How to Clean / Lube an AR-15

[bill_d]

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[SpartanArms]

Actually no, I'm not. A quality AR (such as Colt) hardly needs to be cleaned. It needs lubed for sure, but you could probably put 5,000 rounds through it and never need to clean it.

Katar,

I did not mean to put words in your mouth. Your point above is quite true and is exactly the same one I was trying to make. I know that some guys (Pat Rogers in particular) run their guns very, very dirty. However, they keep them wet! I was simply trying to prevent the OP from developing the notion that AR's don't need cleaning at all. A lot of shooters who are new(er) to the AR platform might have inferred from your post that ANY AR-15 hardly needs cleaning even if they run the gun dry or nearly dry. While a quality weapon from a Tier-One manufacturer will run for a long time when dirty, if properly lubed, that doesn't necessarily apply to guns from less scrupulous companies. Guns that are not built to a quality standard often fail when pushed even moderately. Hope you understand what I was trying to say.

[parishioner]

Excessive cleaning of an AR will cause more wear than not cleaning it but keeping it lubed.

What is considered excessive?

[RogerinTPA]

What is considered excessive?

The anal old school "white glove" inspection methods that the Drill Sargent's and DI's used to teach during basic training. I remember the weapons were so worn from over cleaning, that the BCGs were damn near bare shiny metal. Which leads to wearing the weapon out more from cleaning, than actually shooting. The troops would fine creative ways (read Unauthorized) to clean the weapon in order to pass inspection, causing more harm than good. Here's a good thread on lube by Pat Rogers. https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...er+lubrication

[parishioner]

I mean, I clean my gun after I shoot it but im not white glove anal about it. I wouldnt think that this would cause wear. Would it?

[MR.J]

What is considered excessive?

Go to ar15.com(Maintenance & Cleaning fourm) and read QUIB'S posts.He is a member here also but doesn't post much anymore.

[MR.J]

I mean, I clean my gun after I shoot it but im not white glove anal about it. I wouldnt think that this would cause wear. Would it?

You should worry MORE IMHO about keeping it lubed(ie VERY WET) then wasting time cleaning it every time you shoot.I would clean every 2 to 3k if your useing brass case ammo.If your useing wolf,just clean the CHAMBER after every range trip.