How to Clean an AR-15: A Detailed Guide
Cleaning your AR-15 is an essential part of maintaining your firearm. Regular cleaning not only ensures that your weapon functions smoothly but also extends its lifespan. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning an AR-15, step by step.
Materials Needed
Before you start cleaning your AR-15, gather the following materials:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Gun Cleaning Kit | Contains brushes, patches, and cleaning solvent. |
| Gun Oil | Used to lubricate moving parts. |
| Compressed Air | Helps blow out debris from hard-to-reach areas. |
| AR-15 Disassembly Tool | Used to remove and install parts. |
| Soft Cloth | For wiping down the firearm. |
Step 1: Safety First
Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded, the magazine is removed, and the chamber is clear of any ammunition. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Step 2: Field Strip the AR-15
Field stripping is the process of disassembling the firearm for cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is clear.
- Lower the bolt carrier group (BCG) by pulling the charging handle to the rear and locking it back.
- Remove the BCG from the upper receiver using the disassembly tool.
- Remove the bolt from the BCG.
- Remove the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
Step 3: Clean the Upper Receiver
Use a cleaning brush to remove any debris from the upper receiver. Apply a small amount of solvent to the brush and scrub the interior of the receiver. Wipe away the solvent with a patch.
Step 4: Clean the Bolt and BCG
Use a cleaning brush to remove any debris from the bolt and BCG. Apply solvent to the brush and scrub the surfaces. Pay special attention to the gas key and the cam pin. Wipe away the solvent with a patch.
Step 5: Clean the Bolt Carrier
Use a cleaning brush to remove any debris from the bolt carrier. Apply solvent to the brush and scrub the surfaces. Pay attention to the extractor and the ejector. Wipe away the solvent with a patch.
Step 6: Clean the Lower Receiver
Use a cleaning brush to remove any debris from the lower receiver. Apply solvent to the brush and scrub the surfaces. Pay attention to the magazine well and the trigger group. Wipe away the solvent with a patch.
Step 7: Dry and Lubricate
Use compressed air to blow out any remaining solvent and debris. Wipe down the firearm with a soft cloth to remove any remaining solvent. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the following areas:
- Gas key
- Cam pin
- Extractor and ejector
- Trigger group
- Magazine well
Step 8: Reassemble the AR-15
Follow the reverse order of the disassembly steps to reassemble the AR-15. Ensure that all parts are properly aligned and secure.
Step 9: Function Check
After reassembling the firearm, perform a function check to ensure that it operates correctly. Load a magazine with dummy rounds and cycle the action several times. Listen for any unusual noises or malfunctions.
Step 10: Store the AR-15
When you are finished cleaning and using your AR-15, store it in a cool, dry place. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed.
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