AR-15 Maintenance

[buzzg]

Does anyone know of a fool proof procedure for cleaning the gas tube on an AR-15? Appreciate any info.

 

[Lakedaemonian]

Soak in powder solvent then pull a shoelace through it. Or perhaps a .17 bore snake if it fits. I personally havent tried either, I just install a new gas tube.

 

[mc223]

Shoot the rifle.

 

[Sky]

Agree you may do more damage than help if you try to clean. Many ARs need the carbon build up to help seal the gas tube to the barrel. Unless you have it off to begin with leave it alone. Tens of thousands of rounds leave it alone it is pretty much self cleaning.

 

[Ithaca37]

No need to clean the gas tube. Just leave it be.

 

[buzzg]

I'd heard or read about 15 different scenarios/methods. I think leaving it alone sounds the best. I'm not having any malfunction problems. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Chris Rhines]

The gas tube does not, ever, need to be cleaned. Leave it alone.

-C

 

[HorseSoldier]

+1. What he said. Nothing good can come of that.

 

[Ditch-Tiger]

My first AR (used) would not cycle so i pulled the gas tube and sprayed a can of break cleaner through it and brushed it w/pipe cleaners. After reassembly, it ran like a top.

But...unless something is wrong, leave it alone.

 

[steven58]

From my Basic Training cadre in 84 and from every knowledgeable person since I have heard the same thing:

As a part of normal PMCS

"NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THE GAS TUBE! DO NOT CLEAN THE GAS TUBE!"

You should run a pipe cleaner through the gas key on the bolt carrier though.

 

[Ala Dan]

If you are a civilian, and don't shoot thousands of rounds on a regular basis;
then, its best too leave the gas tube alone~! You could do harmful damage
if you clean an AR's gas tube regularly~!

 

[unwise11]

Take a syringe and inject Kroil into it, and make sure you let it drain out, usually just shooting it fixes problems.

 

[xfyrfiter]

50,000 psi + is a pretty good cleaner