Cleaning

Inspection

During the cleaning of the rifle or any of its components,
all areas should be inspected for wear, bent or damaged parts,
pitting, dings, corrosion, or cracking.
If any of the parts exhibit cracking, they should be replaced.

Wear can be reduced by careful application of proper lubricants.

PRIOR TO CLEANING, BE SURE THE FIREARM IS NOT LOADED!

Cleaning

There are countless methods of how to clean and lubricate an AR-15 rifle.
Some experienced shooters will: - Perform a complete disassembly - Place parts into a bowl of solvent - Use an ultrasonic cleaner - Use spray foams with magic scrubbing bubbles - Use compressed air

The following procedure assumes that you have a basic rod and patch kit,
or a few of the Otis Technology products.

Wear Safety Glasses!

Cleaning Products

Every year we are exposed to new solvents and cleaning products.
For that reason, we will not endorse any cleaning or lubrication products in this Gun-Guide®.
Some are toxic and dangerous if combined.
It’s generally a good idea to stick with a family of products under one brand name.

We have chosen to use the very popular: - Otis BREECH-TO-MUZZLE SYSTEM® Kit - Otis Star Chamber Cleaning Tool

The flexible cleaning cable allows you to insert patches and brushes directly into the chamber
without using a traditional cleaning rod that must travel over six inches
through the rear of the upper receiver — which drops chemicals and debris
inside the Receiver and Trigger Assembly.

If you are using traditional cleaning rods, a BORE GUIDE
will help: - Contain solvents and debris - Align the rod to travel straight from breech to muzzle

Cleaning Solvents

Be sure to read and follow the instructions and safety precautions
found on all of your cleaning products.

Most recommend that you shake before using.

Get Set Up

Cleaning an AR-15 is different than other rifles
since it hinges open and the upper and lower may be easily separated.

We suggest using a LOWER RECEIVER VICE BLOCK,
which inserts and locks into the MAGAZINE WELL
and is held firmly in place in your workbench vice or a bench-mounted version.

Never use a wire brush or abrasive material to clean aluminum or polymer surfaces.

Cleaning: Upper Receiver

Chamber Cleaning (Using the OTIS Star Chamber Tool)

Remove the Bolt Carrier Assembly and Charging Handle to gain access to the Chamber.
Extend the telescopic handle and insert the scraper tool
into the center of the Chamber through the locking lugs.
Twist a few times back and forth to loosen and remove fouling.
Unscrew the front bolt and remove the scraping tool.
Install an Otis felt cleaning pad to mop up debris from the scraping tool.

Chamber Brush

A traditional bronze chamber cleaning brush is included in most AR-15 cleaning kits. As shown below.

Otis Technologies

BREECH-TO-MUZZLE® MSR/AR Cleaning System

Barrel / Bore Cleaning

Install the slotted tip and obstruction remover to the Memory Flex Cable®.
Create a 2” patch/swab (based on Otis’ instructions).

Patch/Swab 3. Insert the 30” cable into the chamber with the obstruction remover end first
and feed it through the end of the muzzle.

Insert the T-handle bar into the obstruction remover.
Place a few drops of your favorite solvent on the swab.
Rotate the patch a few times to clean the chamber area
and pull the patch through from breech to muzzle.
(You may want to wait a few minutes for the solvent to penetrate, based on your solvent’s instructions.)
Replace patch and slotted tip with a correct-size bore brush.
Insert cable, obstruction remover end first, and feed it through the muzzle.
Insert T-handle bar and pull the bore brush from breech to muzzle.
(If necessary, repeat this step.)
Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 using a dry patch/swab.
Repeat steps 1–9 as necessary until clean.

Bolt Carrier Assembly Cleaning

Starting with a disassembled Bolt Carrier Assembly (Pages 9–11),
clean the interior by inserting the end of the Otis B.O.N.E. tool.
(B.O.N.E. = Bolt Operational Necessary Equipment)
Turn it a few times to remove carbon from hard-to-reach areas.
Run a patch or cloth inside to remove debris.
Insert the rear of the BOLT into the B.O.N.E. tool.
Turn it several times with firm pressure to remove baked-on carbon.
Wipe clean with cloth.
Clean the FIRING PIN by inserting it into the side hole of the B.O.N.E. tool.
Turn it several times to remove carbon. Wipe clean with cloth.

Clean the CARRIER KEY with solvent and a pipe cleaner or a worn bore brush.
Brush and clean all surfaces of the:
- BOLT FACE
- LOCKING LUGS
- CHARGING HANDLE
- EXTRACTOR
- EJECTOR ASSEMBLIES

Cleaning: Lower Receiver

1. Buffer Assembly and Action Spring

Normally, these can be cleaned by simply wiping with a clean cloth.
Loop a small section of cleaning cloth around the Action Spring,
rotate the spring, and wind the cloth from top to bottom.

Remove all carbon and debris from the Buffer Assembly.
Clean the inside of the Receiver Extension Tube using a cloth or patch.

2. Trigger Group

If you disassembled the TRIGGER GROUP, simply clean each part with a brush, solvent, and wipe with a clean cloth.

If your Trigger Group is assembled into the LOWER RECEIVER, you can spray a degreaser like: - Brake cleaner - Birchwood Case Gun Scrubber - CLP or a similar pump cleaner

…directly onto all component parts.

Wipe off all of the components and the small cavities inside the walls of the Lower Receiver, or use compressed air (e.g., a can of compressed air “duster”).