How to Clean an AR15 Bolt

The semi-automatic action of the civilian AR15 is driven by a gas-operated rotating bolt. The bolt fires the round of ammunition, extracts and ejects the discharged cartridge, strips a new round from the magazine and chambers the new round. The bolt is in constant motion during the firing cycle and is exposed to hot combustion gases, impact forces and carbon build-up. Cleaning and lubricating the bolt is an important part of the maintenance schedule. Removal and disassembly of the bolt is necessary for adequate cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rags
  • Spray bottle
  • Gun cleaning solvent
  • Gun cleaning patches
  • Gun oil
  • Brass or bronze brush
  • Bristle brush or old toothbrush
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Instructions

  1. Bolt Removal And Disassembly

    • 1

      Make sure the rifle is unloaded, and keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction.

    • 2

      Push the takedown pin on the left side of the lower receiver all the way out the right side .

    • 3

      Pivot the lower receiver down and away from the upper receiver to expose the action.

    • 4

      Pull the charging handle all the way back and remove the bolt carrier from the rifle.

    • 5

      Remove the small cotter pin located midway in the bolt carrier. Tip the bolt carrier down and the firing pin will slide out.

    • 6

      Push the bolt to the end of the bolt carrier and turn the bolt cam pin. Remove the bolt cam pin from the bolt carrier.

    • 7

      Slide the bolt out of the bolt carrier.

    Cleaning

    • 8

      Lay out all bolt components on a clean cloth and spray them with gun cleaning solvent.

    • 9

      Wipe the firing pin clean with a clean cloth or gun cleaning patch. Wipe the bolt cam pin and cotter pin with a clean cloth or gun cleaning patch.

    • 10

      Scrub the bolt with a brass or bronze brush and gun cleaning solvent to remove carbon deposits.

    • 11

      Scrub the bolt face and the extractor with gun cleaning solvent and a bristle brush or old toothbrush. Blow the bolt dry with compressed air.

    • 12

      Spray solvent inside the bolt carrier and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or gun cleaning patch. Blow the bolt carrier dry with compressed air.

    Lubrication And Reassembly

    • 13

      Apply gun oil to the bolt gas rings and the bolt body. Apply gun oil to the wear points of the bolt carrier where metal to metal contact occurs.

    • 14

      Install the bolt in the bolt carrier and align the hole for the bolt cam pin. Lubricate the bolt cam pin, press it into the hole and rotate it a quarter-turn.

    • 15

      Pull the bolt forward in the bolt carrier and install the firing pin. Insert the cotter pin into the bolt carrier to secure the firing pin.

    • 16

      Lubricate the charging handle and install it in the rifle.

    • 17

      Insert the bolt carrier assembly into the rifle and push it all the way forward. Pivot the lower receiver up to the upper receiver and install the takedown pin to secure them together.