The AR barrel is one of the most important components of any AR-style rifle. It is responsible for stabilizing the bullet and ensuring that it exits the rifle at a high velocity and in a straight line. Over time, however, the barrel can become dirty and fouled with powder residue, dust, and other debris. This can lead to decreased accuracy and even damage to the barrel itself. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps necessary to clean and lubricate your AR barrel, so that it remains in optimal condition and performs to its full potential.
Materials Required
Before beginning the cleaning process, you will need to gather the following materials:
- Cleaning Rod: A long, thin metal rod with a handle at one end and a brush or patch holder at the other.
- Bore Brush: A brush that is used to scrub the inside of the barrel.
- Cleaning Patches: Small pieces of cloth or felt that are used to apply cleaning solvent and remove fouling from the barrel.
- Solvent: A chemical cleaning agent that is designed to dissolve fouling and debris from the barrel.
- Lubricant: A protective coating that is used to prevent rust and corrosion, as well as reduce friction between the barrel and the bullet.
Now that you have your materials gathered, let’s begin cleaning your AR barrel.
1. Unload Your Rifle
Before cleaning your rifle, make sure that it is unloaded and that the magazine has been removed. Safety should always come first.
2. Remove the Barrel
The next step is to remove the barrel from the rifle. You will need to disassemble the upper receiver and then use a barrel wrench to loosen and remove the barrel from the rifle. Once the barrel is removed, you can begin cleaning it.
3. Brush the Barrel
Take the bore brush and attach it to the cleaning rod. Apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to the brush, and then insert it into the barrel. Push the brush through the barrel in a back-and-forth motion, making sure to scrub the entire length of the barrel. Repeat this process several times, adding more solvent as needed.
4. Wipe the Barrel
Next, take a cleaning patch and attach it to the end of the cleaning rod. Insert the patch into the barrel and push it through until it exits the other end. Repeat this process several times, using new patches each time. This will help remove any remaining fouling from the barrel.
5. Apply Lubricant
Now that the barrel is clean, it is important to apply a protective layer of lubricant to prevent rust and corrosion, as well as reduce friction between the barrel and the bullet. Take a small amount of lubricant and apply it to a cleaning patch. Then, insert the patch into the barrel and push it through until it exits the other end. This will ensure that the entire length of the barrel is coated in lubricant.
6. Reassemble Your Rifle
7. You are done. Enjoy your AR-Rifle and Happy Shooting!