How To Clean An Ar-15?

How to Clean an AR-15

The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both civilian and military use. It is a reliable and accurate weapon, but it is important to keep it clean and well-maintained in order to ensure its performance. Cleaning an AR-15 is not difficult, but it does require some care and attention to detail.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of cleaning an AR-15. We will cover everything from basic cleaning to more thorough maintenance procedures. We will also provide tips on how to keep your AR-15 clean and running smoothly for years to come.

So whether you are a new AR-15 owner or you are just looking for a refresher on how to clean your rifle, read on for all the information you need.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver.
2	Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver.
3	Disassemble the BCG.
4	Clean the BCG and upper receiver with a solvent and brush.
5	Lubricate the BCG and upper receiver with a light oil.
6	Reassemble the BCG and install it in the upper receiver.
7	Reattach the upper receiver to the lower receiver.

This guide will show you how to clean an AR-15 rifle. The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both civilian and military use, and it is important to know how to properly clean it in order to keep it in good working order.

This guide will cover the basics of cleaning an AR-15, including how to remove the upper and lower receivers, how to clean the barrel, and how to clean the bolt carrier group. We will also provide tips on how to prevent rust and corrosion.

Safety Precautions

Before cleaning your AR-15, make sure it is unloaded and the safety is engaged. This will help to prevent any accidents from happening.

You should also wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from debris and chemicals.

It is important to use a cleaning solvent that is safe for use on firearms. Some solvents can damage the finish on your AR-15, so it is important to read the label before using it.

You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your AR-15. These instructions will vary depending on the specific model of your rifle.

How to Clean an AR-15

To clean an AR-15, you will need the following tools:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for AR-15s
• A solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Break-Free CLP
• A rag or brush
• A bore snake
• A cleaning rod
• A gun oil

1. Remove the upper and lower receivers.

To remove the upper receiver, you will need to first remove the charging handle. To do this, pull the charging handle back and then push down on the lever located on the side of the receiver. The charging handle will come out of the receiver.

Once the charging handle is removed, you can then remove the upper receiver. To do this, push down on the two tabs located on the front of the receiver and then lift up on the rear of the receiver. The upper receiver will come off of the lower receiver.

To remove the lower receiver, you will need to first remove the magazine. To do this, press the magazine release button located on the left side of the receiver. The magazine will come out of the receiver.

Once the magazine is removed, you can then remove the lower receiver. To do this, push down on the two tabs located on the front of the receiver and then lift up on the rear of the receiver. The lower receiver will come off of the upper receiver.

2. Clean the barrel.

To clean the barrel, you will need to first remove the barrel from the upper receiver. To do this, unscrew the barrel nut located at the front of the receiver. Once the barrel nut is removed, you can then slide the barrel out of the receiver.

Once the barrel is removed, you can then clean it with a cleaning rod and a bore snake. To do this, attach the cleaning rod to the bore snake and then insert it into the barrel. Push the bore snake through the barrel until it comes out the other end. Repeat this process until the bore snake comes out clean.

You can also clean the barrel with a solvent and a rag. To do this, pour some solvent onto a rag and then wipe down the inside of the barrel. Be sure to clean the chamber and the gas port as well.

3. Clean the bolt carrier group.

To clean the bolt carrier group, you will need to first remove the bolt carrier from the upper receiver. To do this, push down on the bolt release button located on the left side of the receiver. The bolt carrier will come out of the receiver.

Once the bolt carrier is removed, you can then clean it with a cleaning rod and a bore snake. To do this, attach the cleaning rod to the bore snake and then insert it into the bolt carrier. Push the bore snake through the bolt carrier until it comes out the other end. Repeat this process until the bore snake comes out clean.

You can also clean the bolt carrier group with a solvent and a rag. To do this, pour some solvent onto a rag and then wipe down the inside of the bolt carrier. Be sure to clean the bolt lugs, the extractor, and the firing pin.

4. Lubricate the AR-15.

Once you have finished cleaning the AR-15, you will need to lubricate it. To do this, apply a small amount of gun oil to the following areas:

• The bolt carrier group
• The barrel
• The receiver
• The trigger assembly

Be sure to use a light coat of oil, as too much oil can cause the AR-15 to malfunction.

Tips for Preventing Rust and Corrosion

There are a few things

How To Clean An AR-15?

Cleaning the Exterior

To clean the exterior of your AR-15, you will need:

• A soft cloth
• A cleaning solvent

1. Wipe down the exterior of the AR-15 with a soft cloth. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surfaces.
2. Use a cleaning solvent to remove any grease or oil from the surfaces. Be sure to use a solvent that is specifically designed for cleaning firearms.

Cleaning the Interior

To clean the interior of your AR-15, you will need:

• A cleaning rod
• A cleaning brush
• A cleaning solvent
• A gun oil

1. Remove the bolt carrier group from the AR-15. To do this, you will need to push down on the rear takedown pin and pull the bolt carrier group out of the receiver.
2. Clean the bolt carrier group with a cleaning rod and brush. Use the cleaning rod to push the brush through the bolt carrier group, cleaning out any dirt, dust, or debris.
3. Clean the inside of the receiver with a cleaning rod and solvent. Use the cleaning rod to push the solvent through the receiver, cleaning out any grease or oil.
4. Reassemble the bolt carrier group and reinstall it in the AR-15.
5. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the moving parts of the AR-15. This will help to protect the metal from corrosion and wear.

Lubricating the AR-15

Once you have cleaned the AR-15, it is important to lubricate it to protect the metal from corrosion and wear. To lubricate the AR-15, you will need:

• A gun oil

1. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the moving parts of the AR-15. This includes the bolt carrier group, the receiver, and the barrel.
2. Be sure to wipe away any excess oil. You do not want the AR-15 to be dripping with oil.

By following these steps, you can clean and lubricate your AR-15 to keep it in good working order. For more information on cleaning and maintaining your AR-15, you can consult the owner’s manual or a qualified gunsmith.

How often should I clean my AR-15?

It is generally recommended to clean your AR-15 after every 500 rounds fired. However, if you are shooting in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more often.

What do I need to clean my AR-15?

You will need the following items to clean your AR-15:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for AR-15s
• Gun oil
• A rag or paper towels
• A solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Break-Free CLP
• A bore brush
• A chamber brush
• A cleaning rod

How do I clean the exterior of my AR-15?

To clean the exterior of your AR-15, you will need to:

1. Remove the magazine and any ammunition from the rifle.
2. Lock the bolt back.
3. Use a rag or paper towels to wipe down the exterior of the rifle, removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
4. Use a solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Break-Free CLP, to clean any stubborn dirt or grime.
5. Wipe the rifle down with a clean rag or paper towel to remove the solvent.

How do I clean the interior of my AR-15?

To clean the interior of your AR-15, you will need to:

1. Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG).
2. Use a bore brush to clean the inside of the barrel.
3. Use a chamber brush to clean the inside of the chamber.
4. Use a cleaning rod and solvent to clean the inside of the gas tube.
5. Reassemble the BCG.
6. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the moving parts of the BCG.

What are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their AR-15s?

Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their AR-15s include:

• Using the wrong cleaning solvent. Some solvents can damage the finish on your AR-15. Make sure to use a solvent that is specifically designed for firearms.
• Using too much solvent. Using too much solvent can make it difficult to remove all of the dirt and debris from your AR-15.
• Not cleaning the inside of the barrel. The inside of the barrel is one of the most important parts of your AR-15 to clean. Make sure to clean it thoroughly every time you clean your rifle.
• Not applying enough gun oil. Gun oil helps to protect the moving parts of your AR-15 from wear and tear. Make sure to apply a thin coat of gun oil to all of the moving parts of your rifle after you clean it.

How can I prevent my AR-15 from getting dirty?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your AR-15 from getting dirty:

• Use a dust cover when you are not shooting your rifle.
• Keep your rifle clean and lubricated.
• Avoid shooting in dusty or dirty conditions.
• Clean your rifle after every shooting session.

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed how to clean an AR-15 in detail. We have covered everything from the basic steps of cleaning the exterior of your rifle to the more complex process of disassembling and cleaning the internal components. We have also provided tips on how to prevent your AR-15 from becoming dirty in the first place.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you now feel confident in your ability to clean your AR-15 properly. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your rifle is always in top condition and ready to use when you need it.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

• The most important step in cleaning your AR-15 is to make sure that it is unloaded.
• Always use a cleaning solvent that is specifically designed for firearms.
• Be sure to lubricate your AR-15 after cleaning it to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Clean your AR-15 regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing damage.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your AR-15 in top condition for years to come.