Clean an 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 an 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 or paper towels
- AR-15 safety glasses
- AR-15 gloves
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Before you begin, 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 gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Step 2: Field Strip the AR-15
Field stripping the AR-15 is the process of disassembling the firearm for cleaning. 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.
- Remove the BCG from the upper receiver by pulling it forward and down.
- Remove the bolt from the BCG by pulling it forward and down.
- Remove the bolt carrier from the upper receiver by pulling it forward and down.
Step 3: Clean the Upper Receiver
Use a cleaning solvent to clean the upper receiver. Apply the solvent to a patch and wipe down the interior of the receiver. Pay special attention to the area where the bolt carrier group fits into the receiver.
| Area | Frequency of Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Receiver interior | After each use |
| Receiver exterior | As needed |
Step 4: Clean the Bolt Carrier Group
Use a cleaning solvent to clean the bolt carrier group. Apply the solvent to a patch and wipe down the exterior of the BCG. Pay special attention to the following areas:
- Bolt carrier key
- Bolt carrier cam pin
- Bolt carrier cam pin retainer
- Bolt carrier cam pin retainer pin
- Bolt carrier cam pin retainer spring
Step 5: Clean the Bolt
Use a cleaning solvent to clean the bolt. Apply the solvent to a patch and wipe down the exterior of the bolt. Pay special attention to the following areas:
- Bolt face
- Bolt cam pin
- Bolt cam pin retainer
- Bolt cam pin retainer pin
- Bolt cam pin retainer spring
Step 6: Clean the Upper Receiver Interior
Use a chamber brush and cleaning solvent to clean the upper receiver interior. Apply the solvent to the brush and scrub the interior of the receiver. Pay special attention to the area where the bolt carrier group fits into the receiver.
