AR Cleaning

[UberTong]

Looking for some advice on cleaning my AR. I have never cleaned one before. I am wondering how often I should clean it, if there is a suggested 'cleaning kit', and a noob instructional manual on breaking her down. Any help is appreciated.

[Ronin13]

Dammit, now I can't remember what that stuff was called... I bought some awesome gun cleaning spray that basically sprays off all the gunk and carbon buildup and all you do is wipe it down after spraying.
Best I can tell you is get a good cleaning kit (Otis is fair but there are better out there).... my cranial flatulence is hindering my ability to remember any brands right now.
Field strip your rifle (I usually clean after every shoot), take out the bolt assembly and the buffer/spring then disassemble your bolt assembly and clean each individual piece, lightly lube (CLP is good) and reassemble, set aside. Clean buffer and spring and inside buffer tube. Set aside. Next clean your barrel with cleaning rod and cotton squares, recommend using gun cleaning spray and the cotton square will wipe it down- *Make sure barrel is dry after cleaning* Clean the star (can't remember exact name- brain farting) that is at the beginning of the barrel, it's the hardest part to clean. Clean lower receiver, if you don't know how to take all this apart just do the best you can with it fully assembled. Put everything back together, lube anywhere a bullet does not go *Very lightly* (basically buffer, bolt assembly, trigger assembly and you should be good. Check youtube for some videos or I can search and send you a link later tonight.

[UberTong]

Dammit, now I can't remember what that stuff was called... I bought some awesome gun cleaning spray that basically sprays off all the gunk and carbon buildup and all you do is wipe it down after spraying.
Best I can tell you is get a good cleaning kit (Otis is fair but there are better out there).... my cranial flatulence is hindering my ability to remember any brands right now.
Field strip your rifle (I usually clean after every shoot), take out the bolt assembly and the buffer/spring then disassemble your bolt assembly and clean each individual piece, lightly lube (CLP is good) and reassemble, set aside. Clean buffer and spring and inside buffer tube. Set aside. Next clean your barrel with cleaning rod and cotton squares, recommend using gun cleaning spray and the cotton square will wipe it down- *Make sure barrel is dry after cleaning* Clean the star (can't remember exact name- brain farting) that is at the beginning of the barrel, it's the hardest part to clean. Clean lower receiver, if you don't know how to take all this apart just do the best you can with it fully assembled. Put everything back together, lube anywhere a bullet does not go *Very lightly* (basically buffer, bolt assembly, trigger assembly and you should be good. Check youtube for some videos or I can search and send you a link later tonight.

Good info, thanks Ronin. I think I may want someone to walk me through this first though. I've rebuilt Audi's, but guns are a little different...

[UberTong]

I will let you know what I find out Chevy, maybe we should have a course taught by none other than MR RONIN . I'm kidding Ronin, wouldn't subject you to that community service.

[cebeu]

M4Carbine.net Forums > AR/M4 > AR General Discussion

Thread title: Basic AR15 cleaning

Note: No links provided, I rarely cross-post and/or link direct to that site but...you'll have no problem finding it (of course, good input will be provided here as well )

[Byte Stryke]

Ive been cleaning the AR Platform since 1974.
its just automatic at this point.

[Marlin]

Many thanks, I would appreciate that sir.

Let me know when..

IMO CLP is only good for cleaning; dries up way too fast. I use Mobil1 for lube.

This^^

[leatherneck448]

get an OTIS kit from bowers, and some SLiP2000.

then youre set for materials.
I clean mine after every match, so about 200-300 rounds between cleanings.

these guns will run with pretty much any amount of abuse as long as theyre wet, so it doesnt REALLY matter how long between cleanings you wait. If you doubt this, then look up Filthy 14 on google.

just clean key parts like the bolt, carrier, and bore

hope this helps,
Kenny

[Marlin]

Boresnake.

Or, Otis. Both work for me real well.

Boresnake is real good for a quickie type cleaning.

Otis,toothbrush, and a few q-tips. you should be able to get it inspection clean if you want.

I have nothing going on if work doesn't call. I could give you a run down if you would like.

[UberTong]

Boresnake.

Or, Otis. Both work for me real well.

Boresnake is real good for a quickie type cleaning.

Otis,toothbrush, and a few q-tips. you should be able to get it inspection clean if you want.

I have nothing going on if work doesn't call. I could give you a run down if you would like.

Many thanks, I would appreciate that sir.