When you’re the proud owner of an AR-15, one of the most important things to do is keep it in the best working condition. To do that, you’ll need to take proper steps to ensure it remains well preserved. If you are new to this kind of care, this quick guide to AR-15 cleaning and maintenance is for you.
Get the Right Tools
Chances are you didn’t buy a gun cleaning kit when you first picked up your AR-15. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get one. If you want to keep things simple, there are plenty of pre-made gun cleaning kits on the market. If you’re more meticulous with your work, you might be better off building your own care kit.
Start by grabbing a decent-sized box with a few compartments. Get items that will fill that box. Gun cleaning mats, gloves, brushes, and cleaning solvents are essential tools. But if you find other helpful tools, don’t be afraid to add those as well. This is your personalized kit, after all.
Prep the Area
Now that you have everything, you can find a spotless area in your house where you can clean your AR. You need a clean area because excess dirt or grime will be bad for your firearm. Lay out your mat and wear gloves for extra protection. Once you’ve removed your tools, it’s time to pull out the gun.
Take the Gun Apart
Before you take the gun apart, double-check that the firearm is unloaded and the safety is on. The last thing you need is an accidental discharge. Your AR-15 should come with a set of instructions on how to disassemble it. If it does not, there are plenty of detailed videos online that will be able to walk you through the steps.
Once you’ve disassembled your gun, it’s time to clean it. Since it receives the most use, the barrel is a good place to start. However, you also want to clean areas that you usually can’t access on an assembled gun. Once you’ve used your cleaning solution to disinfect every inch of your AR, it’s time to reassemble it.
Create a Clean Environment
Cleaning your gun is pointless if you don’t store it in a clean environment afterward. The last tip in our quick guide to AR-15 cleaning and maintenance is to create a clean environment. A gun safe is the best self-contained place that will keep your gun free from dirt and dust.
However, gun safes have downsides. They are difficult to access and do not let you show off your prized possession. Fortunately, our AR-15 locking wall mount is the solution. These safes will display your firearm, keep contaminants out of its main assembly, and keep the gun away from the wrong hands. This is truly a win-win scenario.