Safety first
Before handling your rifle, verify it is unloaded. Remove the magazine, lock the bolt to the rear, and physically inspect the chamber. Point in a safe direction at all times.
Required Tools and Supplies
- Bore solvent (Hoppe's No. 9, Shooter's Choice, or similar)
For dissolving copper and powder fouling.
- CLP or dedicated gun oil
Clean, Lubricate, Protect. Mil spec options work well for general use.
- Bore brush (5.56mm / .223)
Bronze brush for the chamber and bore.
- Cleaning rod with jag and patches
One piece coated rod preferred to avoid crown damage.
- Chamber brush
Larger diameter brush for chamber and locking lugs.
- Nylon cleaning brush
Toothbrush sized brush for the BCG and lower.
- Clean rags and patches
Cotton patches or microfiber rags.
- Pick set or dental picks
For carbon in tight areas like the bolt tail.
- Replacement BCG parts (optional)Shop parts
Gas rings, extractor spring, o-ring kept on hand.
Step by Step Field Strip
- 1
Clear the rifle
Remove the magazine. Lock the bolt to the rear. Visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty. Let the bolt go forward on an empty chamber. Point in a safe direction the entire time.
- 2
Separate the upper from the lower
Push out the rear takedown pin. Pivot the upper forward, then push out the front pivot pin. Lift the upper receiver off the lower.
- 3
Remove the charging handle and BCG
Grasp the charging handle, pull rearward while pulling the BCG out with it. Lift the charging handle out of its channel.
- 4
Disassemble the BCG
Remove the firing pin retaining pin, then the firing pin (tail down). Rotate the cam pin 90 degrees and pull it up. Pull the bolt out of the carrier.
- 5
Do not disassemble further
Do not remove the extractor unless you are replacing it or the spring/o-ring. Do not remove the ejector: it requires a roll pin punch and tends to launch its spring.
Cleaning Each Component
Bore
Run a solvent soaked patch through the bore from chamber to muzzle. Let the solvent dwell for 1 to 2 minutes. Follow with a bore brush (chamber to muzzle, full strokes). Run dry patches until they come out clean. Finish with a very light CLP patch.
- Always clean from chamber to muzzle to protect the crown.
- Never reverse direction mid stroke while a brush is in the bore.
Bolt Carrier Group
Scrape heavy carbon from the bolt tail and the inside rear of the carrier with a pick or dedicated scraper. Scrub with a nylon brush and solvent. Pay attention to the bolt locking lugs, extractor, and firing pin channel. Wipe clean and inspect.
- Do not polish the bolt tail to bare steel. A thin carbon layer is normal.
- Inspect gas rings for gaps and wear each cleaning.
Upper Receiver
Run a chamber brush into the locking lug recesses and chamber. Wipe the inside of the upper with a rag. Clean the charging handle channel. Do not over saturate the gas tube with solvent.
- Skip the gas tube interior. It self cleans at the temperatures it operates at.
Lower Receiver and Trigger Group
Brush out debris with a nylon brush. Wipe the trigger group with a rag. Apply one drop of oil to the hammer pin, trigger pin, and disconnector pivot. Function check the safety, trigger, and bolt catch.
- Do not spray solvent directly into the trigger group. It can strip lubrication from the fire control springs.
Lubrication Points
The AR-15 runs wet. A properly lubricated rifle is more reliable than a bone dry one. Use CLP or a dedicated firearm lubricant. Avoid WD-40 and household oils.
- Bolt body and locking lugs: light coat of CLP
- Cam pin and cam pin hole: light coat of CLP
- Bolt carrier rails (outside of carrier): generous film of CLP
- Charging handle rails: light coat of CLP
- Firing pin: wipe with a lightly oiled rag (not dripping)
- Buffer and buffer spring: light coat, not soaked
- Trigger pins and hammer pivot: one drop each
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over lubricating: excess oil attracts carbon and dust, forming abrasive paste.
- Cleaning from muzzle to chamber: damages the crown and hurts accuracy.
- Scraping the bolt tail to bare metal: removes protective nitride or parkerizing.
- Forgetting the extractor: carbon under the extractor causes failures to extract.
- Skipping the function check: always verify safe operation after reassembly.
- Using household oils or grease: they gum up and do not protect like CLP.
How Often to Clean
Range day (100 to 300 rounds)
Basic clean within 24 hours. Wipe down the BCG, clean the bore, relube. Skip the deep cleaning.
Heavy range session (500+ rounds)
Full clean. Remove handguard if your schedule calls for it, inspect gas key staking, and check the extractor spring.
Defensive or home defense rifle
Inspect monthly. Clean and relube after every use, even dry practice. Never store lubed parts near electronics.
Long term storage
Clean thoroughly, apply a slightly heavier coat of CLP to bare metal, store in a climate controlled area. Inspect quarterly.
Next Steps
Check your round count against the service schedule or shop for replacement parts through the builder.
These are recommended intervals based on published military maintenance schedules and manufacturer guidelines. Your specific maintenance needs may vary based on ammunition, environment, and use conditions. When in doubt, consult a qualified armorer or gunsmith.