How to Clean and Maintain Your AR-15 Rifle: Essential Tips and Techniques
Maintaining your AR-15 rifle is crucial for ensuring its longevity, reliability, and safety. Regular cleaning after each shooting session can prevent carbon buildup and ensure that every component functions as intended. Our team here at Mitchell Defense decided to create this simple guide to cleaning and maintaining your AR-15, using the right cleaning supplies and techniques.
Preparing Your Workspace
Before you begin the cleaning process, set up a clean, well-lit workspace. Lay out a maintenance mat or cleaning mat to protect the rifle and your work surface. Gather all your cleaning supplies, including a cleaning rod, bore snake, nylon brush, cotton swabs, cleaning patches, and a chamber brush.
Disassembling the AR-15
- Ensure the Rifle is Unloaded
- Release the magazine from the rifle. Pull the rifle charging handle back to eject any cartridge that may be in the chamber and lock the bolt back. ( Put the magazine and any ammunition present in a completely different room while you clean your rifle)
- Remove the Rear Takedown Pin:
- Push out the rear takedown pin and pivot the upper receiver from the lower receiver.
- Separate the Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle:
- Carefully slide out the charging handle and bolt carrier group from the upper receiver.
- Disassemble the Bolt Carrier Group:
- Remove the cotter pin, bolt cam pin, and firing pin. Then, slide out the bolt from the bolt carrier.
Cleaning the AR-15
- Clean the Barrel and Chamber:
- Use a bore guide to align your cleaning rod as you push a chamber brush through the chamber and barrel to scrub out carbon fouling and copper fouling. Follow with a bore snake or a dry patch to remove any loosened debris.
- Scrub the Bolt Carrier Group:
- Use a nylon brush and a small amount of brake cleaner to scrub the bolt carrier, paying special attention to the bolt face and the areas around the bolt cam pin and gas rings. An old toothbrush can be effective for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
- Wipe Down the Firing Pin and Extractor Pin:
- Clean the firing pin, extractor pin, and extractor spring using a cotton swab dipped in solvent. Check these parts for wear and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the Gas Tube:
- Use a nylon brush to gently clean the inside of the gas tube, ensuring that no carbon buildup is obstructing the gas flow.
- Clean the Lower Receiver:
- Wipe down the lower receiver with a clean patch, focusing on areas where grit and grime accumulate. Pay attention to the buffer and springs.
- Lubricate the AR-15:
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the bolt carrier group, particularly around the bolt cam pin and the areas where metal contacts metal. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt.
Reassembling and Function Checking
- Reassemble the Bolt Carrier Group:
- Reinsert the bolt into the bolt carrier, followed by the bolt cam pin, firing pin, and the cotter pin.
- Reattach the Upper and Lower Receivers:
- Slide the charging handle and bolt carrier group back into the upper receiver and rejoin it to the lower receiver. Secure it with the rear takedown pin.
- Perform a Function Check:
- Ensure that all parts are working correctly by performing a safety check and cycling the action.
Regular Maintenance Tips
- After Every Shooting Session:
- Perform a basic cleaning to remove any immediate residue and debris.
- Deep Cleaning:
- Every few months, depending on usage, perform a thorough cleaning as described above.
- Storage:
- Store your AR-15 in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and wear.
By following these detailed steps and using the proper cleaning supplies, you can maintain your AR-15 in top condition, ensuring that it performs reliably every time you need it. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your Mitchell Defense rifle, but also enhances its safety and functionality. As always, if you have questions, reach out to us. We are here to help. Happy Shooting!
