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Posted: 11/23/2004 8:29:30 PM EDT
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How often should the bolt be disassembled and cleaned presuming that I am using quality ammo (Q3131 or Q3131A) and clean all other parts after each and every use without fail? I clean the outside of the bolt as well as I can, but is that enough? BTW the mail order is in the mail, since this is post 223. |
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I take out the extractor to clean every time I shoot, never the ejector though, that takes a special tool. If you don't clean your extractor, it's only a matter of time before it gets so full of crud it will cause an FTE. Just push down on it and use the tip of the firing pin to push out the "Jesus" pin. If you lose this pin you will find out why it's called that. assembly is the reverse. |
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Maybe it's anal, but I'll clean it every time I shoot it, whether it's 50 rounds or 500 rounds in a session. I take care of my toys so they'll take care of me! I always remove the extractor. I leave the ejector alone because I don't have the special tool. About every 5 cleanings I'll remove the trigger group and detail-clean it. Otherwise, I just hose it out with gunscrubber and lightly lube it with CLP. My gun functions best "wet" so I liberally lube the bolt, carrier, charging handle, and lugs with CLP. I also make sure to scrape off carbon buildup on the rear of the bolt and and use a dental pick to make sure the inside corners of the boltface is free of grit. The gas-tube gets a drop of oil, just like the GI manual says, but otherwise I leave it alone. A good detailed cleaning of the gun usually takes almost 1/2 hour. That time allows for a good cleaning, lube, and inspection of all the parts. |
Have you read the -10 yet? RTFM. |
I just cleaned my extractor for the first time in 2800 rounds. I've never had a FTE, and I only cleaned it to see if it was as easy as some of you claim. It is.  I think the M16 design is a hell of a lot more resistant to fouling in the action than most people give it credit for. That is one of the reasons why I think a piston driven upper, or the XM8, are unnecessary. BTW, I use synthetic grease (very sparingly) on the cam pin and the bolt rails. Everything else gets a coat of CLP then gets wiped completely dry, leaving only behind the PTFE. Not GI, I know, but I have NEVER had a stoppage. |
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