How to Clean Your AR-15 – Important Maintenance Tips

October 10th, 2023AR-platform rifles can be maintenance-intensive beasts. Some AR owners make things worse by not cleaning small parts regularly or by using excessive lubricants. Properly maintained and lubricated AR15s can shoot hundreds of shots (between cleanings) with no problem. You’ll be able to run your AR more reliably if you know where (and where NOT) to apply the lubricant. Cleaning the bolt and carrier will also be easier. Here is a video that explains AR-15 cleaning and maintenance. In this 30-minute NSSF Video, Gunsite Academy Instructor and Gunsmith Cory Trapp discusses how to clean and maintain an AR-15 carbine. Trapp is a very knowledgeable gunsmith who offers solid advice to AR owners. This video also explains how you can inspect your AR’s key components and function-test it before each shooting session. You must maintain your black rifle and clean it regularly if you want it to run smoothly and reliably. Here’s a good video that shows how to disassemble and properly clean AR-platform guns. Here, ace shooter Jerry Miculek disassembles and cleans a AR-platform rifle that belonged to his daughter Lena. This video is good because Lena’s rifle had been “run hard and packed dirty” and you can see the carbon and grease buildup. This 35-minute video covers a lot of ground. Jerry is a top action carbine shot in the country, so pay attention to his advice about cleaning and lubricating.Tags: AR, AR-15, AR15 cleaning, AR Maintenance, AR Bolt Assembly