Like any equipment or car's engine, the Ar-15 also requires proper maintenance. Hence, running a brush through it isn't enough, as thorough cleaning is needed from time to time. Many people find a completely manufactured Ar-15 expensive; and so suggest it best to build it yourself. You can use high-quality 80% lower to build an amazing AR-15. Visit https://www.80percentarms.com/80-lowers/ to learn more about 80 lowers.
Cleaning and maintaining your Ar-15 isn't a challenging task if you know how to do it. Before we dive into the steps of cleaning it, ensure that the area is completely safe. There shouldn't be any mags present; clear the live rounds and empty the chamber.
The first and foremost step is to assemble the required tools for this job. The most significant requirement is eye protection. Ensure that you have solvent, patches, and rods.
Some important things you need are;
- Cleaning Link
- 0.22 Caliber Bronze Brush
- Nylon Coated One-Piece
- Rod Stop
- Cleaning Cradle
- Chamber Brush Designed for AR-15
- Large Patches
- Q-Tips
- 0.22 Caliber Patches
- 0.22 Caliber Nylon Brush
- Cleaning Rods (Short)
- Rod Guide
- 0.22 Caliber Rod
- Brushes
- Small Screwdriver
- LED Maglite
- 0.45 Caliber Nylon Brush
You need to recheck the chamber and make sure you set it to the "SAFE" mode. Turn off the bolt and remove the take-down pin.
You need to take out the bolt carrier group by pulling back the charging handle. Add the cleaning link. Ensure that the barrel is at the downward slope so that no solvent falls into the lower receiver or the chamber.
Using the large patch, add solvent to the chamber and use the chamber brush to break up the impurities. Next, clean it with several wipes and add the solvent again. Finally, flush the dirt and use a dry patch to wipe it down.
With the help of the rod guide, start wiping the bore. The benefit of using a rod guide is that it safeguards the bore and throat of the rifle.
Take out the bolt, bolt cam pin, firing pin, and retaining pin. Make sure to use a punch to take out the extractor retaining pin. Apply solvent and use the brush to start cleaning. You will find a lot of carbon within the bolt carrier, so utilize a 0.45 caliber nylon brush to clean it.
Before assembling the parts, don't forget to lube the bolt carrier group. Add a drop of lube to the belt, bolt rings, and bolt cap pin. Now, lube the firing pin and carrier rails. Assemble everything properly.
Make sure that there isn't any dirt loosened on the bore. Use dry patches to clean it completely. Then, assemble your rifle and check if it's functioning properly or not.
Note that the patches will never come out completely white and clean, so don't frustrate yourself over it. However, you can sit back and relax once you do the function check, as your AR-15 is completely clean now.
