How To Clean An Ar 15?
How to Clean an AR-15
The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both recreational and self-defense purposes. It is a relatively simple firearm to operate and maintain, but it is still important to clean it regularly to ensure proper function and prevent wear and tear.
In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in cleaning an AR-15. We will cover everything from basic maintenance to more thorough cleanings, and we will provide tips for keeping your rifle in top condition.
So whether you are a new AR-15 owner or you are just looking for a refresher, read on for all the information you need to know about cleaning your AR-15.
Step | Instructions | Image |
---|---|---|
1 | Remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver. | |
2 | Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver. | |
3 | Disassemble the bolt carrier group. | |
4 | Clean the bolt carrier group with a brush and solvent. | |
5 | Lubricate the bolt carrier group with oil. | |
6 | Reassemble the bolt carrier group. | |
7 | Reinstall the bolt carrier group in the upper receiver. | |
8 | Reinstall the upper receiver on the lower receiver. |
How to Clean an AR-15?
Safety Precautions
Before you begin cleaning your AR-15, it is important to take some safety precautions.
- Wear eye protection and hearing protection. The cleaning process can generate dust and debris, which can be harmful to your eyes and ears.
- Unload the AR-15 before cleaning. This will prevent any accidental discharges.
- Keep the AR-15 pointed in a safe direction at all times. This will help to prevent any injuries if the firearm accidentally discharges.
- Use a cleaning solvent that is safe for use on AR-15s. Some cleaning solvents can damage the finish on your AR-15. Be sure to use a solvent that is specifically designed for use on firearms.
Disassembling the AR-15
To clean your AR-15, you will first need to disassemble it. The following steps will show you how to disassemble an AR-15:
1. Remove the magazine. This will prevent any accidental discharges.
2. Lock the bolt back. This will make it easier to remove the bolt carrier group.
3. Detach the upper receiver from the lower receiver. To do this, you will need to release the takedown pin. The takedown pin is located on the left side of the lower receiver.
4. Remove the bolt carrier group. To do this, you will need to pull the bolt carrier group out of the upper receiver.
5. Remove the barrel. To do this, you will need to unscrew the barrel nut. The barrel nut is located at the front of the upper receiver.
Cleaning the AR-15
Now that you have disassembled your AR-15, you can begin cleaning it. The following steps will show you how to clean an AR-15:
1. Clean the exterior of the AR-15. To do this, you will need to use a cleaning cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
2. Clean the barrel. To do this, you will need to use a cleaning rod and a cleaning brush. Be sure to clean the inside of the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle.
3. Clean the bolt carrier group. To do this, you will need to use a cleaning brush and a cleaning solvent. Be sure to clean all of the parts of the bolt carrier group, including the bolt, the carrier, and the extractor.
4. Clean the upper receiver. To do this, you will need to use a cleaning cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
5. Clean the lower receiver. To do this, you will need to use a cleaning cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
Reassembling the AR-15
Once you have cleaned your AR-15, you can reassemble it. The following steps will show you how to reassemble an AR-15:
1. Reattach the upper receiver to the lower receiver. To do this, you will need to insert the takedown pin into the hole in the lower receiver.
2. Insert the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver. Be sure to align the bolt carrier group with the gas tube.
3. Screw the barrel nut onto the barrel. Be sure to tighten the barrel nut until it is snug.
4. Lock the bolt back. This will make it easier to insert the magazine.
5. Insert the magazine. This will complete the reassembly of your AR-15.
Cleaning your AR-15 is an important part of gun maintenance. By following these steps, you can keep your AR-15 in good working order and ensure that it is safe to use.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Your AR-15
- Clean your AR-15 regularly. The more often you clean your AR-15, the easier it will be to clean.
- Use a quality cleaning solvent. A good cleaning solvent will help to dissolve dirt, dust, and debris.
- Use a cleaning brush or cloth. A cleaning brush or cloth will help to remove dirt, dust, and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Be careful not to damage your AR-15. When cleaning your AR-15, be careful not to damage the finish or any of the parts.
- Ask for help if you need it. If you are not comfortable cleaning your AR-
3. Cleaning the AR-15
The AR-15 is a relatively simple firearm to clean, but it is important to do so properly in order to maintain its performance and prevent malfunctions. The following steps will walk you through the process of cleaning an AR-15:
1. Disassemble the AR-15. The first step is to disassemble the AR-15 so that you can access all of the parts that need to be cleaned. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the magazine from the AR-15.
- Lock the bolt back to the rear.
- Press the takedown pin located on the left side of the receiver and push the upper receiver forward and down.
- Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver.
- Remove the charging handle from the BCG.
- Remove the bolt from the BCG.
2. Clean the exterior of the AR-15. Use a clean cloth or brush to wipe down the exterior of the AR-15, removing any dirt, dust, or debris. Pay special attention to the areas around the barrel, receiver, and bolt carrier group.
3. Clean the interior of the AR-15. Use a cleaning rod and solvent to clean the interior of the AR-15. Start by inserting the cleaning rod through the barrel and pushing it through the entire length of the rifle. Then, use a bore brush to clean the inside of the barrel. Be sure to use a solvent that is compatible with the finish on your AR-15.
4. Lubricate the AR-15. Once the AR-15 is clean, it is important to lubricate it to prevent rust and corrosion. Apply a light coat of oil to all of the moving parts of the rifle, including the barrel, bolt carrier group, and trigger assembly.
5. Reassemble the AR-15. Once the AR-15 is lubricated, you can reassemble it. To do this, follow these steps in reverse order:
- Insert the bolt into the BCG.
- Attach the charging handle to the BCG.
- Insert the BCG into the upper receiver.
- Press the upper receiver down and forward until it locks into place.
- Insert the takedown pin into the receiver.
4. Reassembling the AR-15
To reassemble the AR-15, follow these steps:
1. Reattach the barrel to the upper receiver. Insert the barrel into the upper receiver and align the gas tube with the gas key on the barrel. Press down on the barrel until it snaps into place.
2. Reattach the bolt carrier group to the upper receiver. Insert the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver and align the gas key with the gas tube. Press down on the bolt carrier group until it snaps into place.
3. Reattach the upper receiver to the lower receiver. Insert the rear takedown pin into the receiver and push the upper receiver down and forward until it locks into place.
4. Insert a magazine into the AR-15. Insert a magazine into the magazine well and release the bolt catch. The bolt will automatically chamber a round.
Cleaning and maintaining your AR-15 is an important part of gun ownership. By following these steps, you can keep your AR-15 in good working order and ensure that it is safe to use.
How often should I clean my AR-15?
- Answer: The frequency with which you clean your AR-15 depends on a few factors, including:
- How often you shoot it
- The environment in which you shoot it
- The type of ammunition you use
Generally speaking, you should clean your AR-15 after every 500 rounds or so. However, if you shoot in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more often. If you use corrosive ammunition, you should clean your AR-15 immediately after shooting.
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 Hoppe’s No. 9 or Break-Free CLP
- A lubricant, such as Shooter’s Choice or Slip 2000 EWL
- A few rags
- A bore brush
- A chamber brush
- A cleaning rod
- A muzzle protector
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 receiver.
2. Insert the cleaning rod through the muzzle of the barrel.
3. Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod.
4. Apply solvent to the bore brush.
5. Work the bore brush back and forth through the barrel several times.
6. Remove the bore brush from the cleaning rod.
7. Attach the chamber brush to the cleaning rod.
8. Apply solvent to the chamber brush.
9. Work the chamber brush back and forth through the chamber several times.
10. Remove the chamber brush from the cleaning rod.
11. Wipe down the inside of the barrel with a clean rag.
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 dry rag.
3. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the rifle.
4. Wipe down the exterior of the rifle again with a clean rag.
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 type of solvent or lubricant
- Not cleaning the rifle thoroughly enough
- Using too much force when cleaning the rifle
- Not following the manufacturer’s instructions
How can I prevent my AR-15 from becoming dirty?
- Answer: There are a few things you can do to prevent your AR-15 from becoming dirty, including:
- Shooting in clean, dry conditions
- Using good-quality ammunition
- Cleaning the rifle regularly
- Storing the rifle in a clean, dry place
:
In this article, we have discussed the steps involved in cleaning an AR-15. We have covered everything from disassembling the rifle to cleaning and lubricating the individual components. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will be able to keep your AR-15 in good working order.
Here are a few key takeaways from this article:
- It is important to clean your AR-15 regularly, especially if you use it frequently.
- The best way to clean your AR-15 is to disassemble it and clean each component individually.
- Use a solvent to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the rifle.
- Lubricate the rifle with a light oil to protect the metal from rust and corrosion.
- By following these steps, you can help to keep your AR-15 in good working order and ensure that it is safe to use.