning rod and solvent to clean the firing pin, firing pin spring, and cam pin.
4. Lubricate the components.
Once the components are clean, lubricate them with a high-quality gun oil. Be sure to lubricate all of the moving parts, including the bolt, bolt carrier, firing pin, and cam pin.
| Component | Lubrication Points |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Lug recesses, extractor, ejector |
| Bolt Carrier | Cam pin channel, gas key, firing pin channel |
| Firing Pin | Body, tip |
| Cam Pin | Entire surface |
5. Reassemble the BCG.
To reassemble the BCG, first, insert the firing pin spring into the bolt carrier. Then, insert the firing pin into the bolt carrier and secure it with the firing pin retaining pin. Next, insert the cam pin into the bolt carrier. Finally, slide the bolt onto the bolt carrier and secure it with the cam pin.
6. Install the BCG in the rifle.
To install the BCG in the rifle, first, insert the BCG into the upper receiver. Then, tighten the castle nut on the receiver extension using an AR-15 armorer’s wrench.
Lubricate the Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group (BCG) is the heart of your AR-15, so it’s important to keep it well lubricated. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Remove the BCG
Pull the charging handle all the way back and remove the rear takedown pin. The BCG will come out the back of the receiver.
Step 2: Disassemble the BCG
The BCG consists of four main parts: the bolt carrier, the bolt, the firing pin, and the firing pin retainer. To disassemble the BCG, use a punch to remove the firing pin retainer, then remove the firing pin and bolt.
Step 3: Clean the BCG
Use a cleaning rod and patches to clean the BCG. Be sure to clean the gas key, bolt lugs, and firing pin channel thoroughly.
Step 4: Lubricate the BCG
Apply a few drops of high-quality gun oil to the following areas: – The bolt carrier rails
– The bolt lugs
– The firing pin
– The firing pin channel
Step 5: Reassemble the BCG
Insert the firing pin into the bolt and secure it with the firing pin retainer. Then, slide the bolt and bolt carrier back into the receiver. Ensure everything is lined up correctly.
Clean the Charging Handle
The charging handle is responsible for manipulating the bolt carrier group, which is critical for cycling the rifle and firing. Cleaning the charging handle involves removing any dirt, carbon buildup, or debris that may have accumulated.
Materials Required:
-
- Cleaning solvent
- Nylon brush or cotton swabs
- Lubricant (optional)
Steps:
- Remove the charging handle: Depress the charging handle latch and pull the charging handle straight back to remove it from the rifle.
- Inspect the charging handle: Examine the charging handle for dirt or carbon buildup.
- Clean the interior: Apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to a nylon brush or cotton swab and gently scrub the interior surfaces of the charging handle, focusing on any areas with visible dirt or carbon.
- Clean the exterior: Use a clean nylon brush or cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris from the exterior surfaces of the charging handle.
- Lubricate (optional): If desired, apply a small drop of lubricant to the charging handle latch and any other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Reinstall the charging handle: Insert the charging handle into the rifle and push it forward until it locks into place. Ensure that the charging handle is fully seated and latched to prevent it from moving or falling out during use.
Lubricate the Charging Handle
The charging handle is another essential component that benefits from lubrication. Without proper lubrication, the charging handle can become stiff and difficult to operate. This can lead to malfunctions and increased wear and tear on the firearm.
To lubricate the charging handle, apply a small amount of gun oil to the following areas:
- The contact points between the charging handle and the upper receiver
- The latch that engages the bolt carrier
- The spring that returns the charging handle to the forward position
After applying the gun oil, cycle the charging handle several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. This will ensure that the charging handle operates smoothly and reliably.
The following table summarizes the key steps for lubricating the charging handle:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply gun oil to the contact points between the charging handle and the upper receiver |
| 2 | Apply gun oil to the latch that engages the bolt carrier |
| 3 | Apply gun oil to the spring that returns the charging handle to the forward position |
| 4 | Cycle the charging handle several times to distribute the lubricant evenly |
Reassemble the Upper Receiver
Once the upper receiver is clean, it’s time to reassemble it. Follow these steps to do so.
-
Insert the bolt carrier assembly into the upper receiver. Make sure that the bolt is facing forward and that the bolt carrier is properly seated in the receiver.
-
Insert the charging handle into the bolt carrier. Make sure that the charging handle is properly seated in the carrier.
-
Insert the forward assist assembly into the upper receiver. Make sure that the forward assist assembly is properly seated in the receiver.
-
Insert the dust cover into the upper receiver. Make sure that the dust cover is properly seated in the receiver.
-
Insert the rear takedown pin into the upper receiver. Make sure that the takedown pin is properly seated in the receiver.
-
Insert the upper receiver onto the lower receiver. Make sure that the upper receiver is properly aligned with the lower receiver.
-
Insert the front takedown pin into the upper and lower receivers. Make sure that the takedown pin is properly seated in both receivers.
- Remove the bolt carrier group and charging handle.
- Apply a small drop of lubrication to the following contact points:
- The bolt catch
- The hammer
- The sear
- The disconnector
- The magazine catch
- The trigger
- The safety selector
- The buffer tube
- The castle nut
- The end plate
- Reinstall the bolt carrier group and charging handle.
- Unload the rifle and remove the magazine.
- Remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver.
- Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver.
- Use a cleaning rod and patch to clean the bore of the barrel.
- Clean the bolt and firing pin.
- Clean the gas system.
- Reassemble the rifle.
- Cleaning rod
- Cleaning patches
- Gun oil
- Solvent
- Bore brush
- Bolt brush
- Gas tube brush
Installing the Muzzle Device
Once the upper receiver is reassembled, it’s time to install the muzzle device. Follow these steps to do so.
| Muzzle Device | Installation Instructions |
|---|---|
| A2 Flash Hider | Screw the flash hider onto the barrel until it is hand-tight. Then, use a wrench to tighten the flash hider an additional 1/4 turn. |
| SureFire Warcomp | Thread the Warcomp onto the barrel until it is hand-tight. Then, use a wrench to tighten the Warcomp an additional 1/2 turn. |
| SilencerCo ASR | Screw the ASR mount onto the barrel until it is hand-tight. Then, use a wrench to tighten the ASR mount an additional 1/4 turn. Finally, install the suppressor onto the ASR mount. |
Clean the Lower Receiver
The lower receiver is the heart of the AR-15, and it houses the trigger assembly, magazine release, and other vital components. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure that these components function properly and that the rifle operates reliably.
Step 9: Inspect and Clean the Components
Once you have removed all of the components from the lower receiver, inspect them carefully for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any problems, replace the affected components before reassembling the rifle.
Now, it’s time to clean the components. Use a cleaning brush or a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris from the trigger assembly, magazine release, and other parts. Be sure to pay attention to the trigger guard and the inside of the magazine well.
Once you have cleaned the components, lubricate them lightly with a gun lubricant. This will help to reduce friction and wear, and it will ensure that the rifle operates smoothly.
Once you have cleaned and lubricated the components, reassemble the lower receiver. Be sure to tighten all of the screws and bolts securely.
| Component | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Trigger Assembly | Use a cleaning brush or a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect for wear or damage, and replace if necessary. |
| Magazine Release | Use a cleaning brush or a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris. Lubricate lightly with a gun lubricant. |
| Safety Selector | Use a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris. Lubricate lightly with a gun lubricant. |
Lubricate the Lower Receiver
To lubricate the lower receiver, you will need to remove the bolt carrier group and charging handle. Once the bolt carrier group and charging handle are removed, you can apply a small amount of lubrication to the contact points between the bolt carrier group and the lower receiver. You should also apply a small amount of lubrication to the contact points between the charging handle and the upper receiver.
Here is a more detailed guide to lubricating the lower receiver:
Note: It is important to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for firearms. WD-40 is not a suitable lubricant for firearms.
| Recommended Lubrication Points |
|---|
| Bolt Carrier Group |
| Charging Handle |
| Bolt Catch |
| Hammer |
| Sear |
| Disconnector |
| Magazine Catch |
| Trigger |
| Safety Selector |
| Buffer Tube |
| Castle Nut |
| End Plate |
How To Clean Your AR-15
The AR-15 is a popular semi-automatic rifle that is known for its reliability and accuracy. However, like all firearms, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it functioning properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your AR-15:
It is important to clean your AR-15 regularly to prevent it from malfunctioning. Cleaning will also help to extend the life of your rifle. By following these steps, you can keep your AR-15 clean and functioning properly for years to come.
People Also Ask
How often should I clean my AR-15?
You should clean your AR-15 every time you shoot it. If you are shooting in a dusty or dirty environment, you may need to clean it more often.
What kind of cleaning supplies do I need?
You will need the following cleaning supplies to clean your AR-15:
How do I know if my AR-15 is clean?
Your AR-15 is clean when there is no visible dirt or debris on any of the components. You should also be able to move the bolt carrier group smoothly without any resistance.
