Does the AR-15 require any special cleaning gear? Or is it fairly run-of-the-mill? We’re going to break it down so you can do some smart shopping to clean your AR.
The AR-15 in the Beginning
If we harken back to around 1965, we’d find the M-16 freshly issued in Vietnam. Troops referred to it as a “Mattel Toy” because of its extremely light weight and plastic components. Honestly, it wasn’t much heavier than some of the toy guns that kids played with back in those days.
Why are we discussing the initial issuance of the M-16 in Vietnam? Well, at the time of its introduction, troops were told it was “self-cleaning” and never needed maintenance. They weren’t even issued cleaning kits! This, and the fact the propellant used in the cartridges was changed at the last minute, led to some serious reliability issues.
A dear friend of mine happened to participate in that era’s Southeast Asian festivities. Among other exhilarating activities, he was one of the folks who made a living jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. He was also among those issued the brand new M-16. Even though the teething pains have long since been put to rest, he still curses that platform to this day. I guess I can’t blame him since he used the rifle in combat.
So, yeah; we certainly have to clean the AR-15/M-16. This brings us to the core of the article: what do we need to keep the AR chugging along? I’ve long subscribed to the KISS Principle: (Keep It Simple, Stupid). When we complicate things, that’s when it all goes off the rails. So, here are some tools and gadgets to make life easier for you.
Real Avid Gun Tool AMP – AR-15
The Real Avid Gun Tool AMP for the AR-15 is an ingenious invention that is basically a pocket tool box. The amount of tools incorporated into this gadget is astounding.
It features a magnetic bit driver complete with flat, Phillips, Torx, and Hex heads. Those tools alone make this a valuable system. How many times have you been at the range and needed these items but didn’t have them? I certainly have. All the heads fit into slots inside the body, so they are conveniently tucked away until needed. But wait, there’s more!
The tool also features a 2.6-inch tanto blade for cutting chores. There’s a bolt override tool and takedown punch. The tool’s base functions as a hammer while a firing pin retaining pin puller is a neat touch. There are 12 bolt carrier scrapers and a firing pin scraper.
An A2 front sight adjustment tool is included in the driver bits. Many times, I’ve been at the range wanting to adjust the front sight and settled for using something that wasn’t intended for the job. A purpose-made tool for the task would have been a godsend.
The whole shootin’ match fits into a case and is easily thrown into a range bag; so it’s always there when you need it. And really, that’s most of the battle. At the time of this writing, this tool is available for $69.99.
AR-15 Cleaning Kits
To be quite honest, there’s no reason why we have to spend a mint on an AR-15 cleaning kit. For years, I used a standard USGI M-16 cleaning kit. They’re not elaborate or fancy, but they get the job done without a lot of unnecessary junk in them. If you want to get a little fancier, there are options. One of them is the Real Avid Gun Boss AR-15 Cleaning Kit. It comes in a compact, convenient, and weatherproof storage kit.
The kit isn’t complicated. It includes a 7-piece cleaning rod with handle, chamber brush, slotted bore patch tip, bolt carrier brush, cleaning pads, illuminator/punch, and some picks to get into hard-to-reach places. It’s a well put together kit specifically built for the AR-15. At the time of this writing, it retails at $29.99. You don’t have to break the bank for this one and it will do everything you need to clean your AR. This kit adheres to the KISS Principle and works just fine.
There are dozens upon dozens of various cleaning kits on the market. Some clean all sorts of firearms while others are purpose-built for the AR-15 (or other specific firearm). The majority will do what we need them to do, so pick one out and go with it.
Cleaning Rods
For a number of years now, I’ve used a one-piece cleaning rod. Why? It’s simple and works. In addition, it’s coated so there’s no chance of scratching the barrel’s rifling. There are no sections to put together, which makes it nice and rigid. There are a number of great rods on the market, and it’s not a bad idea to check one out.
One example is the Shooter’s Choice .22 caliber 36-inch Stainless Coated Cleaning Rod. The rod’s handle turns on ball bearings; so it twists with the barrel’s rifling as you clean the lands and grooves. The rod is coated and won’t scratch your rifling either. It retails for $29.99 at the time of writing.
There are many other one-piece rods out there, but I see no reason to belabor the issue.
Spray Solvents
As with the other items, there are many solvents on the market. Spray solvents are the best thing going and an ingenious invention. They get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies while cleaning out carbon, oil, and other gunk that bogs our firearms down.
For the AR-15’s chamber, this stuff is awesome. For cleaning out the gas tube and bolt carrier gas key, it’s pure gold. Spray this in there and let it go to work as it dissolves all the gunk from burned gases travelling through those areas.
One such solvent is Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Aerosol Solvent. It removes carbon, oil, and grease. There is a moveable straw-type nozzle to direct the solvent where you need it to go. Conveniently, it won’t stain or harm wood, plastic, polymer, or finishes like Cerakote. It retails for $17.99 at the time of this writing.
Again, this is just one example. There are tons of them out there; so look around and see what you might like.
Tipton Gun Butler Cleaning And Maintenance Center
This one isn’t a necessity; but man, does it make things go more smoothly and quickly! It’s that third hand that you so often wish you had.
Tipton’s Gun Butler consists of a base and two V-shaped forks that fit into said base for storage. When you set it up (which takes about five seconds), the forks hold your long guns cradled in their grasp. You’re now free to work on your long guns to your heart’s content — whether it’s cleaning, mounting a scope, or other operation.
As an added bonus, the base has some compartments for cleaning supplies and a few round cutouts for holding bottles or cans of solvents. Finally, there’s a centrally located handle for easy carrying. It retails for $29.99 at the time of writing and would be a bargain at twice that price. This is one of the single most useful pieces of gear that I have for cleaning and working on long guns (and not just AR-15s). It might not be a “must-have”, but just get it. You’ll thank me for it.
In Closing on Cleaning the AR-15
The AR-15 is an easy rifle to take care of. We need not get fancy with the gear used to clean it. A basic, bare bones kit will service our favorite rifle for many years. Sure, you can get elaborate and spend a pile of money if you want. But really, it’s not necessary.
With the gear in this article, you can easily maintain your rifle in fine style. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have to clean your AR-15 — we now know better!
