Assuming you are talking about an AR-15 lower receiver (the part of the rifle that houses the magazine), cleaning it is pretty simple. You will need a few basic tools and supplies, but nothing too fancy or expensive. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A small brush (toothbrush size)
- A cloth or sponge
- Cleaning solvent (I recommend simple Green)
- Gun oil (I prefer BoreSnake Gun Oil)
- Cotton swabs or Q-tips
Start by removing the magazine from the lower. Using your small brush, scrub all of the nooks and crannies, paying special attention to areas where dirt and grime tend to build up (like the magazine well and around the trigger assembly). Once you’ve scrubbed away all of the visible dirt, rinse the lower with clean water to remove any residual solvent.
Next, apply a generous amount of gun cleaning solvent to your cloth or sponge, and wipe down the entire lower. Again, pay special attention to areas where dirt and grime tend to build up. Once you’ve wiped down the lower with solvent, rinse it off with clean water.
Finally, apply a light coat of gun oil to all of the metal surfaces on the lower. Wipe away any excess oil, and you’re done!
Cleaning your AR-15 lower receiver is pretty straightforward once you know what to do. Just be sure to follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a clean lower in no time.