[hawkguy]

i just got my first AR & i could use all all the help i can get

tell me about the care and cleaning of an AR. i'll likely completely clean it each time i shoot it, cause that's how i roll with all my guns.

do i need any particular tools for break down? i'll read the manual and watch some vids....i just haven't yet.

what should i use to clean/protect the gun? the outside finish?

would a foam bore cleaner like wipeout/breakfree be ok?

what should i use for lube? (all suggestions welcome, but i might get a chance to shoot this weekend, so if anything acceptable could be bought at wal-mart, that would be great).

any other thoughts?

many thanks!

[Duck4Glocks]

I know a few things but like you I am new to the AR world and I've watched a few YouTube videos that will help you out greatly.

[purehavoc]

I prefer to use mobil 1 synthetic to lubricate . hoppes cleaner works well , get a .22 cleaning kit , I swab mine out after a day out with hoppes and patchs til clean . I clean the lugs out with soaked hoppes and a Q tip until its clean . I clean the lower out with brake clean when it starting getting dirty and relube

[Duck4Glocks]

Also I forgot to add a bore snake makes things much easier.

[mjkeat]

Clean? Huh?

I finally cleaned mine after a couple k rounds. You really don't need to clean an AR in any sort of crazy way. A good wipe down of the BCG and 2 passes w/ a bore snake then relube. Once in a while if you have nothing better to do brake it down a little further.

Lube - Slip 2000, multi purpose grease from Walmart in the tube. Rem Oil sucks (burns up quickly). I've been wanting to try Frog Lube.

Edit: Forgot about cleaning solutions. I use a foam (Blue and White can) and a spray from Gander. Surgical gloves and Q-tips too.

[Duck4Glocks]

I use Hoppes no. 9 oil. Seems to do well in my handguns

[BenLuby]

Originally Posted by mjkeat

Clean? Huh?

I finally cleaned mine after a couple k rounds. You really don't need to clean an AR in any sort of crazy way. A good wipe down of the BCG and 2 passes w/ a bore snake then relube. Once in a while if you have nothing better to do brake it down a little further.

Lube - Slip 2000, multi purpose grease from Walmart in the tube. Rem Oil sucks (burns up quickly).

Slip2000, I know what that is. Please clarify multi purpose grease. I'm thinking crisco, and I know that is wrong!

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by BenLuby

Slip2000, I know what that is. Please clarify multi purpose grease. I'm thinking crisco, and I know that is wrong!

LOL finger licking good.

It's multi purpose automotive grease in a blue and black tube made for grease guns. After cleaning I simply dip a Q-tip in the tube then apply. It makes the charging action so smooth.

[BenLuby]

Originally Posted by mjkeat

LOL finger licking good.

It's multi purpose automotive grease in a blue and black tube made for grease guns. After cleaning I simply dip a Q-tip in the tube then apply. It makes the charging action so smooth.

Gotcha. Anal as it sounds, as soon as I get all my parts together, first thing I want to do is give it a good cleaning and lube, THEN head to the range.

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by BenLuby

Gotcha. Anal as it sounds, as soon as I get all my parts together, first thing I want to do is give it a good cleaning and lube, THEN head to the range.

Nothing wrong w/ that. I know I have talked a lot of crap about cleaning. I haven't always cleaned a firearm before heading to the range for the first time but my newest (BCM SS410) get's cleaned after every range trip w/i a day or two.