Top AR15 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Rifle Running Smoothly

How to Clean and Maintain your AR15 Rifle

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your AR15 rifle performs reliably over time. Whether you use your rifle for home defense, target shooting, or competition, regular upkeep will extend its lifespan and enhance its performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the key AR15 maintenance tips, including the cleaning tools, products, and techniques you need to keep your rifle running smoothly.

Why AR-15 Maintenance Matters

The AR15 is known for its reliability, but regular use can introduce dirt, carbon buildup, and fouling into its intricate components. Left unchecked, these contaminants can impair function, leading to jams, misfires, and reduced accuracy. A well maintained AR15 ensures optimal performance and safety, whether you’re using it in a high-stress tactical environment or enjoying a day at the range.

Essential AR-15 Cleaning Tools

Having the right tools makes a world of difference when cleaning your AR-15. Here are the basic cleaning tools and products you should have in your maintenance kit:

1. Cleaning Rod & Jag
   A solid brass cleaning rod is ideal for cleaning your AR15’s bore without damaging the barrel. The jag attachment helps push patches through the barrel to wipe away dirt and carbon. Boretech Cleaning Rod
2. Bore Brushes/Snakes
   Copper or brass bore brushes are essential for scrubbing away carbon buildup inside the barrel. The softer metal won't damage the rifling, ensuring your AR15’s accuracy is preserved. Let's not forget to mention bore snakes, which are my favorite cleaning method. Boresnakes are great for gun cleaning because they combine convenience and efficiency, allowing for quick and thorough barrel maintenance in a single pass. BoreSnakes  /  Bore Brushes
3. Cleaning Patches
   Patches soaked in a cleaning solvent (more on this below) are perfect for wiping the barrel clean. They should be run through the bore repeatedly until they come out clean.  Cleaning Patches
4. Chamber Brushes
   A chamber brush is specifically designed to clean the star chamber area, a notorious spot where dirt and carbon tend to accumulate.  Chamber brush
5. Solvent & CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant)
   A quality CLP like Break-Free CLP will help break down carbon, lubricate moving parts, and protect the rifle from corrosion. It’s a must-have for any AR15 cleaning kit. One of the best carbon removers I have used to date has been Boretechs Carbon remover.  Can't say enough about it, it'll knock out those stubborn carbon deposits quick and easy. CLP / Boretech
6. Microfiber Cloth
   A lint-free microfiber cloth is ideal for wiping down external surfaces and applying a light coating of oil to protect the AR15’s finish.  Micro Fiber. Let's not also forget the tried and true, old socks and shirts will also make a great cloth to wipe and oil with.  The best part is its free and gives old clothes a second life.

Step-by-Step AR-15 Cleaning Process

Maintaining your AR15 properly involves a detailed cleaning process. Follow these steps to ensure your rifle operates smoothly:

1. Disassemble Your AR-15

Begin by field stripping the AR15. Remove the bolt carrier group (BCG), charging handle, and lower receiver. Follow the specific instructions in your user manual if needed, as disassembly may vary slightly depending on your rifle.

2. Clean the Barrel

Using a cleaning rod and bore brush, scrub the inside of the barrel with a solvent. Insert the brush into the barrel from the chamber end, pushing it through to the muzzle. Follow this with patches soaked in solvent to remove any loosened carbon. Repeat until the patches come out clean.

3. Scrub the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)

The BCG is the heart of your AR15’s action, and it’s essential to keep it clean. Use a small brush and solvent to scrub carbon buildup off the bolt, firing pin, and inside the carrier. Pay close attention to the bolt lugs and the inside of the bolt carrier key. Once clean, apply a light coat of oil to ensure smooth operation.

Consider using a BCG carbon scraper tool to simplify the cleaning process, as this tool is designed to reach the hard-to-clean nooks in the BCG.

4. Clean the Star Chamber

The star chamber, or barrel extension, is a spot where carbon tends to accumulate. Using a chamber brush, scrub the star chamber thoroughly, then use cleaning patches to wipe away debris. Some chamber brushes come with a guide rod for easier use.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts

Once everything is clean, it’s time to lubricate. Use a CLP to lightly coat the moving parts like the BCG, trigger assembly, and charging handle. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt and carbon. Focus on key friction points like the cam pin, bolt lugs, and the inside of the upper receiver.

Recommended Product: Break-Free CLP is a trusted choice for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting your AR15.

6. Reassemble and Inspect

Once everything is cleaned and lubricated, reassemble the rifle and check for proper function. Cycle the charging handle a few times and dry fire the rifle to ensure the trigger and safety operate correctly.

AR-15 Maintenance Schedule

How often you clean your AR-15 depends on how often you use it. Here’s a general guideline to follow:

• After Each Range Session: A light cleaning, especially of the barrel and BCG, is recommended after every shooting session. This prevents excessive carbon buildup.
• Every 500 Rounds: Perform a more thorough cleaning, including the chamber and gas system, for every 500 rounds fired.
• Annually: Even if you don’t shoot your AR-15 frequently, perform a full disassembly and cleaning at least once a year to ensure all components are in good working condition.

 

Common AR-15 Maintenance Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your AR-15 in top condition:

• Over-Lubricating: While lubrication is important, too much oil can attract dirt and grime, causing malfunctions.
• Neglecting the Star Chamber: The barrel extension or star chamber is a high-fouling area that often gets overlooked. Failing to clean it can cause cycling issues.
• Using Harsh Chemicals: Some solvents can damage the AR-15’s finish or harm sensitive parts. Stick to firearms-specific products.

Troubleshooting AR-15 Issues

If you’re experiencing malfunctions or poor accuracy, these issues may stem from a lack of proper maintenance:

• Failure to Feed or Eject: This can be caused by a dirty or improperly lubricated BCG. Ensure your BCG is clean and lightly lubricated.
• Jams or Misfires: Often due to fouling in the chamber or dirty ammunition. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
• Reduced Accuracy: A dirty barrel can impair accuracy. Make sure your barrel is free of fouling and carbon deposits.

 

Final Thoughts

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your AR-15 performing reliably. By using the right tools, cleaning techniques, and following a consistent maintenance schedule, you’ll ensure that your rifle stays in top shape for years to come. Don’t forget to inspect your rifle periodically for wear and tear and replace parts as necessary.

Happy Cleaning!