How to Clean the AR 15 / M4 Carbine

Fun Gun Reviews Presents: Complete AR 15 / M4 Cleaning & Lubrication. This is a continuation of our AR-15 "How To" series.
Windham Weaponry MPC Carbine
Thanks for watching~ Sootch00

[@ThommyJane]

I'm very new to the AR platform. Bought my first M4 the other day and used your video to learn how to break it down and clean it for the first time. Very helpful and informative. Thanks.

[@pearlwhitewing]

This is the third video on this subject I've watched. I am picking up my first AR this week, and glad that I watched them before operating it. I'll probably watch several more.

[@brandonknight431]

Same here man, i just have to wait for income taxes, the AR im looking at is $800. I hope its a good one

[@KennethvanWyk]

Thanks Sootch. Every AR owner should watch this at least once. Excellent and practical advice. I appreciate all you put into putting this together for us.

[@brucemackenzie8794]

Sooch00 after watching numerous vids on cleaning and reassembling a AR you are the only one showing how the bolt goes back in the ejector at the 4-5 o'clock position and the extractor roughly 11o'clock position thanks for the detail

[@MrAutochamber]

Sootch00 Thank you so much for this series of videos. Yes I have put together and cleaned my own AR but I have been self taught & it always helps to watch someone else do it to too see if I am missing anything. Complete novices to experts need to watch this series. If you are novice watch and learn ; a expert please add your comments so all us guys in the middle can learn!!

[@easbreid9879]

Lubricity, a word you don't hear everyday. Great video sootch, thanks

[@stoneblz]

i appreciate how well you speak. very very easy to understand for a weapon cleaning naive person such as myself. thanks man

[@brandonknight431]

Im totally new to this, in watching video after video on maintaining, cleaning, and how to use the rifle

[@Relentless_Venture]

This is the only video we need for cleaning this and variants. No fancy intro no E begging no 12 min story before the video. Just clean the rifle. This guy was ahead of the game

[@raihansani2002]

It was by far the most detailed and simple instruction video that I found on the Internet !!!

[@SgtAwesome97]

About to buy my first AR tomorrow, a Windham Weaponry MPC. Definitely gonna add this to my favorites, appreciate it!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Sootch, a useful suggestion for those who have the inclination is to use a sonicator (vibratory cleaner) bath. Lyman makes one, as do several other makers. The device consists of a small bath with a temperature control, timer and on/off for sonication. Simply fill the bath to the fill line with warm-hot water, add a small amount of grease cutter, and then place your dirty parts in the basket and lower the basket into the bath. Hit the control buttons to start and the machine does the rest. Obviously, this machine is a luxury and doesn't not replace your method in the field or when by-hand cleaning is needed, but a sonicator is a real labor-saver if you have a lot of dirty gun parts to clean. More-stubborn deposits can be left to soak overnight as needed. Cabela's and other retailers offer environmentally-safe grease cleaners which may be safely washed down the drain and do not require haz-mat storage/pick-up.

[@runamok4]

I picked up my Colt M4 about a month ago, I was a little leery about a complete breakdown and cleaning until I watched this video. It was very helpful and the cleaning turned out to be a piece of cake, thanks

[@dinglin7740]

I just cleaned my first AR15 by following your instructions ! Thank you !

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Every now and then I check out AR cleaning videos just to see if I can pick up a new tip or trick and I gotta say your video is by far still the most in-depth and up close video on how to clean and lube an AR-15. A Big Thumbs Up Sootch..🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👊

[@hmiranda71]

Thank you Don for this video I'm new in the AR system and this video help me a lot how to maintain the rifle.

[@futuresonex]

Great video! Regarding lube however, I've seen a lot of guns choke from being too dry, but I've never seen one choke from being too wet. One tool that's nice to have is an Iosso Complete AR-15 Cleaning Kit. It has the proper brushes to clean every part of the rifle. It's not a have to have, but it's sure nice to have! That and a bore snake and you've pretty much got it covered for most cleaning. Add in a good 1-piece rod, jag & brush set and some patches for heavy bore cleaning, and you're set!

[@alessandrociomei8330]

Very good. Before I never understand how dismount completely bolt carrier. Thank you.

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

Agreed. Since I shoot my AR almost 100% of the time suppressed, using high temp bearing grease on the bolt really helps keep down carbon buildup.

[@normanmcneal3605]

Them Marines. I was never taught right. 5 year expert badge with three rifles. Carry on

[@blindref757]

Thanks! Just finished cleaning my AR for the first time and this was very helpful!

[@jeffreykral5159]

Thanks, A real help for 1st timer...had a bit of trouble at the end, installing the charging handle and bolt assembly.

[@caven930]

I was looking for a video representation of what the instructions for my sig m400 said, because I wasn't sure about what to lubricate around the trigger. This was pretty spot on for everything except the firing pin. My instructions didn't say to lube the firing pin, infact mine was very nasty when I cleaned it because I put lube on it last time.

[@blulight1170]

sootch00: This is one of the BEST vids on cleaning of an AR that is around...I still come back to it to refresh my mind! Well done..keep up the great work!

[@tomn5880]

I use Hoppes, rag/brush to clean residue off the upper and lower. I use Lucas red high temp bearing grease to lubricate the bolt and apply it on the metal to metal parts that contact one another. I use a hobby brush to apply a thin coat. I use liquid bearings (synthetic machine lube) on the trigger and other pivot parts. (petroleum has solvents which continues to evaporate. Synthetic clings and is not effected by gravity)

[@8chammer2]

Sootch00 makes the best AR-15 "How To" videos.

[@kenborgie6980]

Thanks very much SOOTCH for the thorough cleaning and lube operation. Very good advice for anyone wanting to learn more.

[@garrypeek897]

Didn’t learn anything new because carried one about every day I was in especially in Nam ,I carried a pistol some times but I still enjoyed watching thanks.

[@kinpin66]

THANK YOU! First time gun owner followed your video step by step and got my gub cleaned!

[@AMW635]

Did this man just say, "lubricity'? lol

[@jadeolin8514]

Yes...why?

[@TrueBlueYou]

APatriot Yeah...He recommended that I take the upper off… “It would make it much easier” he said. I tried to do it with the upper on and it took me almost 6 months to clean : o

[@minnesotanice369]

silent lucidity 👍 song

[@MattyDemello]

"lubricity" is a legit word lol

[@ericrosario5369]

Lubricity is a word but I think it was said improperly in what he was referring to.

[@weehawker1]

Dear Sir, thank you so much for your Excellent, Clear and Simple Explanation. It has been 48 years since my Drill Seargents (sp) taught us how to clean our weapons. " Life is but a vapor." Thanks again for all of your hard Work. Sic Semper Tyrannis.

[@zr9115]

Appreciate the thorough instructions and up-close footage! Helped me a lot with my first rifle.

[@TracyKimbal1973]

One tool I use is a portable Hawk air compressor used for driving finish nails for interior construction. A high pressure air nozzle works great especially in the upper receiver.

[@tonysmith5465]

Very very outstanding video. Great job. One of the best. True: No oil in the chamber. Period. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot friend. SC Navy vet. 🇺🇸😊

[@donape64]

Tutorial eccezionale,ho acquistato da qualche mese il mio diamond back e di conseguenza ho visto tanti video sullo smontaggio, ce ne sono molti ben fatti, ma questo è il più completo.Fantastico!

[@charleshernandez9307]

Know I know why u need a clean work table so u won't loose any small parts great video thanx keep all people clear of work zone

[@waynegordon6385]

I've viewed many videos this tutorial was direct in your face & crystal clear. Thanks✔

[@marvindejaynes9981]

I prefer "wet". During extended engagements the carbon will act as a graphite like substance when combined with a generous amount of applied lubricant. The dry method may lead to premature binding/failure during high heat cycling for extended periods due to carbon fouling and wear without the added lubricity. Excellent and thorough information on proper cleaning and maintenance regardless.

[@patmac7139]

Holy hell! Great video. I never knew about these Tapco Star Patches! I've spent countless hours, throughout all stages of my military career, sitting there fingering that star chamber, wiping, and repeating over and over hoping that the arms room will say it's clean enough to turn my weapon back in. I just bought some of these patches and I'll keep em in my car for the next time we draw weapons.

[@levicoleman3803]

Thanks man. I know the ak47 like that back of my hand but know nothing about how to clean an ar15 this helps alot bro

[@MG-lc5tv]

Anyone else find this oddly satisfying and relaxing?

[@wetolow1444]

the outtakes were great, thats how it usually gose for me.

[@ronalddesroches5844]

Your illustration is great.. For beginners or novice gun owners…

[@williameudy6615]

Everybody’s got their own way of cleaning and lubricating an AR -15. I’m like you (neither wet nor dry).

[@feastofsteven1214]

Love the outtakes at the end, great comprehensive video, thx

[@billwalters3812]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful - first time I've done a good cleaning on an AR.

[@ohmygil]

Another great video. Detailed, informative, to the point. Thank you!

[@AgressorNation]

Excellent video Sir. Thank you very much. This is stuff that was already familiar to me, but it's always nice to see an excellent review/demo/refresher.

[@rickbourne1376]

Good Old Hoppes No. 9. The old timers (WWII vets) taught me to use that.

[@SkinnyMedic]

Thank you for this series!

[@Xann2727]

love the video! the bloopers made my day after cleaning my AR

[@Montyfiable]

In the CF we learned that running your rifle as wet as a virgin on prom night works best.Soaking a direct impingement rifle is fine, it cleans better as well.

[@carlosslim7305]

cleaning videos made easy by this gentleman here! thank you Sir!

[@emsrusty846]

Sweet Jesus the foreword assist ?!?!? Lol

[@geraldbrock316]

Best most detailed video I've seen thank you Sooch

[@dustincarter83]

Great video! Im new to the ar-15 My black rain ordanace 6.8 is now cleaned and ready to roll again, Thanks!

[@DDhead]

and don't forget to lube your trigger finger you don't want it to be rusty lol

[@Kigai11]

The last few videos that you have done on the AR 15 have been very helpful to me since I'm new to the AR platform, thanks for all the great videos and keep up the good work.

[@AK47Prepper]

This video would be about 15 seconds long if it was about cleaning an AK-47. "Ok, so spray it with WD-40 everywhere and run a dirty rag down the barrel"

[@Toolness1]

Boot lace with a knot tied in it, dipped in used motor oil. AK47 bore snake.

[@ranger1721]

I kinda agree. I have two AR's and love them both. You can get a really good AR for under $1,000. However the AK's I've look at are higher to get the same quality of rifle. I love the AK but my Smith & Wesson M&P sport II and my Colt LE 6920 are great guns and both under $1,000. They do require some cleaning though. I've had them both for years and never had a malfunction with either.

[@khanhtrunglam8724]

@@ranger1721 Wow! My first rifle is LE 6920 and the 2nd is M&P sport II :)

[@albertojuarez8324]

This is why I stay away from Ar’s My Aks are way simpler & less maintenance is required

[@themuffinman3199]

“Spray with hose and let air dry”

[@jo232409]

My family taught me to lubricate all metal parts, especially if you will only use it once a year. They also lived near the coast, and if you go shooting once, get some corrosive agent on there (like salt in the air) it can cause rust if you don't wipe it off. The last thing you want is to pull your rifle out of the closet in a year and see pitting. Maintain your gun to last 100 years and it will.

[@williamenriquesanchezcolme753]

Thanks for that video, it's a wonderful explanation about how to clean and lube the AR-15.

[@JoeBlow-cw4pu]

He forgot to oil the grip.

[@CountArtha]

No need for oil down there. It just needs a little spit . . . . Wait, what are we talking about, exactly? :o

[@dmorgan724]

Thats what his wife said

[@in-cog4872]

lmao

[@jo232409]

Good video. You lubricate the lower more than I do, I tend to spread lube around the upper more.

[@hokeypokeyalso1783]

Thanks for the video, love the out takes. I like it when a guy can laugh at himself.

[@HerbWalker]

I am about to strip & clean & LUB my new Windham MPC Rifle for the 1st time. Here come da FROGLUBE!!!!

[@robhtp3817]

Thanks a whole bunch, for beginners this is very thorough and is much appreciated!!! 😎

[@waboom248]

before I do anything I hose it out with brake spray and cycle the action. Then once the bolt carrier is out, spray it down with brake spray too. Makes things much cleaner to start out.

[@kenborgie1727]

SOOTCH:YOU HAVE SOME OF THE BEST VIDEOS BAR-NONE. WE ALL WILL NEVER FORGET THAT, "A LITTLE BIT OF OIL GOES A LONG WAY - JUST LIKE WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, "A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE GOES A LONG WAY." YOU TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE IN OUR COCKEYED WORLD NOW.

[@slick4401]

I agree with the light coat of oil approach. A gun that needs to run too wet is not to be trusted. BTW, I love the outtakes at the end. You can trust a man who shows that side of himself.

[@AfKman101]

6:26 "Anywhere you see any wear" sounds hilarious withought words, to describe what you meant. great video BTW!

[@juanapalomino1669]

3218624101gustavo adolfo moto moyadolfo sdredamoto dreds hoy

[@tom_olofsson]

"Anywhere you see any wear." Gotta love those Soochisms.

[@kinghunterr6041]

I doubt anyone intentionally disliked this video. I came back to this video page and it showed that I had disliked your video soo i quickly changed that and gave you the thumbs up.

[@lyonsharpslayer3825]

You are the best guy out here on cleaning! Thanks Brother

[@Ivan_Ivanov_]

Чистка оружия это особенное удовольствие 👍😊

[@myopiniondoesntmatter8958]

Super good video! I burned a bunch of steel case ammo through my AR the other day and wanted to clean it thoroughly because my buddy said it was really corrosive (I didn't know that! won't be buying steel case again if I can help it). This video helped me alot! easy to follow and I like the confidence it gave me to really tear my rifle down. Thanks a million!

[@900stx7]

my opinion doesn't matter modern steel case ammo is not corrosive.

[@Blanderr]

my opinion doesn't matter steel ammo isn't corrosive unless it's laquer coated

[@antoniobaskerville6823]

Thanks Great Video ! I new to the AR-15 Platform. I see a lot goes into Cleaning The AR-15.

[@jimgates4801]

Keeping this excellent video for reference. Thanks so much.

[@jackmarr1776]

Thanks man I have been watching all the wrong videos the whole time

[@TripleAAA53]

OUTSTANDING tutorial on cleaning the AR

[@Craig52-zq1bt]

If you are getting your maintenance training from videos by folks you know NOTHING about, you deserve the results.

[@timothystata2566]

Excellent step by step detail to successfully clean your AR. Nicely done.

[@jerrymartin7732]

Nice video but you should have used gloves to protect your hands from contact with solvents which aren't good for your skin. Safety glasses are also a good idea.

[@eskimoprizefighter1]

best AR cleaning tutorial i've seen

[@pukinator1]

I suggest (and learned in the military) not to push the cloth through the barrel. Rather put the rod from the nozzle through the barrel, slide the cloth in and pull through. This will keep you from snapping the rod in the barrel when you maybe lose your balance or something. The first few soaked in lube or solvent to clean. the rest dry until you get clean cloths.

[@roberttosa2560]

pukinator1 ... great tip, Puk. Gonna use it. Thanks!

[@CL-ty6wp]

Really no need to clean the bore on an ar. Even a 22 with non jacket bullets, never had issues with fouling or anything.

[@PaPi0141]

I’ve had my AR for 6 years and shoot it daily still yet to clean it shoots great

[@guillermomunoz2323]

No cleaning in 6 years and you shoot it on a daily basis ? Wow.. Is it a piston or direct impingement (gas tube) rifle ?

[@thrivealist9458]

I can’t express how much I like your videos.

[@JustinTrump]

You should really get one of the CAT Outdoors M-4 tools for cleaning that bolt tail.

[@bambam144]

thx for the video thumbs up! but after i have been watching this, then i am more then happy that i have had a sturmgewehr 90 (SIG 550) during my service time in the swiss army. it's much more easier to clean.

[@TheCoolwhipped]

when cleaning mine, i like to take a few oiled patches and run them through the barrel before using dry patches. i find it tends to pick up more grime than just dry patches. also, if you use a solvent, put more than one coat of oil on those parts. put some on, rub it in, wipe off excess, let it sit, once all parts are completed, do it one more time. while running it on the drier side prevents build up, it runs smoother when wet.

[@constructiontech1970]

Another good video Don, loved the outtake where your cleaning rod hit the light!!! Ive done the same thing a hundred times!!!

[@craighildebrand9259]

His method of cleaning is great. Maybe I was seeing things, but did it look like there was a lot of lint left from his cloths?

[@drmaudio]

I have never seen those star patches. I will have to try them out. I have been using a chamber brush and mop with a fixed (non-spinning) cleaning rod. This works great, but is often more then needed.

[@PrepperAction]

Nice comprehensive straight to the point video, thank you sir.

[@ShowemRight]

Thanks sootch00...you saved me a lot of headaches...Great, to the point Presentations

[@OriginalParadigm357]

You hope if you're buying a used rifle it's owned by someone like this. Good respect for the machinery

[@YooperDanKulka]

Pull handguard, clean out gas's tube. Swop barrel. NMCB 5. NAM

[@icanreadthebible7561]

Years ago I found a double-ended nylon bristle baby bottle cleaner that, with solvent, works great for the upper receiver. The large end is for the charging handle and bolt area. The small end has a "stepped" brush that fits perfectly in the locking bolt ("star") area and the chamber. This double-ended brush must have been designed by Eugene Stoner for his wife to clean baby bottles, caps and nipples.

[@billbraski2452]

This video is great, you take your time and explain things in detail.

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

I love the blooper reels! Thanks for the thorough walk through sootch!

[@SoMoMule]

My exact set-up, Hoppe's #9 & Break LP. NOT CLP, the #9 is the cleaner and the Break is a lube and protectant. I don't understand how CLP became so popular. A cleaner should remove oil & powder fouling, so how could one product do all those things very well. Another great video sootch00.

[@mistergrendel32]

You have some first class videos young man. I like the burlap and camouflage, nice touch. I bet you are underground in your Militia sniper bunker made from a shipping container? 🤓