Maintaining a clean AR-15 is crucial for reliable function and longevity. While many focus on the barrel and bolt carrier group, the gas tube often gets overlooked. A neglected gas tube can lead to malfunctions, impacting accuracy and potentially causing damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of effectively cleaning your AR-15 gas tube, ensuring your rifle remains in top condition.
Why Clean Your AR-15 Gas Tube?
Carbon buildup inside the gas tube is a common issue, especially with frequent use. This buildup can impede gas flow, leading to several problems:
- Malfunctions: Insufficient gas pressure can cause failures to cycle, resulting in jams and unreliable firing.
- Reduced Accuracy: Inconsistent gas pressure negatively affects the bolt's movement, impacting accuracy and precision.
- Damage to Components: Excessive buildup can cause wear and tear on the bolt carrier group and other internal components.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- AR-15 Gas Tube: Obviously!
- Cleaning Rod: A flexible cleaning rod is ideal to navigate the gas tube's curves. Avoid using a rigid rod, as it could damage the tube.
- Patches: Use patches designed for the caliber of your firearm.
- Solvent: A good gun cleaning solvent is essential for dissolving carbon deposits.
- Lubricant: A high-quality gun lubricant will protect against corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
- Compressed Air (optional): Helpful for removing stubborn debris.
- Small Brush (optional): A small bore brush can assist in loosening stubborn carbon.
- Gloves: Protecting your hands is always a good idea.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
1. Disassembly: Begin by carefully removing the gas tube from your AR-15. This process varies slightly depending on the model, but generally involves removing the handguard and detaching the gas tube from the upper receiver and gas block. Consult your firearm's manual if you're unsure.
2. Inspection: Before cleaning, inspect the gas tube for any visible damage or excessive buildup.
3. Cleaning:
- Attach the Cleaning Rod: Carefully attach a cleaning patch to your cleaning rod, ensuring it's securely fastened.
- Apply Solvent: Lightly apply your chosen solvent to the patch.
- Push the Patch Through: Slowly and carefully push the patch through the gas tube from the receiver end to the gas block end. Repeat this process several times with fresh, solvent-soaked patches until the patches emerge clean.
- Brush (Optional): If you encounter stubborn carbon buildup, use a small bore brush to loosen the debris before using patches.
- Compressed Air (Optional): After using patches, blow compressed air through the tube to remove any remaining solvent and debris.
4. Lubrication:
- Apply Lubricant: After cleaning, lightly apply a high-quality gun lubricant to a clean patch.
- Lubricate the Gas Tube: Carefully push the lubricated patch through the gas tube. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth gas flow.
5. Reassembly: Once the gas tube is clean and lubricated, carefully reassemble it back onto your AR-15, ensuring it's properly seated. Refer to your firearm's manual for proper reassembly instructions.
Frequency of Cleaning:
The frequency of cleaning your AR-15 gas tube depends on your shooting habits. Regular cleaning, after every 200-300 rounds or more frequently if shooting in dirty conditions, is recommended to maintain optimal performance and prevent malfunctions.
Safety Precautions:
- Always unload and clear your firearm before cleaning. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Wear safety glasses. Prevent eye injuries from flying debris.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Gun solvents can have strong fumes.
- Dispose of solvents and cleaning materials responsibly.
By following these steps, you can ensure your AR-15 gas tube remains clean and functioning optimally, contributing to the overall reliability and accuracy of your firearm. Remember to always consult your firearm's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
