How to Clean and Lube an AR15 Magazine

The AR15 is the civilian version of the M16 rifle that is currently issued to by U.S. military forces. The AR15 is chambered to fire the .223-caliber round of ammunition and is manufactured by several different companies. Designed to use a magazine that feeds ammunition into the weapon, the AR15 and its magazine must be cleaned following each time it is fired. Cleaning is a necessary part of maintenance that helps prevent corrosion and potential damage.

Things You'll Need

  • Blade screwdriver
  • Cleaning brush
  • Rag
  • Gun oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the magazine from the AR15 and pull back the charging handle to inspect the firing chamber to make sure the weapon is unloaded in preparation for handling.

    • 2

      Hold the magazine upside down. Insert the end of a narrow-blade screwdriver into the release button indention on the base plate of the magazine. Push down on the release button and slide the base plate off the magazine.

    • 3

      Remove the spring and follower from inside the magazine. Shake the magazine if necessary to get the follower to fall free for removal.

    • 4

      Scrub the inside of the magazine with a cleaning brush. Place a few drops of powder solvent on a rag and scrub heavy deposits of powder residue or carbon from the inside of the magazine. Feed a rag through one end of the magazine and out the other to remove loosened debris.

    • 5

      Place a few drops of gun oil on the rag and apply this to the inside of the magazine as a protective barrier against corrosion and damage.

    • 6

      Place the follower back inside the magazine and then the spring. Press down on the spring and slide the magazine base plate back onto the magazine until it locks in place.