Just make sure that, no matter what method you use, you are careful to clean each of them from back to front. NOT front to back. Back to front. This is because you want to be certain that all debris leaves the barrel. No matter what, you do NOT clean your AR-15 from muzzle to chamber.

Now’s a good time to add some of that Bore Cleaner to your rifle.

STEP NINE

Give all components of your bolt carrier group a good once over. Keep an eye out for any carbon buildup. If there’s build up, make sure to scrub it vigorously.

Clean the extractor thoroughly with a white rag so you can see what’s coming off of it.

STEP #10

After this, you’ll clean your buffer assembly, squirting a little lube on a clean rag and wiping the whole thing down. Once you’ve wiped then buffer and spring, you’re good to go.

STEP #11

Now you’re gonna clean the charging handle and upper receiver with a lightly oiled rag. I like to keep at least four rags around when cleaning my rifles because you don’t have to keep running back and forth, washing oil and debris off one rag between steps.

If you’ve cleaned your charging handle and upper receiver properly, the charging handle should move within the upper receiver with ease.

STEP #12

Here, you’ll clean your lower receiver and FCG (Fire Control Group). If you don’t know what your fire control group is, take a look at this.

You want to make sure that there are no cracks on the hammer or the lower.

STEP #13

You’ve done it, my friend. Now it’s time to put it all back together again. You’re going to reassemble your rifle working backwards from step twelve.

STEP #14

After your rifle is intact once again, you may want to lubricate it. Everything from your charging handle to your bolt carrier group should receive a light coating of oil. When you’re done, it should be gleaming.

Your fire control group, bolt catch button, mag release and safety selector should all receive a drop or two of lube.

STEP #15

This is when you should perform a function check. Look around and make sure there is no ammo laying around. It should still be safely secured and stored away.

Like you did at the start, pick up your rifle and point it in a safe direction. Pull the bolt to the rear and and release it. Place your safety on and give the trigger a good squeeze. If the hammer drops, you’re in trouble. If the hammer doesn’t drop, you’re in the clear.

Take the safety off, train your firearm on a safe target and pull the trigger. If the hammer falls, you’re all set.

You’ve done it, the hard part is over. From here, you should clean your magazine the same way you cleaned your buffer assembly (see: above).

When it comes to maintenance, you should consult with the manufacturer of your AR-15 to determine the precise maintenance schedule you should keep for your firearm. All guns are different in this regard.

The average failure that occurs with most rifles is the O-ring being compromised. If your rifle develops a problem with its bolt carrier group or other component, be sure to work on that area first and foremost.

Always keep your rifle lubricated and you should be alright. Lubrication is key to rifle maintenance.

Always inspect all components during each cleaning.

CONCLUSION

There you go, that’s about everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining an AR-15. See, I told you it was simpler than you thought. If you follow these steps, you should have a long and positive experience with your AR-15 rifle.

Be sure to take your time when cleaning and pay attention to the condition of all components. Happy hunting.

Forgot to mention – love your AR? Every thought of upgrading your setup and getting the best scope possible?

This article by Will Ellis originally appeared at Gun News Daily in 2018.

Image: Wikimedia.