How to Clean Your AR15 Barrel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Optimal Performance

Table of Contents

Why a Clean Barrel Matters

The AR15. A marvel of engineering, a symbol of American ingenuity, and a firearm that demands respect, both in its handling and its upkeep. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman, a competitive shooter, or a responsible gun owner focused on home defense, the accuracy and reliability of your AR15 are paramount. And a crucial component of achieving peak performance lies in maintaining a meticulously clean barrel. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, precision, and extending the life of your investment. Neglecting this essential task can lead to a cascade of problems, from erratic shot placement to potentially dangerous malfunctions. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to clean your AR15 barrel effectively, ensuring your firearm operates at its best.

Before we dive into the mechanics, let’s explore the critical reasons why cleaning your AR15 barrel is non-negotiable. First and foremost, a clean barrel directly translates to improved accuracy. When you fire a round, propellant gases push the bullet down the barrel, imparting a spin to stabilize its flight. If the barrel is fouled with carbon buildup, copper deposits, or other debris, it disrupts this process. These imperfections can cause inconsistencies in bullet trajectory, leading to “flyers” or groups that are significantly off-target. In competitive shooting, this can be the difference between winning and losing. In a self-defense scenario, it could mean the difference between a successful outcome and a tragic one.

Beyond accuracy, a clean barrel significantly enhances the reliability of your rifle. Carbon fouling can build up, causing the bullet to experience excessive friction. This increased friction can lead to a higher likelihood of jams, failures to extract, or failures to feed. Furthermore, the buildup of copper and carbon can trap heat, accelerating wear and tear on your barrel and other components. Regular cleaning removes these performance-inhibiting elements, allowing your AR15 to function flawlessly, shot after shot, when you need it most.

Finally, regular barrel cleaning is critical for the longevity of your AR15. Copper deposits, in particular, can corrode the barrel’s steel over time. This corrosion will degrade the rifling, diminishing accuracy and potentially rendering the barrel unsafe. Cleaning your barrel properly removes these corrosive elements, preserving the integrity of the rifling and extending the lifespan of your valuable firearm.

Essential Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

To effectively clean your AR15 barrel, you’ll need the right tools and supplies. Investing in quality equipment from the start will save you time, frustration, and potentially prevent damage to your rifle. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essentials:

Bore Cleaning Rod: Choose a quality, one-piece cleaning rod made of coated steel or a non-abrasive material like carbon fiber. Avoid rods with brass or aluminum tips, as these can potentially scratch the barrel. Make sure the rod is the appropriate length for your AR15’s barrel and does not come into contact with the muzzle when being used.
Bore Guide: A bore guide is an essential tool. It inserts into the chamber of your AR15, protecting the chamber from being damaged by the cleaning rod, and ensures the rod and attached cleaning tools are aligned properly. It also helps center the cleaning rod and prevents the solvent from entering the action of the rifle.
Cleaning Patches: Purchase cleaning patches of various sizes. For an AR15, you’ll need patches designed for the .223/5.56mm bore. Stock up on a good supply, as you’ll be using quite a few. Opt for cotton or flannel patches, as these are absorbent and gentle on the barrel.
Bore Brush: A nylon or bronze bore brush specifically designed for the .223/5.56mm caliber is necessary to remove stubborn fouling. Nylon brushes are generally safe, but bronze brushes provide a bit more scrubbing power when dealing with tough carbon or copper buildup. Avoid stainless steel brushes, as they are far too aggressive and could damage the barrel.
Cleaning Solvent: There are a variety of cleaning solvents available, each designed to tackle different types of fouling. A good general-purpose solvent will work for most applications, but you might consider having different types on hand. Solvents designed for copper removal are essential if you shoot ammunition with copper-jacketed bullets. Carbon solvents are equally important to remove carbon deposits. Consider a “CLP” (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) solvent if you want an all-in-one solution.
Lubricant/Protectant: After cleaning, you’ll need a lubricant/protectant to protect the bore from corrosion and friction. Many CLP products can also be used for this purpose.
Cleaning Brush: A smaller brush will be required for cleaning the bolt carrier group, receiver, and other accessible areas of your AR15. A toothbrush-sized brush is a good choice.
Optional Tools:
- Bore Light: A bore light allows you to visually inspect the barrel, checking for cleanliness and identifying any remaining fouling.
- Patch Holder: Makes it easier to hold the cleaning patch when pushing it through the barrel.
- Chamber Brush: Specifically designed for cleaning the chamber of your rifle.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for a Successful Cleaning Session

Before you begin, prioritize safety. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, even if you believe it’s empty.

Safety First

Ensure the firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine and lock the bolt to the rear. Visually inspect the chamber and the magazine well to confirm there are no rounds present. Physically check by inserting your finger in the chamber (after visually inspecting) to ensure it is empty.
Point the muzzle of the AR15 in a safe direction, preferably in a direction where a discharged round would not cause harm.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any potential splashing of solvents or debris.
Work in a well-ventilated area, or consider wearing a respirator, especially if you are using solvents with strong fumes.

Disassembly

While you don’t need to completely disassemble your AR15 for basic barrel cleaning, you will want to separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver. This allows you to easily access the chamber end of the barrel.

Prepare the Work Area

Set up your workspace with a clean surface to protect your rifle. Place your cleaning supplies within easy reach. A good surface would be one that is easy to wipe down and that can absorb any spills.

The Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure: A Deep Dive

Now that you have your tools and have prepared your workspace, let’s go through the cleaning process step by step:

Applying Solvent

This is the first and often most important part of the cleaning process.

Insert the Bore Guide: Insert the bore guide into the chamber of your AR15. This is critical to protect the chamber and center the cleaning rod.
Prepare a Patch: Take a cleaning patch and dampen it (but don’t soak it) with your chosen cleaning solvent. Too much solvent can lead to it running into the action of the rifle. The goal is to have the patch slightly saturated.
Pass the Patch Through: Attach the solvent-soaked patch to the cleaning rod. Carefully insert the rod into the chamber and push the patch through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle. The patch should encounter some resistance as it moves through the rifling. Push the patch through the barrel in a single, smooth motion. Don’t force it. Do not change direction inside the barrel.
Repeat with Clean Patches: Remove the patch and rod. Repeat the process with additional, clean patches, pushing them through the barrel in a single motion until the patches emerge relatively clean. This removes loose carbon and debris, preparing the barrel for the next stage.

Using the Bore Brush

Now, it’s time to tackle the tougher deposits.

Attach the Brush: Attach the appropriate bore brush to your cleaning rod. Ensure it’s securely attached.
Insert from the Chamber: Insert the brush into the chamber end of the barrel, following the bore guide.
Work the Brush Back and Forth: Push the brush through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle and back and forth several times (around 5-10 passes). Again, keep the brush moving in a straight line and do not change directions mid-stroke in the barrel, as this can potentially damage the rifling.
Remove the Brush: Remove the brush from the barrel and detach it from the cleaning rod.
Follow with Patches: Repeat the patch cleaning procedure (as described above) to remove the loosened fouling. You might need several patches.
Repeat as Needed: Repeat the bore brush and patch cleaning procedure until the patches come out relatively clean. At this stage, if using a copper solvent, wait for the solution to dissolve copper fouling, and follow the same procedure.

Checking for Cleanliness

Once you’ve used the brush and patches, it’s time to verify your progress.

Use a Bore Light: If you have a bore light, insert it into the chamber to inspect the barrel visually. Look for any remaining carbon, copper, or other deposits.
Run a Clean Patch: Take a clean, dry patch and run it through the barrel. Examine the patch. If it comes out clean, you’ve successfully cleaned the barrel. If it still shows signs of fouling, repeat the brushing and patching process.

Lubrication and Protection

With your barrel clean, it’s time to protect it from corrosion and friction.

Apply Lubricant: Take a clean patch and apply a few drops of your chosen lubricant/protectant. You don’t need to saturate the patch; just a light coating is sufficient.
Pass the Lubricated Patch: Attach the lubricated patch to your cleaning rod and run it through the barrel, from the chamber end to the muzzle. This will leave a thin film of lubricant on the bore’s surface.
Wipe Excess: Use a clean, dry patch to wipe away any excess lubricant from the barrel. Too much lubricant can attract dirt and dust.

Additional Cleaning Tips and Considerations

Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group: While you are cleaning the barrel, take the opportunity to clean other vital parts, especially the bolt carrier group (BCG). Disassemble the BCG following the manufacturer’s instructions, and clean the parts with solvent and a cleaning brush. Lubricate all moving parts, paying particular attention to the bolt itself.
Cleaning the Chamber: Use a chamber brush to thoroughly clean the chamber area. This removes any carbon buildup that can affect extraction and feeding.
Cleaning the Muzzle Device: If your AR15 has a muzzle brake or flash hider, clean it regularly to remove carbon buildup.
Dealing with Stubborn Fouling: If you encounter stubborn fouling, consider using a more aggressive solvent or allowing the solvent to dwell in the barrel for a short period (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the solvent).
Storage Considerations: After cleaning, store your AR15 in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Cleaning Frequency: How Often Should You Clean?

The frequency with which you clean your AR15 barrel depends on several factors.

After Each Shooting Session: The best practice is to clean your AR15 barrel after every shooting session. This prevents fouling from building up and ensures consistent performance.
Heavy Use: If you shoot a lot of rounds, clean your barrel more frequently.
Type of Ammunition: Some ammunition, such as those with lead or corrosive primers, can leave more fouling than others. Adjust your cleaning frequency accordingly.

Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Issues

Even with regular cleaning, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

Accuracy Problems: If your rifle is experiencing accuracy issues, ensure the barrel is clean. Other potential causes include loose optics, worn components, or improper ammunition.
Leading/Fouling: Leading is the build-up of lead from the bullet on the barrel. If you’re experiencing leading, switch to jacketed bullets. Proper cleaning and solvents also help.
Malfunctions: Jams and failures to feed/extract can sometimes be traced to a dirty barrel. Thoroughly cleaning can resolve this problem.

Conclusion: The Key to a Happy and Reliable AR15

Maintaining a clean AR15 barrel is not optional; it’s a fundamental requirement for achieving optimal performance, ensuring safety, and extending the life of your rifle. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can confidently clean your barrel, removing fouling and protecting it from corrosion. A clean barrel results in enhanced accuracy, improved reliability, and a longer lifespan for your firearm. Make regular barrel cleaning a part of your routine, and you’ll be rewarded with a rifle that performs consistently and reliably, shot after shot.

Remember: The AR15 is a precision instrument. Treat it with the care and respect it deserves, and it will serve you faithfully for years to come. Now go clean your barrel!