How thorough the first cleaning?

[AimZeroed]

Just bought my first AR yesterday (Bushamster M4 A3). I of course am going to clean it before first use but I was wondering how thorough this should be? I don't want to mess up my new toy by being to over eager. Perhaps this is just first-timer's nerves, but what is your advice?

[USMCsilver]

I usually just run a bore snake through. Don't take this as advice... I just don't see how anything more should "need" to be done.

[Skintop911]

My cleaning regimen consists of knocking the chunks out and relubing.

[USMCsilver]

Originally posted by Skintop911
My cleaning regimen consists of knocking the chunks out and relubing.

Hence the Boresnake. ;)

[AimZeroed]

I'm having a little trouble feeding the first round. Seems I'm having to use the forward assist ever other time. Bushmaster says either it needs cleaning or the magazine is too tight? Tried half loading the mag and got a little better performance. (using blackhills gold .223 Rem ammo). Just want to make sure the rifle is not in anyway defective, looks pretty clean. like I said probably just first time nerves, I bought it from a reputable dealer.

[USMCsilver]

Do you have a chamber brush?

If so, take one section of cleaning rod; next, get a cordless drill.

Attach chamber brush to section of rod, then insert rod into drill. Add some solvent, and put that sucker into the upper. Use about setting "5" or so, start of slow, and then rev that little bastard up!

That should fix your problem with tightness.

[OutintheWoods]

Originally posted by AimZeroed
Just bought my first AR yesterday (Bushamster M4 A3). I of course am going to clean it before first use but I was wondering how thorough this should be? I don't want to mess up my new toy by being to over eager. Perhaps this is just first-timer's nerves, but what is your advice?

You wont mess it up, just consult the instruction manual on dis-assembly.

Lightly tap out the pins out with a wooden dowel, etc.. if they are tight (lube them when you reinstall them). Take the bolt carrier out and disassemble it, inspect everything wipe it off, lube, and reassemble. Make sure the firing pin retaining pin is absolutely installed and the extractor is on the right side of the bolt when closed.

Run a patch down the barrel with a little solvent, then a slightly oily patch, they a dry patch. Always physically look down the barrel when done to make sure its clear.

lightly lube the inside of the receiver and the outside of the bolt carrier. Run a few cu tips inside the barrel extension to remove any gunk from the factory.

No further dissassembly is required at this time.

Then go to town.