AR-15 Bolt Cleaner: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want the best performance from your AR-15 rifle? If you’re going to invest in one of the best available rifles, it makes sense to keep it operating at peak performance. But how do you clean an AR-15 bolt effectively and efficiently?

The Importance of Cleaning Your AR-15

An AR-15 rifle has a unique operating system. Gas gets fed directly into the bolt carrier group. More importantly, it can get foul over time.

You must maintain your AR-15 properly for continued reliable use. If you do, it should function for thousands of rounds and many years to come.

Cleaning your AR-15 is straightforward. However, there’s one thing you must always remember—clear your rifle before you begin to clean it.

After the Range

You may have recently purchased your AR-15. You most likely had a great time running through boxes of ammo. Intuitively, you’re probably wondering how to clean it.

Most people can get as far as pulling the pins and separating the upper and lower halves of the rifle. However, they may not know what to do from that point on.

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. The cleaning process is relatively easy.

Gathering Cleaning Tools

You can begin by gathering your cleaning supplies. You’ll need a few things specific for gun cleaning, such as a bore brush for your AR-15’s caliber. If so, CAT Outdoors offers the AR-15 bore brush cleaning kit.

Also, you could invest in a full cleaning kit. The right AR-15 cleaning kit can help you maximize your cleaning efficiency. Our CAT M4/Talon Field Kit is just the kit for the job.

Why Invest in a Firearm Cleaning Kit?

A firearm cleaning kit is an excellent tool for maintaining your AR-15 rifle. With regular use, debris can build up in your rifle.

A clean rifle is a reliable rifle. Also, the buildup can affect the accuracy of your firearm.

Cleaning your AR-15 regularly is especially important if you use it for home protection. You want to know it’s always ready for work when needed. Our CAT M4/Talon Field Kit does an exceptional job of getting rid of dirt, grime, and gunk.

The Best a Bolt Cleaner Field Kit Around

Our CAT M4 cleaning kit has everything you need to maintain your AR-15. It’s one of the best bolt cleaners around. With our kit, there’s no need to build a kit from scratch.

The CAT M4 has everything you need for AR-15 bolt carrier group scraping. It includes the M4 Tool to curve perfectly around the AR-15 bolt and remove every bit of carbon.

It also comes with the Talon Tool, which locks into the upper recess of the upper receiver. It makes it easy to scrape away excess carbon buildup.

You can also use one of the included bore brushes if you want to do a deep clean. Additionally, it comes with a handy MOLLE utility pouch so you can keep everything together.

Other Firearm Cleaning Supplies

You’ll also want a cleaning mat. The mat will help to keep your parts visible. It will also help you keep everything organized.

You could use a white sheet or a tablecloth. However, a mat is a step up.

If you’re a beginner, look for a firearm cleaning mat that comes with a parts list. It will make it faster and easier for you to become familiar with the parts of your AR-15.

Solvents and Lubricants

You also want to gather any needed solvents and lubricants before you begin cleaning your rifle. If you’re not sure where to begin with solvents and lubricants, we recommend the Lucas Oil Extreme Duty Gun Solvent Kit.

It comes with Lucas Extreme Duty Bore Solvent & Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner. The solvent removes carbon and powder residue, as well as copper and lead fouling.

It also includes Extreme Duty Gun Oil. It’s a special oil for high volume, high heat, and friction firearms. It works well with full automatics and semi-autos.

The solvent kit also includes Extreme Duty CLP. You can use it to clean and lubricate your AR-15 in one step.

Finally, the kit includes Extreme Duty CLP Grease. It’s a premium grease that delivers maximum lubrication, even under extreme operating conditions.

Preparing Your Work Area

You can begin the cleaning process by laying out your mat and putting on gloves. Remember, firearm cleaning chemicals are toxic. You don’t want them to come in contact with your skin.

Next, gather all your ammo. If possible, place your ammo in another room. You want to make sure your ammo doesn’t find its way into the chamber for any reason.

Now, clear your AR-15. Once you’re sure it’s clear of rounds, you’re ready to perform the last safety check.

Readying Your AR-15 for Cleaning

Point your AR-15 in a safe direction. Now you can remove the magazine. Next, set the rifle on safe.

You can now lock the bolt to the rear. Look in the chamber and remove any ammunition that didn’t reject.

Now, release the bolt. Double-check that your AR-15 is set to safe.

Separating the Upper and Lower Receiver

You must separate the upper and lower receiver to get to the inner components of your AR-15. Begin by pushing the takedown pins out. Now, you can pull the two halves apart.

You can push the pins on some models using your fingers. With other models, however, you may need a punch.

Don’t use something that will scratch the finish of your AR-15. You may want to use a nylon punch for this task if needed. With a nylon punch, you can remove the pins without worrying about damaging the finish of your rifle.

Removing the Charging Handle and Bolt Carrier Group

Now, it’s time to remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group. It slides back and out of the body of the upper receiver.

Now, you can disassemble the bolt carrier group. You’ll need to rotate the cam pin to the side so you can remove the bolt.

Begin by pushing the bolt to the rear. Now you can remove the firing pin by removing the cotter pin-like fastener and pulling it out of the bolt carrier. Set the firing pin to the side.

Rotate the cam pin 90 degrees so you can remove it. It should slide out easily.

Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group

Use your finger or a punch and press down on the buffer retainer. You can now remove the buffer and spring from the tube.

Don’t forget that the retainer is under pressure. Try not to push it down too far and then lose it once you get the pieces out. You don’t want to have to go looking for it after it shoots across the room.

The CAT M4 Tool makes quick work of the bolt carrier. Our Talon Tool is a star chamber cleaning tool for the other end of the job: it scrapes the locking lugs in the upper, where a brush can’t reach.

Cleaning the Buffer Assembly

It’s easy to clean the buffer assembly. All you need is a rag and light lube. Unless you just used your rifle in a gnarly environment, you most likely don’t need to clean the inside of the tube.

You may have a rifle with a collapsible stock. If so, you could take this opportunity to remove it. You can wipe down the outside of the buffer after removing the stock.

Again, this is a good idea if you’ve recently used your AR-15 in a nasty environment. Most often, you can skip this step if you’ve only used it at the range.

Cleaning the Chamber and Barrel

Just about everyone has a different technique for cleaning the chamber and barrel. Still, there are a few things you should remember.

The most important thing to remember is to clean the chamber and barrel from rear to front. Make sure any debris comes out the front of the barrel.

To do this, insert your cleaning tool from the rear. Clean in the direction of the bullet.

Lucas Extreme Duty Bore Solvent & Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner is great for this part of the job.

Cleaning the Charging Handle and Upper Receiver

Again, you only need a lightly oiled rag for this part of the project. Make sure to wipe everything down. Continue cleaning your AR-15 until you don’t see any carbon on the rag.

Over time, you’ll find the technique that works best for you. When you reassemble the charging handle, it should move freely in the upper receiver.

Cleaning the Fire Control Group and Lower Receiver

Now, you’re ready to move on to the file control group (FCG) and lower receiver. You’ll need a brush and oil. Also, make sure you take your time.

Usually, the FCG doesn’t experience much fouling. However, you should examine it closely for wear.

Make sure that there are no cracks on the hammer. You should also check for cracks on the lower receiver.

Lubrication

Here, we’ll touch lightly on lubricating your AR-15 rifle. However, it’s critical to review your owner’s manual for the exact instructions. Let’s go over the basics.

There are a few areas that should all get a couple of drops of lubricant. These areas include the:

• Bolt catch button
• FCG
• Mag release button
• Safety selector

In general, you should lubricate anything that moves. As you lubricate these areas, move the mechanisms to work in the oil.

Reassembling Your AR-15 Rifle

Now, you’re ready to reassemble your AR-15. You’d do this by reversing the steps used to take it apart.

The first couple of times you clean your AR-15, it may seem complex. After a few times, disassembling and reassembling your rifle will become second nature.

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve done an excellent job. Now, you only need to do it a few hundred more times for the life of the rifle.

Doing a Function Check

Hopefully, you’ve taken our recommendation and put your ammo in another room. You shouldn’t have ammo anywhere near the chamber as you perform the function check.

Double Check to make sure there’s no ammo nearby even if you put it up before you begin.

Now, point your rifle in a safe direction. Next, pull the bolt to the rear to release it forward.

Set the rifle to safe and squeeze the trigger. Your AR-15 has passed this part of the function test if the hammer doesn’t drop.

Now, set the rifle on fire and pull the trigger. It’s passed this part of the function test if the hammer drops.

Cleaning the Magazine

Many rifle owners overlook cleaning the magazine. You don’t need to clean the magazine every time you take your rifle to the range. However, you should give it a visual inspection every time you load it.

You can also look for signs your magazine needs cleaning. For example, the magazine may bind.

Alternatively, you may hear dirt rattling inside. You might also find that it’s hard to load. In these instances, you’ll need to give it a cleaning.

This part of the job is easy. First, remove the spring and follower.

Now, you can wipe and clean everything. All that’s left to do is reassemble it, and you’re done.

Keep Your AR-15 in Top Condition

Now you know everything you need to know about using our AR-15 bolt cleaner and AR-15 maintenance. It’s essential to keep your bolt carrier group clean. When you fire your AR-15 rifle, carbon builds up considerably.

The bolt carrier group is the hardest part of the rifle to clean. The curvature makes it tricky to scrape. Our M4 tool forms perfectly around the curve of the bolt tail. It makes cleaning your AR-15 a breeze.

Feel free to browse our selection of CAT Outdoors products and premium firearm cleaning supplies.

Justin Trump

Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s a Certified Glock Armorer, an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.