How to clean and lubricate the AR-15 Rifle ~ LSA is still the best!

Published on May 5, 2018
Duration: 82:02

This comprehensive guide, presented by a retired law enforcement officer with military background, details the expert process for cleaning and lubricating an AR-15 rifle. It emphasizes using LSA lubricant for its superior performance under heat and advocates for a dry chamber to prevent dangerous bolt thrust. The video covers detailed disassembly, cleaning techniques for critical components like the bolt carrier group and upper receiver, and strategic, minimal lubrication points.

Quick Summary

Expert AR-15 cleaning emphasizes using LSA lubricant for high-heat performance and maintaining a bone-dry chamber to prevent extraction issues and bolt thrust damage. Recommended solvents include low-odor mineral spirits or paint thinner, while magazines must remain oil-free internally.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Rifle Overview and Specifications
  2. 04:05Cleaning Solvents Comparison
  3. 07:06LSA Lubricant Superiority
  4. 10:05Essential Cleaning Tools
  5. 11:42BCG Disassembly and Carbon Inspection
  6. 15:39Theory: Dry Chambers vs Wet Actions
  7. 18:26Cleaning the Upper Receiver
  8. 21:15Lower Receiver and Buffer Maintenance
  9. 24:01Strategic Lubrication with LSA
  10. 28:10Magazine Maintenance and Reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lubricant for an AR-15?

The video recommends LSA (Lubricant, Semi-fluid, Automatic) as superior for AR-15s, especially in high heat. It remains effective without solidifying into carbon, unlike some other lubricants, making it ideal for direct gas impingement systems.

Why should the chamber of an AR-15 be kept dry?

Keeping the AR-15 chamber dry is critical. Oil in the chamber can prevent the brass casing from expanding properly under pressure, leading to extraction failures and potentially dangerous 'bolt thrust' that can damage the rifle's lugs.

What cleaning solvents are recommended for an AR-15?

Instead of expensive specialized products, the video suggests using readily available and inexpensive options like low-odor mineral spirits or paint thinner as effective cleaning solvents for removing carbon buildup from an AR-15.

How should AR-15 magazines be maintained?

AR-15 magazines, including PMAGs and USGI aluminum types, should be kept completely dry internally. Clean them using only dry air or a solvent flush, as any oil can migrate to cartridges and cause a wet chamber issue.

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