I just bought a bushmaster M4 A3, and it is my first AR. I love it, and was wandering what are some basic tips for cleaning the rifle? I notice the bolt is pretty lubed up.  Whats is the best way to clean and maintain an AR?  Thanks.

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=7&t=203988


That thread right there should tell you everything you need to know about cleaning it.

Thanks

Should you keep the bolt oiled like it is from the factory, if so what kind of oil do you use?

Quoted: Should you keep the bolt oiled like it is from the factory, if so what kind of oil do you use?

Yes, keep it wet.  It will run best that way.  Use standard lube.  I use CLP.  Everyone has a favorite brand of whatever they feel is best.  

Brian

Short answer is any oil is better than no oil.Most folks (myself included) are satisified with "Breakfree CLP" although some praise some of the other  higher tech (and more expensive)brands.
Really any brand gun oil should do ok.
Breakfree is like laundry powder- if you buy the small carry around size you pay an arm and a leg. I have bought some small empty twist top  bottles at a gun show (you have seen them 4 for 1$)and keep them filled with a 16oz bottle of breakfree that I bought from midway (seee midwayusa.com).
I have one in the tool box,one in the range bag,one on the bench where I clean guns. The 16 oz bottle cost like $14 ,if I had been buying the tiny gunstore sized bottles of beakfree I would have spent $70 for the same ammount.
Welcome new guy