How to Clean Your AR-15 Fast — Field Strip, Barrel, BCG & Lube| Palmetto State Armory

Published on May 21, 2026
Duration: 5:39

This guide details a basic cleaning procedure for an AR-15, recommended every 500 rounds. It covers field stripping the upper receiver, cleaning the barrel with a bore snake, cleaning the bolt carrier group (BCG), and proper lubrication of key contact points. The process emphasizes not over-lubricating to prevent carbon buildup. The video is presented by Justin from Palmetto State Armory.

Quick Summary

Perform a basic AR-15 cleaning every 500 rounds using a cleaning cloth, bore snake, firearm cleaner, and lubricant. Focus on cleaning the barrel from chamber to muzzle and lubricating the four contact points on the bolt carrier group, avoiding over-application.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Cleaning Frequency
  2. 00:20Tools Needed for Cleaning
  3. 00:37Separating Upper and Lower Receivers
  4. 00:48Removing BCG and Charging Handle
  5. 01:20Cleaning the Barrel with a Bore Snake
  6. 01:31Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
  7. 01:57Lubricating the BCG Contact Points
  8. 02:44Reassembling the Upper Receiver
  9. 02:55Attaching Upper to Lower & Function Test
  10. 03:07Conclusion & Final Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I perform a basic cleaning on my AR-15?

A basic cleaning for your AR-15 is recommended approximately every 500 rounds. This frequency helps maintain optimal performance and reliability between more thorough deep cleans.

What are the essential tools for cleaning an AR-15?

For a basic AR-15 cleaning, you'll need a cleaning cloth (microfiber is good), a bore snake or barrel cleaning kit, a firearm cleaner like True Blue or CLP, and a firearm lubricant such as Gun Butter.

Where should I lubricate the AR-15 bolt carrier group?

Lubricate the four main contact points on the AR-15 bolt carrier group where it interfaces with the upper receiver. Apply a small amount of lubricant and spread it thinly. Avoid over-lubricating.

What is the correct direction to clean an AR-15 barrel?

You should always clean an AR-15 barrel from the chamber end outwards. This follows the same path a bullet travels and helps prevent pushing debris back into the action.

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