The Paramount Importance of Gun Safety
Before we delve into the cleaning process, the most critical aspect must be addressed: safety. Handling firearms requires unwavering attention and adherence to safety protocols. Accidents can happen, and the consequences can be devastating. Always remember and adhere to these cardinal rules:
Treat Every Firearm as if It Is Loaded: This fundamental principle underscores the need for constant vigilance. Never assume a firearm is unloaded; always verify its condition.
Never Point the Muzzle at Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy: This rule minimizes the potential for accidental injury or damage. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, even when handling an unloaded firearm.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot: This prevents unintentional discharges. Only place your finger on the trigger when you have a clear target and are prepared to fire.
Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It: Always identify your target and the area behind it before firing. Ensure there are no obstructions or hazards in the line of fire.
Before commencing the cleaning process, verify that the AR-15 is completely unloaded. Remove the magazine, open the action, and visually inspect the chamber to ensure no ammunition remains. Then, physically check the chamber and bolt area. It’s a good practice to point the muzzle in a safe direction when performing this critical safety check. Cleaning should always occur in a well-ventilated area, preferably away from flammable materials. Eye protection and gloves are essential to shield against chemicals and debris.
Essential Tools for the Task
To effectively clean an AR-15, you’ll need a selection of tools and supplies. Investing in quality products will save you time and ensure a more thorough cleaning experience. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Cleaning Rods and Brushes: A cleaning rod is the backbone of barrel cleaning, offering a way to push cleaning patches and brushes through the bore. Invest in a good quality rod made from non-abrasive materials. Select brushes designed for the AR-15’s caliber (usually .223/5.56mm) and different brush sizes to clean other parts.
Bore Guide: A bore guide is a valuable tool that protects the chamber of the AR-15 from damage by the cleaning rod. It guides the rod and patches or brushes into the barrel smoothly, preventing scratches. A bore guide significantly extends the life of your chamber.
Cleaning Solvents: Cleaning solvents are the workhorses for removing carbon buildup, powder residue, and other contaminants. Choose solvents specifically designed for firearms. Some are better for copper fouling, while others excel at dissolving carbon. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and disposal.
Gun Oil and Lubricants: Lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation of the AR-15. Quality gun oil or a specialized lubricant will protect components from friction, wear, and corrosion. Choose a lubricant designed for firearms and apply it sparingly to moving parts.
Cleaning Patches: Cleaning patches are used to absorb cleaning solvent and remove fouling from the barrel. Select patches of the appropriate size for your AR-15’s caliber and that fit snugly on the cleaning rod jag. Use a large supply of patches for the best cleaning.
Cotton Swabs and Q-Tips: Cotton swabs are invaluable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as the bolt face, extractor, and other intricate parts.
Old Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is excellent for scrubbing away carbon buildup and other debris from the bolt carrier group, trigger assembly, and other components.
Small Screwdrivers: Small screwdrivers might be needed for disassembling certain parts if you choose to do a more extensive cleaning.
Cleaning Mat or a Protected Work Surface: A cleaning mat or protected work surface will protect your work area from spills and scratches.
Gun Cleaning Kit: A comprehensive gun cleaning kit is a convenient option. Many kits include cleaning rods, brushes, solvents, lubricants, and other essentials, usually in a carrying case.
Cleaning Vise or Holder (Optional): A cleaning vise is helpful for holding the AR-15 securely during cleaning. This frees your hands, allowing for a more controlled process.
Disassembly for Thorough Cleaning
Disassembly, often referred to as field stripping, is a necessary step for effective cleaning. Always consult your AR-15’s manual for specific disassembly instructions. Here’s a general guide, but remember, specific models might have minor differences:
Remove the Magazine: Ensure the magazine is completely removed.
Double-Check the Chamber: Open the action and visually confirm the chamber is empty. Run your finger inside the chamber and bolt face to ensure they are clear.
Separate the Upper and Lower Receivers: With the AR-15 in the unloaded and locked-open condition, use the takedown pins to separate the upper and lower receiver groups. These pins are typically located near the pivot point of the stock.
Remove the Bolt Carrier Group: Grasp the charging handle and pull it rearward to the rearmost position. Then, remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver by sliding it out.
Remove the Charging Handle: Once the BCG is removed, the charging handle can be detached.
Further Disassembly of the Bolt Carrier Group (Optional): For a deeper clean, you can disassemble the BCG further. Remove the firing pin retaining pin, then the firing pin. Remove the bolt from the carrier by rotating the cam pin.
Important Note: During disassembly, it is crucial to organize all the parts and keep them clean to prevent any loss. Use a cleaning mat or tray to keep everything organized. If you’re unfamiliar with the specific parts of the BCG, take photos of the assembly process before disassembly for easy reference.
Cleaning the Components: A Detailed Approach
Once disassembled, it’s time to clean each component individually. A systematic approach guarantees all areas are cleaned effectively:
Cleaning the Barrel
This is the most important part of the cleaning process.
Use a bore guide (if using). Insert the bore guide into the chamber of the AR-15.
Apply solvent to cleaning patches. Wet a cleaning patch with your chosen solvent.
Push the patch through the barrel. Insert the patch-covered cleaning rod through the barrel from the chamber end and out the muzzle. Avoid reversing direction once the patch is in the barrel.
Repeat with clean patches. Continue using clean patches until they emerge relatively clean.
Brush the barrel. Attach a brush to the cleaning rod and saturate it with solvent. Run the brush back and forth through the barrel several times to loosen carbon and fouling.
Remove debris. After brushing, switch back to cleaning patches to remove the loosened debris. Repeat this process until the patches come out clean.
Final dry patch. Run a final, dry patch through the barrel to remove any remaining solvent and debris.
Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group
Apply solvent. Spray the bolt carrier group with cleaning solvent.
Scrub the bolt. Use a toothbrush and solvent to scrub the bolt, focusing on the bolt face, extractor, and locking lugs.
Clean other parts. Thoroughly clean the gas rings, the inside of the bolt carrier, and the firing pin channel.
Focus on carbon build-up. Pay close attention to removing any carbon build-up, especially from the bolt face, extractor, and key areas. This carbon can hinder the proper functioning of the rifle.
Cleaning the Upper Receiver
Clean the upper receiver. Clean the inside of the upper receiver with a solvent-soaked cloth or a cotton swab. Pay particular attention to the area where the bolt carrier group slides.
Clean the gas tube (if accessible). If accessible, clean the gas tube with a brush. The gas tube can be a crucial area for fouling buildup.
Chamber area. Clean the chamber area thoroughly, as this is where spent casings are extracted.
Cleaning the Lower Receiver
Wipe down with solvent. Wipe down the lower receiver with a solvent-soaked cloth.
Trigger assembly and components. Clean the trigger assembly and other components inside the lower receiver, using a brush and solvent if necessary.
Cleaning the Charging Handle
Remove carbon. Using solvent and a cotton swab, remove any carbon buildup or residue from the charging handle.
Lubrication: Keeping Things Moving Smoothly
Once all the components are clean and dry, it’s time to lubricate them. Lubrication is crucial for reducing friction and wear, and for ensuring smooth operation. Choose a quality gun oil or lubricant specifically designed for firearms:
Lubricate key parts. Apply a thin, even coat of lubricant to all moving parts. These areas include the bolt carrier group, charging handle, and the trigger mechanism.
Less is more. A little lubricant goes a long way. Avoid over-lubricating, as excessive oil can attract dirt and grime.
Remove excess oil. After lubricating, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil. This will prevent buildup of debris.
Reassembly: Putting it All Back Together
Reassembling your AR-15 is the final step in the cleaning process. Follow the reverse order of disassembly, ensuring each component is correctly installed:
Reassemble the BCG (if disassembled): Reassemble the bolt, firing pin, and related components within the bolt carrier.
Insert the charging handle. Reinsert the charging handle into the upper receiver.
Insert the BCG into the upper receiver. Slide the bolt carrier group back into the upper receiver.
Close the upper and lower receiver: Re-attach the upper and lower receivers using the takedown pins.
Check the function of the firearm: After reassembly, carefully check the function of the firearm.
Function Check: Verifying Proper Operation
After reassembly, it is essential to perform a function check to ensure everything is working correctly. This safety measure will help to ensure that your AR-15 is functioning and ready for use:
Cycle the action. Manually cycle the action of the AR-15, pulling the charging handle fully rearward and releasing it. The bolt carrier group should move smoothly. The bolt should lock back on an empty magazine.
Dry fire. Perform a dry fire check, ensuring the trigger functions correctly and the hammer falls.
Verify all controls. Ensure all controls (safety selector, magazine release, bolt catch) function correctly.
Cleaning Frequency and Ongoing Maintenance
The frequency with which you clean your AR-15 depends on several factors, including how often you shoot, the type of ammunition used, and the environmental conditions:
General rule of thumb. Clean your AR-15 after every shooting session.
Factors affecting frequency. If you’re shooting a lot of rounds, using dirty ammunition, or shooting in harsh conditions (e.g., dusty or sandy environments), you might need to clean your AR-15 more frequently.
Long-term storage: Before storing your AR-15 for an extended period, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned, lubricated, and protected from moisture. Consider storing it in a gun safe or a protected environment to prevent corrosion and rust.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with diligent cleaning, you may encounter issues:
Failure to feed or extract. These problems can sometimes be linked to a dirty bolt carrier group, a dirty chamber, or a lack of lubrication. Thorough cleaning and lubrication are the best first steps.
Reduced accuracy. Fouling in the barrel can negatively impact accuracy. Cleaning can help to restore or improve accuracy.
Conclusion: Maintaining Your Investment
Cleaning your AR-15 is not just a task; it’s an investment in its performance, longevity, and your own safety. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure your AR-15 operates flawlessly for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained AR-15 is a safe and reliable firearm. Taking care of your AR-15 means taking care of yourself and the safety of those around you.
This comprehensive guide to cleaning the AR-15 rifle aims to provide the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and reliable firearm. By following these steps, you will contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of your firearm. Take pride in your firearm and prioritize safety.
