Ep-17: What Does "Proper" AR-15 Maintenance & Cleaning Look Like? Are You Actually Doing It?

[@At3tactical]

*AT3 Tactical Available @ Amazon* amzn.to/46ot4am *New Monthly Giveaways & AT3 Tactical Videos* (No Firearms Sales) content.at3tactical.com/

[@DavidA20200]

The number one thing you need is a lint free rag. the last thing I want is lint to clog up the firing, pinhole or something and create a mess

[@AlexBrenyt]

2hidden videos in Ep list so help me to find out other guide Ep

[@SubOptimal_]

best tip i learned during my time in the Corps from my instructor was before cleaning anything else on the gun is to take a small zip lock bag, drop some clp in it along with your BCG parts disassembled into the bag and let is soak, then proceed to clean the upper and the lower. made it easier to scrape off the really caked up carbon on the BCG. you can keep that bag of clp on you for when you gotta field strip outside during field training or some shit

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

I heard you could use CLR as well. Good tip

[@At3tactical]

Great tip! Thanks for chiming in! You know, these days and the amount I shoot after a decade and a half of Army, I just don't find my personal rifles getting as "dirty" as when we were in. It's so much easier to clean, rather than sitting around until 22:00 waiting on that one guy to turn in his rifle! Ha!

[@sublimetulii23]

The military standards of cleaning actually do more harm than good because it needed to be white glove clean. Soldiers were ruining barrels/star chambers, using the bone tool on bolts & creating rust issues. That policy has been relaxed from what I’ve heard. Best practices is to clean your AR-15 every 300-500 rounds if you can so your deep cleans later on aren’t much of a hassle. You should be inspecting your rifle before every range outing, doing a function test, checking attachments are spec tight & lubing up parts that need it the night before. Going to the range you should know your rifle is good to go. Inspect your rifles once a month for rust & fix them. Lube lasts maybe 90 days on unused guns, so re-lube before then. I try to do deep cleans every 2,000 rounds. Make a cleaning checklist for your guns & round counts to keep track of maintenance. My self defense guns are maintained the most because you want them to be ready at all times. Good video & don’t go crazy on cleaning because you can overdo it & possibly create issues.

[@v.german11b]

First, I understand what you are saying, and I agree with much of what you stated. With that said, since when you can damage a rifle for cleaning it and lubricate it on a regular basis? Of course, over using steel brushes will harm a firearm, eventually. Other than that, it is not harmful to keep it "sparkling" clean. Again, there is no need to over cleaning it, I agree. Once we are out of the Army (or Marines), we start cleaning our rifles less often.

[@steve4386]

He's right. The Squad Leaders inspecting the weapons prior to putting them back in the arms room would go over them with white gloves, q-tips, etc. If they detected one spot of carbon they would give it back to you and you'd have to clean for another hour. This led to soldiers using the end of the cleaning rods and other metal items to scrape inside areas and on surfaces to remove carbon buildup. It was quite abusive what we did to our weapons to get them to pass inspection. You are correct that cleaning on a regular basis is not detrimental but when you are a soldier wanting to get home at the end of the day you will do anything to get that rifle cleaned. We were quite creative. @@v.german11b

[@cszero2109]

If your lube dries up after 90 days of non use you need to get better lube and better environmental control over your storage area

[@v.german11b]

*Wooow!!! By far, this is THE best video on the subject of how to clean and maintain an AR 15 rifle. Very much appreciated!* 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@At3tactical]

Fantastic praise, thanks much!

[@v.german11b]

@At3tactical *You truly "hit it out the ball park" with this detailed, outstanding, easy-to-understand instructional video. We all learn from it a thing or two!*

[@seanwhite304]

This is my cleaning schedule and what I use . I've been shooting 2Gun and USPSA for quite a few years .. The only things I use for maintenance are .. Micro Fiber Towels , Boresnakes , and polymer pics. I'm not a fan of carbon scraper tools and I do not think they are needed and do way more harm than good . I do super quick cleans after each range usage . If it takes longer than 5mins than your doing something wrong . When i get back from the range or match . I break my AR down and do super quick clean . I literally wipe everything off and then apply some lube and I'm GTG . Every 1k to 1.5k rounds I'll use Solvent instead of CLP for that quick clean . I've never done white glove cleaning and I never plan on doing so . Every 500ish rounds is when I use the Boresnake except when running suppressed than I'll do it when I get back home from the range or Match. If your doing quick cleans after every range trip . Its highly unlikely you'll never need to do white glove cleaning . When it comes to gun care products like lube and solvents you can never go wrong with G96 , Slip 2000 or Breakthrough MIL GRADE Solvent ..

[@At3tactical]

Thanks for throwing your experience in the pot here. I always genuinely appreciate those that do, because I'm dang sure not abreast of it all. Isn't is surprising how this also applies to ... almost every mechanical piece of engineering we've developed, in terms of longevity? For me, it's the only way to defeat the planned obsolescence world we live in today and keep dollars in my wallet! -Randy

[@benbroeski7719]

Love the carpet surfing analogy used across hobbies! From brs to at3 i love hearing you explain things to me!

[@At3tactical]

I thought someone would catch that! LOL

[@EthanFoster-zq7fo]

Got rid of all the carpet long ago, but i ditto this 😂😂🎉

[@joeross952]

Love throwing parts in my ultra sonic and let it work like magic. Great video like always.

[@bjolly8924]

Hell yeah, you just answered my question!👊

[@mrshort2379]

Great content & info: thanks for the tips. I can't really say much I only have the one AR and since I can't just go to the range as much as I would like. do to being a poor. I just randomly clean my firearms out of boredom!

[@leoguy1609]

Rarely use grease, it can cause issues in very cold and sandy conditions. If i do use it? Use Breakthrough grease on the hammer. If you don't clean your firearm, the debris mixes with the lubricant making a minor lapping compound. I buy replacement part kits and extra retaining pins, eventually parts wear out over time from use.

[@williambader1425]

Mineral spirits or low odor paint thinner is all I use to clean its cheaper, also mineral oil is great gun oil too.

[@lawrencedobesh776]

I bought steel bread pans from the dollar store fill them up with mineral spirits and soak all parts as I disassemble even pour it into the barrel and receiver When I’m done scrubbing I use a coffee filter to strain the solvent back into its own container after every range use! My stuff never gets put away dirty.Military taught me well!!

[@meme2780]

How you like that Charging handle, I have two of them also. But they snag my finger on the AR using them.

[@sisleymichael]

A sonic cleaning vat is VERY handy. I take the grips off of single action revolvers and put them in. For your AR, take handguards off of an AR and detach any optics and the upper goes in the vat. Same for the lower. The bolt (extractor removed) and the bolt carrier, into the vat. After the timer goes off, take out, blow it off with light air compressed air. Wipe it down. For the barrel, I still will use solvent in the barrel and run the brush through, then patches. then once more. If it is clean then, put a very light lube on it area where the charging handle and bolt carrier group reside. The lower, air hose it off, wipe down. Long Q-tips down in the trigger etc area. Also, maybe a shotgun swab down the buffer tube. Butt pad screws, may need just a hint of oil to prevent rust. Light lube for the bolt carrier, bolt, put it all together, put it in the upper. The more you keep up with cleaning, the easier it is and longer things work well. Properly cleaned and lubed (cannot stress enough do not go heavy on lube) the gun will work great. For long term storage, I will use milspec LSA internally, with a slight bit eternally on all the metal areas. That sort of treatment last about a year, which should be fine if you make sure you thoroughly clean all long term safe stored firearms annually. My turkey shotgun gets used once a year during turkey season. It gets a good cleaning and a coat of LSA until the next year, when I break it out, clean and lube, and get ready for a turkey hunt and pattern my ammo. Yes, I keep a cleaning log on all of my firearms. Spread it out over a 12 month period and it is not a big deal.

[@Leon70x7]

I just watched this entire series. Thank you so much for this high-quality and super informative content. You guys are the best. 👏👏👏

[@At3tactical]

Thanks so much. Really means a lot to hear that we're helping folks. I personally appreciate it as well, since this is my "job" and it seems to be working. Glad to have you along for the ride! Way more to come over the next few years! -Randy

[@lanceward3352]

The B roll looks to be burnt bronze... I'm curious the one in the vice behind the guy. What color is that ? FDE? Or is that the lighting n it's the bronze?

[@At3tactical]

You nailed it! Our "Bronze Bomber" in the shots and FDE on the Ruger SFAR on the wall. 👍

[@tedm4932]

Can you tell me which brand & color that AR that you are cleaning ? Really like it ! Thanks !

[@At3tactical]

Glad you asked! That's our AT3 Bronze Bomber. We have a TON of parts cerakoted in Bronze. Actually, you can WIN this exact rifle from this video! Sign up and good luck! content.at3tactical.com/

[@tedm4932]

Thank you your reply ! I signed up for three chances , wish me luck ! If I do not make the win, how can I get the exact Bronze Bomber. I am not that savvy on getting parts and building like I want. Also is that a Aero Precision brand AR ? I have read and research best I can online and really like the Bronze Bomber. Not sure how I can get one just like it . Thank you again !!@@At3tactical

[@At3tactical]

@@tedm4932 I'll do you one better... You can call in and work through an entire build with our guy, Kevin. He can easily whip up the parts needed for a Bomber Clone! Shoot us a call anytime. 888-329-3504

[@jesussilva6426]

Okay I want to know what type of color code thing is your ar 15 I want to do my ar 15 hand gard like that

[@At3tactical]

This is our AT3 Tactical Burnt Bronze Lower, Upper and HG. I will check with the team and get you the exact color code.

[@Wvbangbang]

Can you do a bit on cleaning kits but compact for missions

[@At3tactical]

That is a great idea. I will add that to the video idea board.

[@Wvbangbang]

Thank you

[@Gubbae]

any parts list for products mentioned?

[@At3tactical]

We've got everything talked about in this episode on our site at AT3 Tactical. Unfortunately, YT hates it when people link to firearms websites...so we can't share them here. :(

[@DiligentiaVisCelerita]

I'm new to the channel, great content, kudos! Could you please disclose the manufacturer of the vise you are using, one of these will make my maintenance tasks easy. Thanks

[@At3tactical]

Real Avid Master Gun Vise, It is kinda pricy but a very nice addition to a gun bench.

[@infected7258]

I accidentally put oil in my lower, I don’t know if it needs but I put and accidentally put a little too much and it’s coming out of the pins, I have to wipe it every couple of hours I might take it apart and clean it and oil it properly

[@ChefCooksAlotYT]

Trips me out seeing The Bulk Reef Supply guy telling me how to clean my AR. amazing world lol

[@At3tactical]

Yes it is🐠

[@KoltonRussell-sz2ic]

Can I use break cleaner

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Thank you!!!!!

[@maxcole3930]

Is that ar in the Kodiak brown anodizing from aero precision? That looks good. I wanna build an aero ar10 with that Kodiak brown anodizing color

[@CopyCatGarage]

I built and AR15 in 300BLK. While the chemicals and the lube and such are universal you also show a bore snake and other items that are specific to a .224" diameter projectile as in 5.56 and .223 I assume that a snake for my AR would need to be .30 caliber specific but can I use the 5.56 head brush or would I need to get a different size?

[@Sparks68]

We had to clean them so spotless that you could use it as an eating utensil. One single speck of lint or dirt would FAIL! We scrubbed and scraped every last bit of carbon off of everything. If ANYTHING showed up on a patch wiping anything -- it FAILED and back to another hour of scrubbing with hard bronze and steel picks and scrapers!!

[@Sparks68]

Today? I use bore snakes and have DLC coated bolt carriers and bolts -- save one phosphate with chromed interior. The DLC wipe down easily; carbon doesn't adhere to them much, and they're lube friendly (no BCG should run completely dry). The one phosphate, clone of the mil BCG, now retired, holds lube well and I never scraped or picked at it. Nothing more than a brass brush. "Clean enough" works with removal of anything that could be corrosive, ending with lube to prevent rust.

[@MrTanimgt]

Why the foregrip is that much forward?

[@emilmadsen8972]

Shout out to the harbor freight orange picks.

[@bjolly8924]

How about an ultrasonic cleaner why can't you just drop your BCG into an ultrasonic cleaner? you can get them for less than a hundred bucks?

[@liggerstuxin1]

Don’t they say not to mix solvents and oils? Just to stick to one type?

[@nazarosetrov63]

Wait a minute. Weren't you a presenter on the Bulk Reef Supply channel?

[@At3tactical]

Hey, you found me! Yup that's me. I left there about 1.5yrs ago, but it's so awesome to still see reefing folks find me over here. Haha! Welcome aboard! -Randy

[@Juliankb39]

Mineral spirits and mineral oil work fine and last forever, as does motor oil and grease regardless of what gun only snake oil salesmen say. Guns are made of metal and can be cleaned as such

[@99EKjohn]

Grease should probably not be used on parts whose weight or friction affect the function of the firearm. Basically trigger groups can use grease, but slide rails or the bcg, should probably not use grease. Anything that slows down the reciprocating mass can lead to malfunctions. Auto grease is extremely thick because of the amount of weight it needs to deal with, firearms are light comparatively.

[@Juliankb39]

@@99EKjohn that's why you mix them together to a viscosity that best suits your climate. You're right though of course, wouldn't wanna throw red grease on something then try to run it in the winter here in Alaska

[@mattmaffett5879]

With that said Wotan, why not then just use a quality gun oil? Seems to me having to mix for lubricity is more trouble than it's worth, even in Alaska. I'm pretty sure gun oil has a VERY high threshold to being frozen on the tundra. If your out there and your gun oil is frozen, I'd say that's the least of your worries. Not to be flippant, but I'd like to research this claim, if you are in fact making a case for such a scenario. Is there any documented cases of this very thing happening? I'm ignorant on many many subjects, but I've honestly never heard of anyone being concerned about their gun oil freezing. Getting thicker in the absence of shooting, maybe, but causing the firearm to be totally inoperable, never. Perhaps the Battle of the Bulge would be a good case study? I don't think any M1 Garands ran into this issue, or K98's for that matter. But I could be totally wrong.

[@BillyBOB-sm3rl]

You are the used cars salesman of ARs. Another gold COD player.

[@johnglencoe424]

I'll clean it when it needs it. Some people seem to just be ridiculous with it. Same one's that fashion accessorize colors 😂 give it a bath put lipstick and a wig on it. So many things to geek out on in this world. I value my guns and take adequate care. Some just like to go that extra 10 miles I guess. What the kids call extras.

[@casams1992]

Cleaning is therapeutic. Does it need to be done after each range day? No, but it’s fun to do, atleast for me.

[@atlfat9682]

Wat color is that 🔥🔥🔥🔥🧢🙌🏽

[@At3tactical]

AT3 Tactical's Burnt Bronze 🔥

[@keggerous]

People are probably going to make fun of me for this but I basically wipe down the outside of my bolt and bcg and then load it up with lube... that's about it. Sometimes I'll reapply some grease to my trigger group as per common SOPs. I never put anything through my barrel anymore. I did for a long time but a wise man told me something that made me rethink that practice. Barrels are self-cleaning. Firing a round pushes out anything that isn't supposed to be there. Anything that is left in the barrel (copper and lead) is simply filling in the small microgrooves and pitting. You don't need to clean out the copper or brush it at all. In fact, you're going to do more damage trying to get that all out of there than if you just left it and kept shooting. Also, if you do clean all that crap out, the first round fired down that barrel is just going to put it all back anyways... So, just leave your barrel alone. That's my rule. UNLESS and I repeat UNLESS you are shooting corrosive ammo! At that point, I think it's worth while to literally hose off your entire gun to get that crap off you precious metallic surfaces and then relube it all up after letting it dry. As for maintenance and upkeep, I usually go over my rifles once a year depending on how often I use them. If I use a gun a lot, like my main training AR, I'll go over it several times a year. usually after a big range day. I will check almost everything while doing this. Check the springs, the detents, the screws, the lugs, the gas rings... etc...etc...

[@johnglencoe424]

You are absolutely right. Some nerds out here clean them to death after a few hundred rounds. Same guys kiss them before they put them to bed too😂😂😂

[@5jjt]

Note that Loctite needs to be used with their primer if the threads are protected or coated in any way. In other words, you've been using Loctite wrong.

[@TTime685]

English please

[@5jjt]

​​@TTime685 What's not clear about what I wrote? Are you asking about the coating? If so, nearly every bolt or nut has a coating, even if it's just a zinc see-thru coating. The bolts on your irons, red dot, magnifier, handguard are probably all black due to their coating. If Loctite cannot get past the coating--and it cannot because it wasn't designed to--then people need to use Loctite's primer. The primer has metals suspended in it to help Loctite cure. Most Loctite formulas cure by stealing ions from the metal's elemental makeup, therfore if there's a coating, use their primer.

[@TTime685]

@@5jjt Good job, you edited

[@WanderingBobAK]

Any idea if why I cannot "Save" this vid to my folders? The 3 dots and "save"n feature is not there. Is that how it is posted?

[@At3tactical]

I checked and I don't think it is on our end.

[@Cz9mmp10]

What about the gasblock and tube

[@At3tactical]

There's really not much there to worry about. The bulk of carbon collection will happen in that upper. If you think about it, the highest velocity of gas will be right in the gas block and tube. Meaning, it's pretty tough to clog or buildup when it's constantly getting cleared and blown out. Messing with that gas block after you've got it dialed in for placement, not something I would do unless the barrel was dimpled for the same indexing point. Hope that helps! -Randy

[@justiswatson4531]

5:50 lmao I see you speak from experience lmao

[@At3tactical]

You know it😂

[@Mercedes740yev]

Brake cleaner and dw40 number one for cleaning a gun

[@brianleabo6295]

I have a friend that swears by carburetor cleaner

[@kevinunger433]

Bore snakes are not a good idea. They get contaminated and there is no way to get it all out.

[@charlesballiet7074]

this is why i dont like the 15 platform its very gassy and requires everything to be just right for it to function

[@liggerstuxin1]

I haven’t had any issues with the ones I haven’t cleaned? Where are you getting gummed up? Adjustable gas block or something?

[@mang6423]

Buzz is mumbling way to much😢