Whether you’re new to firearms or just looking for tips to better clean your Block 2 M4, cleaning your rifle is something you should do regularly. While weekend plinkers might not need to clean their rifles as often as competitive shooters, it’s still vital to ensure your rifle performs at its best. Here are a few tips to know.
Use the Right Tools
First, you need the right tools. You can build your own cleaning set or buy a pre-made kit, but make sure it’s for your caliber. While a 9MM PCC and an M4 might look very similar, they require different tools like bore snakes and rods to properly clean them.
Before any cleaning session, prep the area, put down a gun-cleaning mat, and get your tools in order. Gloves are recommended, as you will be dealing with chemicals, some of which are toxic. Finally, remove any ammo from the table and, preferably, from the room to make sure the gun is 100% safe.
Separate the Upper and Lower
With the area prepped, the first step, every time, is to ensure your rifle is cleared. Point it in a safe direction, remove the magazine, and put the rifle on safe if possible. Lock the bolt back and inspect the chamber, ensuring there is no round present.
Once the rifle’s cleared, release the bolt and push the takedown pins out to separate the AR15 upper receiver from the lower. You could, in theory, clean it while only hinging it open, but separating them makes cleaning much easier.
Clean the Charging Handle and BCG
Next, remove the charging handle and bolt carrier group. Remove the firing pin and set it aside. Simply rotate the cam pin on the bolt 90 degrees to slide it out. If needed, use a punch and mallet to remove the extractor pin, and set it aside, too.
Because you’re working with small, easy-to-lose parts, you may want to put them in a bowl to avoid future headaches. You can even fill it with solvent and let the small parts soak, making them easier to clean.
Scrub everything, looking for carbon buildup. Be sure to clean the extractor well. Reassemble the BCG, making sure the bolt is pushed fully to the front before reinstalling.
Lubricate the Buffer and Buffer Tube
Next, remove the buffer and buffer spring from the buffer tube. It’s under pressure, so be careful, or the spring could shoot out. Wipe down the spring and buffer with lubricant, and put them back in the tube.
Make Sure the Chamber and Barrel Are Spotless
Everyone develops their own method for cleaning the chamber and barrel, but the most important thing is that you clean it from rear to front so debris goes out the front of the barrel. This way, it travels the same way as a bullet, helping to keep the rifling intact, which is essential for preserving your rifle’s accuracy.
You can run a bore snake through for a fast clean or use patches until they come out clean if you want a spotless result. Keep in mind it can take quite a few passes before it comes out clean.
With these steps, you can ensure your favorite rifle performs its best for years to come!
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