Cleaning a AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping your AR-15 in top condition is crucial for both performance and safety. Regular cleaning ensures that your firearm operates smoothly and reduces the risk of malfunctions. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning your AR-15, covering all the necessary steps and tools.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Gun cleaning kit
- AR-15 cleaning rod
- AR-15 chamber brush
- AR-15 bolt carrier cleaning kit
- AR-15 bolt carrier
- AR-15 bolt
- AR-15 chamber flag
- AR-15 bolt flag
- AR-15 receiver
- AR-15 upper receiver
- AR-15 lower receiver
- AR-15 magazine
- AR-15 cleaning solvent
- AR-15 lubricant
- AR-15 patch cleaner
- AR-15 patch
- AR-15 cloth rag
- AR-15 safety glasses
- AR-15 hearing protection
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when cleaning your firearm. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection to protect yourself from any debris or noise.
Step 2: Field Strip the AR-15
Field stripping your AR-15 is the process of removing the upper and lower receivers. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the magazine and ensure the firearm is unloaded.
- Lower the bolt carrier group (BCG) by pulling the charging handle to the rear and locking it back.
- Remove the bolt by pulling it out of the receiver.
- Remove the bolt carrier group by pulling it out of the receiver.
- Remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver by pulling it forward and down.
Step 3: Cleaning the Upper Receiver
Start by cleaning the upper receiver. Use a cleaning solvent to remove any dirt, grime, or carbon buildup. Wipe the solvent off with a clean cloth rag. Pay special attention to the ejection port, feed ramp, and chamber area.
Area | Tools Used | Process |
---|---|---|
Ejection port | AR-15 cleaning solvent, cloth rag | Apply solvent, wipe clean |
Feed ramp | AR-15 cleaning solvent, cloth rag | Apply solvent, wipe clean |
Chamber area | AR-15 cleaning solvent, cloth rag | Apply solvent, wipe clean |
Step 4: Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group
Next, clean the bolt carrier group. Use the AR-15 cleaning solvent to remove any carbon buildup or debris. Pay special attention to the gas key, extractor, and firing pin area.
Area | Tools Used | Process |
---|---|---|
Gas key | AR-15 cleaning solvent, cloth rag | Apply solvent, wipe clean |
Extractor | AR-15 cleaning solvent, cloth rag | Apply solvent, wipe clean |
Firing pin area |
LIKE |