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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

How To Properly Clean and Maintain Your AR-15 Accessories

The AR-15 rifle is America’s most popular gun used for home defense, hunting, and target practice. If you are like most AR-15 owners, you are also partial to its many accessories.

That’s quite understandable. The wide assortment of industry-leading products provides optimum functionality and gives you that perfect look. However, like the gun, maintaining your AR-15 accessories takes some commitment.

If you want them to last, follow our simple tips.

The Best Way to Clean and Maintain Your AR-15 Accessories

Cleaning and maintaining your AR-15 gun accessories is important to prolonging the life of your investment and ensuring optimal performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your AR-15 gun accessories in top condition.

Here is the step by step cleaning and maintaining your AR-15 gun Accessories:

Step 1: Remove Magazine and Ammunition and Clear the Gun

Are you wondering how to properly clean and maintain your AR-15 gun accessories after shooting? The first thing you will want to do is remove the magazine and ammunition from the gun. Then, you will want to clear the gun by making sure there are no rounds in the chamber and no magazine inserted.

To clean the gun, you will want to use a cleaning rod and patch to clean the gun barrel from the breech end.

Finally, you will want to wipe down the gun with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

Step 2: Separate Upper and Lower Receiver

To properly maintain your AR-15 gun accessories and keep them clean, you should regularly separate the upper and lower receivers. This will allow you to access and clean all the small parts in between the two halves, as well as the barrels and bolts.

You should also clean the charging handle and action block regularly. Be sure to reassemble your AR-15 carefully, making sure all the parts are properly aligned, before heading to the range.

Step 3: Clean Gun Barrel and Upper Receiver

Be sure to clean your AR-15’s gun barrel and complete upper receivers after each use. Use a quality cleaning rod and bore brush, along with a good cleaner/lubricant. Run the brush through the gun barrel a few times, then swab it out with the cleaner/lubricant.

Be sure to get the muzzle end of the gun barrel as well. Inspect the bore for any debris or fouling and clean as necessary.

When cleaning the complete upper receiver, pay special attention to the charging handle and bolt carrier group. These parts can be easily damaged if not cleaned properly. Use a soft brush to remove any debris from these parts, then lubricate as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Disassemble and Clean the Bolt Carrier

Your AR-15 bolt carrier is the workhorse of your firearm, and it needs to be cleaned and maintained to keep it functioning properly. Here’s how to properly disassemble and clean your bolt carrier:

First, remove the upper receiver from the lower receiver.

Second, remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group from the upper receiver.

Third, separate the bolt carrier group into its components.

Fourth, clean all of the components with a quality solvent and brush.

Fifth, inspect all of the components for wear or damage.

Six, reassemble the bolt carrier group and install it back into the upper receiver.

Finally, install the charging handle and reattach the upper receiver to the lower receiver.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your bolt carrier is properly cleaned and maintained. This will help to keep your AR-15 running smoothly and reliably.

Step 5: Clean and Inspect the Lower Receiver

Assuming you are referring to an AR-15 lower receiver, it is recommended that you clean and inspect it every couple thousand rounds. To clean it, start by removing the receiver extension and buffer assembly.

Next, use a toothbrush and cotton swabs dipped in solvent to scrub away any dirt and grime. Be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies, such as the trigger assembly. Once you’re satisfied it’s clean, dry it with a lint-free cloth and reassemble. As for inspection, simply give it a once over to look for any cracks, wear, or damage.

Step 6: Lubricate and Reassemble the Rifle

Once you have taken your AR-15 apart and cleaned all of the parts, it is time to reassemble the rifle. When lubricating the parts, be sure to use a quality lubricant meant for firearms.

A good lubricant will help to protect the metal parts from corrosion and will make it easier for the parts to move against each other. Be sure to lubricate all of the moving parts, including the bolt carrier group and the charging handle. Once the parts are lubricated, reassemble the rifle in the reverse order that you took it apart.

Make sure that all of the parts are properly aligned and that the rifle is functioning properly before taking it out to shoot.

Step 7: Function Test

To ensure that your AR-15 gun accessories are properly cleaned and maintained, it is important to function test them regularly. This will help to ensure that they are working properly and do not need any repairs or replacement parts.

To function test your AR-15 gun accessories, simply take them out to the range and fire off a few rounds. If they are not functioning properly, then it is time to take a closer look at them and see what is wrong.

Step 8: Store Your Ar-15

Assuming you are storing your AR-15 in a safe and your gun accessories are stored in a separate location, you will still want to clean and maintain your gun accessories regularly. Depending on how often you use your AR-15, you may want to clean and oil your gun accessories after every use.

At a minimum, you should clean and oil your AR-15 gun accessories every few months.

To properly clean your AR-15 gun accessories, you will need to disassemble them and then clean all of the parts with a cleaning solvent. Once the parts are clean, you will want to lubricate them with quality gun oil. Be sure to reassemble your AR-15 gun accessories correctly and store them in a cool, dry place.

The Benefits of a Clean and Well-Maintained AR15

In order to get the most benefits out of your AR15, it is important to keep it clean and well-maintained. This means regularly cleaning the gun, as well as the accessories that go with it.

The accessories include the stock, handguards, gas tube, muzzle device, and optics. While it is not necessary to clean these parts every time you use the gun, it is important to do so on a regular basis.

One of the benefits of a clean and well-maintained AR15 is that it will function more reliably. This is especially important if you use your gun for self-defense or home protection. A gun that is not properly cared for is more likely to jam or misfire, which could be dangerous in a life-threatening situation.

Another benefit of keeping your AR15 clean and well-maintained is that it will look better. A gun that is not cared for will quickly start to show signs of wear and tear, which can make it look unprofessional. A well-maintained gun, on the other hand, will look like it was just taken out of the box.

Choose the Right Solvent and Lubricant

To properly clean and maintain your AR15 accessories, it is important to choose the right solvent and lubricant. Many solvents and lubricants are specifically designed for different types of firearms, so it is important to read the labels carefully and choose the products that are made for your specific type of gun. For example, there are solvents and lubricants that are specifically designed for AR15s.

These products will usually say so on the label. It is also important to make sure that you use the right amount of solvent and lubricant. Too much of either can cause problems.

The Importance of AR-15 Accessories

Assuming you have completed all the previous steps in disassembling, cleaning, and drying your AR-15 and your AR-15 accessories, the following are instructions on how to reassemble everything.

First, start with the lower receiver by attaching the buffer tube assembly to the receiver. Then, fit the stock onto the buffer tube and fix it in place. After that, insert the bolt carrier group into the receiver and then push in the charging handle.

Finally, put on the upper receiver and make sure that the charging handle is in the right place and can be easily pulled back. Your AR-15 is now ready to be used again.

Do you now have a better understanding of how to clean and maintain your AR-15 gun accessories? If you do, make sure to take a look at some of our other posts for more shooting guides and tips.

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