New to the AR platform. Should I clean the rifle before firing it for the first time? Or just shoot it and clean after first shoot?

Clean and lube before firing.

There are tacked threads posted at the top in this fourm that cover the how to's.

Yes , clean and inspect before takeing to the range. WD

Thank you for your invaluable advice. I received the following from the manufacturer.


"I would suggest a basic field cleaning of the rifle before you shoot it for
the first time. I would not clean the barrel in any way though. With a
chrome lined barrel you should break in the barrel by shooting approximately
200-300 rounds before you clean it for the first time."

This site is extremely beneficial. Although I have only been reading it for a short time span I have found a wealth of information that allows me to make an educated decision.

I would pull a dry patch before fireing. You just never know what could be in there. But agree with the 2-300 rnds. There's really nothing to break in on a chromed barrel. Congrads, WarDawg

Quoted: I would pull a dry patch before fireing. You just never know what could be in there. But agree with the 2-300 rnds. There's really nothing to break in on a chromed barrel. Congrads, WarDawg

+1 on running a patch through the barrel to remove any "post manufacturing" debris that might be lurking in there.

Tack

Quoted: +1 on running a patch through the barrel to remove any "post manufacturing" debris that might be lurking in there. Tack

Agreed.

I have a new SAM-R clone that’s about to gets it’s first “pre-range” cleaning. The barrel will get a good flushing out with Break-Free Powder Blast then the basic cleaning with CLP. The rest of the rifle will get lubed as normal with a bit of extra lube on the gas rings, cam pin, bolt lugs and bolt carrier rails just for break-in