Cleaning your AR-15 is an essential maintenance task that helps ensure the firearm functions properly and safely. Regular cleaning removes dirt, debris, and fouling from the rifle’s components, which can cause malfunctions, reduce accuracy, and lead to premature wear. Cleaning also helps prevent corrosion, which can damage the firearm’s metal parts.
There are a few basic steps involved in cleaning an AR-15. First, the rifle should be unloaded and the magazine removed. The bolt carrier group should then be removed from the rifle, followed by the charging handle. The barrel should be cleaned from the chamber end using a cleaning rod and a bore brush. The bolt carrier group and charging handle should also be cleaned using a cleaning rod and a brush. Finally, the rifle should be lubricated with a gun oil or grease.
