How to clean AK rifle??

[Eightball]

7.62 cal. cleaning rod

I have a .308 cleaning kit (7.62x51), and it works fine on my SKS (as of yet, don't have a 7.62x39 AK....anyone wanna remedy that ?). Same nominal bore (7.62), so the barrels are roughly the same size, only real difference is in the chamber. So, if you find a .308 cleaning kit, you should be good. Or, mayhaps just a .30 cleaning kit would work (idk, don't have one).
Of course, this is all assuming that you really need to clean your AK--as in, if it falls in mud or has something jammed in the barrel. Otherwise, why would you need an AK cleaning kit?

 

[Eightball]

7.62 cal. cleaning rod

Sorry, double post.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

any kind of .30 caliber cleaning kit will work (.308, 7.62- whatever you call it)

why would you need an AK cleaning kit?

it is possible to get enough carbon buildup to restrict movement of the piston or clog the gas tube where it meets the barrel.

also- carbon buildup in the bore can negatively effect accuracy. If you do more than bump firing with it, this may be a consideration.