AR-15: Best Method For Cleaning?

fort_knox

What is the best method/material(s) to use for cleaning the exterior (upper/lower receiver, barrel) of AR-15's to retain/restore their "new/original" look?

I have read about using a "black" <or> "lint-free" rag so as not to leave any visible lint on them, but I am thinking that anything "lint-free" would be synthetic and not very effective at absorbing solvents and dirt? So, would 100% cotton, or a cotton-blend be best? Also, I am not aware of any particular solvents that would be best for this...so as not to leave any residue behind. What would be a choice for a solvent?

Basically, my concerns are: what type of cleaning rag/cloth and solvent would work best? Perhaps there is a methodical approach involved also...and what would that be? It seems like maybe making a big deal out of cleaning, but I want to keep it looking new.

I have cleaned other AR's before and had some unsatisfactory results. This one has not been fired or even left the house for that matter. Anyway, the issue is; it has accumulated some dust and handling marks over the years that I would like to remove. It has never been cleaned and I don't want to botch-up what doesn't really look that bad to start with.

Any suggestions/opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ItGoBang

Strip the AR down. I use BUTCH's BORE SHINE. I dip the chamber brush into it, then in into the breech, work in in good... Then I use a patch with Butch's on the bbl. Then use a clean patch (it will take a lot of them) until it comes out clean. Take a clean patch, put a few drops on BREAK FREE on it an pull it through the bbl. Clean and lube all parts like that. Then use break free to wipe all of the outside of the AR [^]

It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..

Life Member... N R A
American Legion, MECU, MWCA, SMSC, BSC, NASDS
Thanks for all the help!

ItGoBang

For years I have used the garage type of a rag. I just got some at Sam's Club, big bag.. maybe 30 in it, $9.00 (I think). This is the rags that a gas station would use.You see them in red, green, blue... And I think you can get then just about anyplace... I keep them on my boat, in the cars and the wife will use them too .. `[:)]

It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..

Life Member... N R A
American Legion, MECU, MWCA, SMSC, BSC, NASDS
Thanks for all the help!

hoseman240

If you know anyone that works in a hospital, you might see if they can get you some of the blue rags that come in the OR kits. Also used in the Emergency Room. Alot of times they don't use the rags in the kits and they just get tossed out. Doesn't leave much lint and doesn't seem to hurt he finish.