The Vital Importance of Cleaning Your AR-15
Your AR-15: a symbol of American ingenuity, a versatile platform for personal defense, sport shooting, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of firearms, one thing remains paramount: the unwavering reliability of your rifle. While the AR-15 is renowned for its robust design, that reliability isn’t simply guaranteed. It demands diligent care, and at the heart of that care lies regular cleaning. Many wonder, “How often to clean AR15?” The answer isn’t always a simple one, but understanding the principles behind proper maintenance will ensure your rifle performs at its peak and provides years of service. This article will guide you through the nuances of AR-15 cleaning frequency, helping you maintain its peak performance and extend its lifespan.
Reliability
The AR-15, like any mechanical device, operates most efficiently when its components are clean and free of obstructions. Neglecting this crucial aspect of ownership can lead to a cascade of problems, jeopardizing both your shooting experience and the longevity of your firearm.
Accuracy
Accuracy is another essential performance aspect. When a bullet travels down the barrel, it’s expected to be a smooth exit. However, fouling in the barrel, such as carbon deposits, copper fouling from the bullets, or lead buildup, can significantly impact bullet trajectory. This fouling introduces inconsistencies that can widen your group size, making accurate shooting more difficult. A clean barrel ensures consistent performance shot after shot.
Longevity
The AR-15, made from precision-engineered metal parts, deserves to be protected. The combustion process in the AR-15 produces corrosive byproducts, and if left unchecked, can lead to rust and corrosion. Proper cleaning and lubrication create a barrier between the metal components and these corrosive agents, extending the lifespan of your rifle and preserving its value.
Safety
Safety also becomes inextricably linked to cleanliness. When your firearm is well-maintained, you are minimizing the risk of accidental discharges, malfunctions, and other safety hazards. A clean AR-15 operates predictably, providing peace of mind during handling and use.
Influencing Factors on Your Cleaning Schedule
Determining how often to clean an AR-15 is not a one-size-fits-all prescription. Several factors influence the ideal cleaning frequency, demanding a personalized approach to rifle maintenance.
Ammunition Type
The type of ammunition you use plays a significant role. The quality of the ammunition impacts how quickly your AR-15 gets dirty. Ammunition employing cleaner-burning propellants will result in less fouling compared to ammunition utilizing dirtier propellants. Brass-cased ammunition, in general, tends to be cleaner than steel-cased ammunition, but the specifics can vary between manufacturers. Experimentation and observation are crucial for determining the relationship between your preferred ammo and your rifle’s cleaning needs.
Rate of Fire
The rate of fire greatly influences the need for cleaning. A day at the range involving rapid-fire drills and constant shooting will naturally accelerate the accumulation of fouling. On the other hand, slower, more deliberate shooting sessions will produce less carbon buildup. High-volume shooters will need to clean more frequently than those who take a more leisurely approach.
Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions present an additional layer of complexity. Dust, dirt, humidity, and extreme temperatures can all accelerate corrosion and fouling. If you regularly shoot in dusty or sandy environments, you should inspect and clean your rifle more frequently. High humidity can promote rust, while extreme temperatures can affect the performance of lubricants. Storing your AR-15 in a climate-controlled environment is always recommended, but in less-than-ideal conditions, more diligent cleaning is necessary.
Storage
How you store your AR-15 plays a role. The climate of the storage environment and the amount of time the rifle sits idle will affect the need for cleaning. For example, a safe filled with moisture can cause rust, and the rifle can get dirty when it’s stored on the gun rack.
Understanding Cleaning Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered the factors, let’s delve into some guidelines. While specific recommendations can vary, some general principles apply to determine how often to clean AR15.
General Recommendations
The most common recommendation is to clean your rifle *after every shooting session*. This ensures any fouling or debris accumulated during the day is promptly removed. This practice minimizes the risk of malfunctions, maintains optimal accuracy, and prevents the buildup of corrosive substances. This is the ideal, but not always feasible for everyone.
Alternative Recommendations
Another option is to clean your AR-15 after a few hundred rounds. For many shooters, this interval offers a reasonable balance between thorough maintenance and efficient use. After every few hundred rounds, the bolt carrier group, bore, and other crucial components should be cleaned to keep your rifle in top operating condition.
For Infrequent Use
For rifles that are not frequently used, cleaning every few months is a good strategy. Regular inspections can help you catch any issues early, even if you aren’t actively firing the weapon. Storing the rifle properly, in a controlled environment, is also important.
It’s important to remember, the frequency of cleaning is ultimately a personal choice, influenced by your shooting habits, the ammunition you use, and the conditions in which you operate. The main aim should be to develop a routine that consistently protects your AR-15, and keeps it running smoothly.
Essential AR-15 Components to Care For
Several key components require special attention during the cleaning process to ensure your AR-15 functions reliably and accurately.
Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
The Bolt Carrier Group, or BCG, is the heart of the AR-15’s operating system. Cleaning the bolt, carrier, and firing pin is essential. The bolt must be free of carbon and debris to ensure proper lockup and extraction. The carrier must also be thoroughly cleaned to prevent malfunctions during cycling. The firing pin requires to be clean and move freely, ready to strike each round.
Barrel
The barrel is the most important component concerning accuracy. Carbon fouling, copper fouling, and lead buildup can all affect the bullet’s trajectory. Using a bore brush, solvent, and patches to remove these deposits is vital. Ensuring the barrel is clean from end to end is crucial for optimal performance.
Upper Receiver
The upper receiver houses the BCG and the barrel. It’s where the action takes place. You will want to clean the inside of the upper receiver, paying attention to the charging handle and gas tube. The charging handle is vital for a smooth function and the gas tube is essential for the function of the action.
Lower Receiver
The lower receiver houses the fire control group and is the mounting point for the stock. Though it may not require as frequent cleaning as the BCG or barrel, the lower receiver still needs attention. Check for debris, clean the trigger and hammer components, and lubricate as needed.
Magazines
Magazines are a crucial component. They need to be clean to ensure proper feeding. Disassemble, clean, and lubricate your magazines periodically to prevent feeding issues.
Essential Cleaning Equipment and Tools
Having the right tools and supplies can significantly streamline the cleaning process and ensure you do not damage your firearm.
Solvents and Lubricants
First and foremost, you’ll need cleaning solvents and lubricants. Choose quality products specifically designed for firearms. Solvents are for dissolving carbon, powder residue, and other fouling. Lubricants reduce friction, prevent wear, and protect against corrosion.
Brushes, Jags, and Patches
You’ll need a collection of brushes, jags, and patches. A bore brush, sized correctly for your rifle’s caliber, is essential for removing fouling from the barrel. Patches are used to wipe away loosened debris and apply solvents and lubricants. Jags hold the patches securely.
Cleaning Rods and Guides
A cleaning rod or guide is required. Choose a rod that won’t damage the rifling of your barrel. A cleaning rod guide helps keep the rod centered and protects the chamber from damage.
Other Cleaning Tools
Brushes, picks, and other small tools will help you to get into hard-to-reach areas, like the bolt carrier group.
Workspace
A gun cleaning mat will help prevent damage and create a safe workspace.
Always remember to wear safety glasses and gloves during the cleaning process.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning
The cleaning of your AR-15 can seem intimidating at first, but with a systematic approach, it becomes a manageable task.
Safety First
Always prioritize safety. *Verify the firearm is unloaded.* Remove the magazine, visually inspect the chamber, and point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
Disassembly
Disassembly is the first step. Most field stripping procedures will be sufficient for general cleaning. Remove the upper and lower receiver, separate the BCG from the upper receiver, and remove the charging handle.
Cleaning Procedures
Cleaning procedures begin with the BCG, which should be disassembled for thorough cleaning. Use solvent and brushes to remove carbon buildup from the bolt, carrier, and firing pin. Inspect the bolt for wear or damage.
Cleaning the Barrel
Next, clean the barrel. Insert the bore brush from the chamber end (to protect the crown) and scrub the barrel thoroughly. Use solvent on the brush. Follow up with patches to remove loosened debris until they come out clean.
Upper and Lower Receiver Cleaning
Clean the upper and lower receivers, removing any dirt or debris. Wipe down the charging handle. Inspect the gas tube. Clean and inspect all the controls.
Lubrication
Lubrication is essential. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the moving parts of the BCG, including the bolt, carrier rails, and firing pin. Lubricate the charging handle, fire control group, and other moving parts.
Reassembly
Reassemble the AR-15. Reassemble the BCG, reattach the upper and lower receivers, and reinsert the charging handle.
Function Check
Perform a function check to ensure the rifle cycles smoothly, the trigger functions properly, and all safety mechanisms are operational.
Common Troubleshooting and Issues
Despite your best efforts, cleaning-related problems can sometimes arise. Knowing how to address them is essential.
Failure to Cycle
If you experience failure to cycle, make sure your rifle is lubricated and that the gas rings on the bolt are intact. If the failures are frequent, consider adjusting your cleaning routine.
Accuracy Issues
If you’re experiencing accuracy issues, check the barrel for fouling and ensure the crown is not damaged.
Jams
If the rifle consistently jams, make sure that your magazine is clean and undamaged.
Conclusion
Understanding how often to clean AR15 is a critical aspect of responsible gun ownership. Regular cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it’s about reliability, accuracy, longevity, and safety. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your AR-15 in top operating condition.
Remember to clean your AR-15 after every shooting session, or at least after every few hundred rounds, adjust your maintenance routine based on ammunition type, environmental factors, and shooting volume. Choose the right tools and cleaning supplies. And never forget to prioritize safety.
By adhering to these cleaning guidelines, you’ll ensure your AR-15 remains a reliable and accurate tool for years to come.
