How to Clean an AR-15

A simple, repeatable field-cleaning routine that keeps your AR running — no over-cleaning required.

1. 1
   Clear and disassemble

   Remove the magazine, lock the bolt back, and visually + physically confirm the chamber is empty. Push the takedown pins and separate upper from lower; pull the charging handle and bolt carrier group.

2. 2
   Break down the BCG

   Remove the firing pin retaining pin, firing pin, cam pin, and bolt. Wipe carbon off the bolt tail and inside the carrier — a chamber brush and some solvent make this fast.

3. 3
   Scrub the bore and chamber

   Run a solvent-soaked patch, then a bore brush, then dry patches until they come out mostly clean. Don't chase perfection — a clean-enough bore shoots fine.

4. 4
   Lube the right spots

   Apply a light film of lube to the bolt, cam pin, carrier rails, and charging handle. ARs like to run wet — under-lubing causes far more malfunctions than dirt.

5. 5
   Reassemble and function check

   Reinstall the BCG and charging handle, reassemble upper to lower, and do a function check on an empty gun before storing.