Every gunshot leaves behind a residue, it is composed of gunpowder, metal shavings, and carbon. And this accumulates in your weapon over time, and if not cleaned, it can cause malfunctions, accuracy issues, and even damage to your firearm. So, you must clean your AR-15 regularly. It takes only a few steps. Moreover, you need not use fancy tools to clean it. All you need is a cleaning rod, a bore brush, a chamber brush, a patch holder, a few cleaning patches, and some cleaning solvent. If you follow the steps provided in this article, you’ll be able to clean your AR-15 in no time.
Before you start, make sure your AR-15 is unloaded. Then, remove the magazine and the bolt carrier group. The charging handle should be pulled to the rear, and the takedown pins should be pushed out. The upper and lower receivers should be separated. Now, you can start cleaning the barrel. Pass the bore brush through the barrel from the chamber end. Use a cleaning solvent to clean the bore. You need to attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod and push it through the barrel several times. After using the bore brush, run a few patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
Next, clean the chamber. You can use chamber brush or a patch with solvent. Insert the chamber brush or patch into the chamber and scrub the chamber walls. And then run a few clean patches through the chamber. After cleaning the chamber and the barrel, you should clean the bolt carrier group. You need to disassemble the bolt carrier group for thorough cleaning. Remove the firing pin and the cam pin, and use a brush and solvent to clean the bolt, the carrier, and the gas key. Once everything is clean, reassemble the bolt carrier group. Finally, clean the lower receiver. You can use a brush and solvent to clean the lower receiver.
How to Clean an AR-15
Cleaning an AR-15 is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the proper steps and use the correct cleaning supplies to ensure that your rifle is properly maintained and functioning properly.
Materials you will need:
- Cleaning rod
- Bore brush
- Patch holder
- Cleaning patches
- Cleaning solvent
- Gun oil
Instructions:
- Unload the rifle and make sure that it is completely empty.
- Remove the bolt carrier group from the rifle.
- Run a bore brush through the barrel from the chamber end.
- Follow the bore brush with a patch holder and a few cleaning patches. Continue to run the patch holder through the barrel until the patches come out clean.
- Clean the bolt carrier group by removing the firing pin and cleaning the bolt, bolt carrier, and gas key.
- Reassemble the bolt carrier group and insert it back into the rifle.
- Apply a small amount of gun oil to the bolt carrier group and the barrel.
People Also Ask
How often should I clean my AR-15?
It is recommended to clean your AR-15 every 500 to 1,000 rounds fired, or more frequently if you are shooting in a dirty environment.
What type of cleaning solvent should I use?
Use a cleaning solvent that is specifically designed for firearms. Do not use household cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the finish of your rifle.
Can I use a bore snake to clean my AR-15?
Bore snakes can be used to clean AR-15s, but they are not as effective as using a cleaning rod and brush. If you do use a bore snake, be sure to run it through the barrel several times to ensure that it is clean.
