In my experience, the AR-15 style of rifle is one of the easiest firearms to clean and maintain. I actually know AR-15 owners that bring their AR-15 to a gunsmith for cleaning, or rely on others to do it for them. I have always wondered why. Maybe the person is new to the AR-15 platform and is not sure what the process consists of or how to do it? Or, maybe they just don’t have the time or are simply intimidated? These are all valid reasons. However, in my opinion, it is important for you, as the owner, to know how to field strip, clean, lubricate and maintain your AR-15. Think about it; would you want your rifle in the shop twenty minutes away when you may end up needing it right now?
You may find yourself surprised at how quick, easy and enjoyable the process can be; and, it will provide you with the opportunity of “getting to know” your AR-15. In this post, I have included my video that shows the exact process of field stripping, cleaning, and lubricating a direct impingement (DI) AR-15. To help get you started, here is a list of definitions and items that you will need to help you get the job done.
Definitions:
- Field stripping: The process in which you disassemble your AR-15 style of rifle down to the minimum level needed for cleaning. There are no tools required for this.
- Cleaning: Using a few items to assist you in removing lead, copper, and carbon build-up from the barrel, chamber, and bolt carrier group.
- Lubricating: This is where a lubricant is placed onto moving parts of your AR-15 to provide less friction and protect against wear during the operation of the firearm. Properly lubricating your AR-15 is the most important part of this entire process. In emergencies, even a “dirty” rifle can still function with proper lubrication.
Items needed:
- A gun cleaning solvent of your choice to assist in breaking up the fouling from the rifling in the barrel and the bolt carrier group.
- Some lubricant that may either be an oil, grease, or combination material such as CLP (cleaner, lubricant, and protectant).
- A bore cleaning device such as a bore snake, or a cleaning rod of proper caliber size. When choosing to use a cleaning rod, you will also need the proper attachments and fabric patches for running down the barrel to remove fouling from the rifling.
Summary:
- Field strip your AR-15 by separating the upper receiver from the lower receiver. You may set the lower receiver aside as it normally does not require cleaning.
- Remove the BCG (bolt carrier group) and charging handle from the upper receiver.
- Spray some bore cleaner down the barrel. This will allow it to soak in while you move onto the next step.
- Field strip the BCG. (In the video, I show a detailed example of how to do this)
- Spray a cleaner of choice onto the field stripped BCG parts and then wipe them clean.
- Run a bore snake, or something similar, down the barrel and chamber to remove any fouling and to clean it.
- Use your lubricant of choice and lubricate the BCG and charging handle.
- Reassemble your upper receiver by installing the BCG and charging handle.
- Reassemble your AR-15 by re-attaching the upper receiver to the lower receiver.
- Function check your now cleaned and lubricated AR-15 for proper function.
There are a variety of ways to do this process, but they all end the same way with a clean and properly lubricated AR-15. In the video I have posted, I am showing you the process that has worked best for me. Remember to have fun, relax and enjoy the process of becoming a more knowledgeable AR-15 owner.
