Properly Cleaning The AR 15

Published on September 2, 2014
Duration: 49:30

This video provides a comprehensive guide to cleaning the AR-15 platform, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance for direct impingement systems. It covers safety protocols, field stripping, detailed disassembly of the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG), and best practices for cleaning and lubrication. The session also includes warnings about steel-cased ammunition and recommendations for cleaning tools and solvents.

Quick Summary

Proper AR-15 cleaning starts with safety: remove the magazine, lock the bolt back, and visually inspect the chamber. The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) needs detailed cleaning due to fouling. Use quality tools like Otis kits and avoid steel-cased ammo to prevent extraction issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to AR-15 Maintenance
  2. 01:05Popular AR-15 Models and Systems
  3. 03:52Safety and Clearing the Rifle
  4. 04:26Field Stripping: Lower and Upper Receivers
  5. 06:14Upper Receiver Disassembly
  6. 09:27Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) Deep Dive
  7. 14:12Steel Cased Ammunition Warning
  8. 16:05Cleaning Tools and Solvents
  9. 20:01Chamber and Bore Cleaning
  10. 26:25Lubrication and Reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential first steps before cleaning an AR-15?

Before cleaning, always ensure the rifle is safe. Remove the magazine, lock the bolt to the rear, and perform a physical and visual inspection of the chamber to confirm it is completely empty.

What is the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) and why does it need special attention?

The BCG is the heart of the AR-15's operation, cycling rounds. Due to direct impingement, it collects significant fouling and requires detailed disassembly and cleaning to maintain reliability.

What are the risks associated with using steel-cased ammunition in an AR-15?

Steel-cased ammo can cause extraction failures because its coatings may melt in a hot chamber. This can lead to jams and potentially damage the extractor or other components.

What cleaning tools does the expert recommend for AR-15 maintenance?

High-quality kits like Otis, which use flexible cables instead of rods, are recommended to prevent barrel damage. Specific brushes for the chamber and bore snakes are also advised.

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