How To Clean A Ar-15 For Beginners?
Step | Instructions | Image |
---|---|---|
1 | Remove the AR-15’s upper receiver from the lower receiver. | |
2 | Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver. | |
3 | Disassemble the BCG into its individual parts. | |
4 | Clean each part of the BCG with a cleaning cloth or brush. | |
5 | Lubricate the BCG with a light coat of oil. | |
6 | Reassemble the BCG and install it in the upper receiver. | |
7 | Reattach the upper receiver to the lower receiver. |
3. Disassemble the AR-15
Before you can clean your AR-15, you need to disassemble it. This process is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging your rifle.
To disassemble your AR-15, follow these steps:
1. Remove the magazine.
2. Lock the bolt back.
3. Flip the safety to the “safe” position.
4. Press the takedown pin located at the rear of the receiver.
5. Pull the rear of the upper receiver away from the lower receiver.
6. Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver.
7. Remove the charging handle from the BCG.
Now that your AR-15 is disassembled, you can begin cleaning it.
4. Clean the AR-15
Now that your AR-15 is disassembled, you can begin cleaning it. The following steps will walk you through the process of cleaning your AR-15:
1. Clean the exterior of the rifle. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the rifle, removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
2. Clean the barrel. Use a bore brush to clean the inside of the barrel. Be sure to push the brush through the barrel in the same direction that the bullet travels.
3. Clean the bolt carrier group (BCG). Use a toothbrush and solvent to clean the BCG. Be sure to clean all of the nooks and crannies.
4. Lubricate the rifle. Once the rifle is clean, apply a light coat of lubricant to the moving parts.
Now that your AR-15 is clean and lubricated, it’s ready to be reassembled.
5. Reassemble the AR-15
Reassembling your AR-15 is the reverse of disassembling it. To reassemble your AR-15, follow these steps:
1. Insert the bolt carrier group (BCG) into the upper receiver.
2. Insert the charging handle into the BCG.
3. Press the rear of the upper receiver onto the lower receiver until the takedown pin snaps into place.
4. Flip the safety to the “fire” position.
5. Insert a magazine into the rifle.
Your AR-15 is now reassembled and ready to use.
Cleaning your AR-15 is an important part of gun ownership. By following these steps, you can keep your AR-15 clean and functioning properly.
How often should I clean my AR-15?
- Answer: The frequency with which you clean your AR-15 depends on a number of factors, including how often you shoot it, the environment in which you shoot it, and the type of ammunition you use. As a general rule, you should clean your AR-15 after every 500 rounds fired. However, if you shoot in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more often. If you use corrosive ammunition, you will also need to clean your AR-15 more often.
What do I need to clean my AR-15?
- Answer: You will need the following items to clean your AR-15:
- A cleaning kit specifically designed for AR-15s
- A solvent, such as gun cleaner or mineral spirits
- A lubricant, such as gun oil or grease
- A rag or paper towel
- A bore brush
- A cleaning rod
- A chamber brush
- A muzzle brush
How do I clean the inside of my AR-15 barrel?
- Answer: To clean the inside of your AR-15 barrel, follow these steps:
1. Remove the bolt carrier group from the rifle.
2. Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod.
3. Dip the bore brush in solvent.
4. Insert the cleaning rod into the barrel and work the bore brush back and forth until the barrel is clean.
5. Remove the bore brush from the cleaning rod and wipe down the inside of the barrel with a rag or paper towel.
6. Reattach the bolt carrier group to the rifle.
How do I clean the outside of my AR-15?
- Answer: To clean the outside of your AR-15, follow these steps:
1. Remove all of the accessories from the rifle.
2. Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a rag or paper towel.
3. Use a brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas, such as the inside of the trigger guard and the gas block.
4. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the moving parts of the rifle.
5. Reattach the accessories to the rifle.
What are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their AR-15s?
- Answer: Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their AR-15s include:
- Using the wrong cleaning solvent or lubricant.
- Not cleaning the rifle often enough.
- Using too much force when cleaning the rifle.
- Not following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the rifle.
How can I prevent my AR-15 from getting dirty?
- Answer: There are a few things you can do to prevent your AR-15 from getting dirty:
- Keep the rifle clean and lubricated.
- Store the rifle in a clean, dry place.
- Avoid shooting in dusty or dirty conditions.
- Use a protective cover when transporting the rifle.
In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed how to clean an AR-15 for beginners. We have covered everything from the tools and materials you will need, to the steps involved in the cleaning process. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you feel more confident in your ability to clean your AR-15.
Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:
- It is important to clean your AR-15 regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing damage to the firearm.
- The cleaning process is relatively simple, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the firearm.
- You should clean your AR-15 after every use, and more often if you shoot it frequently or in dusty or dirty conditions.
- By following these tips, you can help to keep your AR-15 in good working order and ensure that it is safe to use.