Posted: 2/17/2010 1:56:09 PM EDT
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I'm quite new to the world of the AR-15. I purchased a High Standard Flat Top several months ago ( for $1000) simply because I was afraid I'd never get the chance to buy again once
O' Buma's gun control kicked in gear. Since, I've read they are an extremely high maintenance gun (using gas impingement to cycle action). I can't vouch for this since I've not shot the AR yet. However, some also say there are a number of "cleaning" accessories/tools that I'll need in order to keep it running right. I'm told this is the AR-15 "EXPERTS" forum. What do y'all say? Did I get screwed in buying this thing? Bottomline: What do I need to keep her running right. I live in humid South Texas. Also, what kind of ammo should I keep around the house for home defense? Thanks in advance for everyone's thoughts and pontifications. |
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I believe you posted this in the wrong section. Quick answer: use Breakfree CLP, cleaning rod (I recommend something coated) with appropriate jags and brushes, toothbrush style brushes. Copper solvent is optional and not recommend for extended use on chrome bores. Basically just CLP the crap out of the BCG and bore, brush and wipe till clean and then leave a coat on BCG. AR-15 platform runs dirtier than many other rifles but runs reliably if a regular maintenance routine is followed. Read this. |
They are kind of high maintenance, I have one that doesn't lock open if I don't clean wash it off with some soap and water every 50k rounds or so 
Seriously though, I built my one and only AR from scratch about 2 years ago, and I clean and oil it after each outing, with practice and the right tools it takes 10 minutes (more if I am being anal). CLP and some Hoppes solvent for some of the parts that get allot of carbon on them. The AR15 is based off the M16 which is battle tested to more rounds than allot of people can afford between cleanings. Mine has seen 1k rounds in a day with only a bit of oil applied to the BCG (bolt carrier group) a few times and still had gleaming internals after 10 minutes of cleaning. YMMV but I wouldn't call an AR15 high maintenance |
| Today's AR is not the M16 of Vietnam. Mine has been great. If it can function in Iraq, you should have no problem with it here. Just don't shoot steel cased ammo and then brass before cleaning. Steel casings do not expand and causes the bore to get dirty as hell, so when a brass case expands, the carbon can "glue" the case in and cause a failure. Personally I don't buy steel ammo in my AR since I can use my FMJ 55gr brass rounds for defense and plinking, but if you handed me a case I'd plink with it all day. |
| Read THIS. Written by Pat Rogers who happens to know a thing or two about high mileage AR15 rifles. |