Talking Point: Bolt Carrier Group

A couple of small points regarding cleaning the bolt carrier group.  I see some people who recommend removing the extractor and gas rings on the bolt with every cleaning.  I don't recommend this...the potential damage to the retaining pin of the extractor or to the gas rings is high.  The retaining pin in my opinion isn't designed to be removed frequently and could start to fit loose if removed too often.  As for the gas rings, they have to be flexed quite a bit to remove them, and could be ruined.  For cleaning these area's, I just saturate them with Hoppe's 9 and it does a great job...sometimes a little compressed air helps to move the junk out.

Proper lubrication of the bolt carrier group is essential to long life of the AR.  I've circled the areas in red where I apply a liberal amount of oil.  The bolt carrier rides on the 4 ridges that run along the front sides, I add a generous amount of oil here, and also along the side of the bolt key.  Coat the entire cam pin with oil.  On the bolt itself I add a couple drops of oil to the gas rings, and to the ridge in the middle and work it all the way around for even coverage (the bolt should slide smoothly once inside the bolt carrier).  I place a light coat of oil to the face of the bolt, the retaining pin, and the shaft of the charging handle.  As for the firing pin, that just needs a very light coat of oil on it.

Remember, keep the bolt carrier group well oiled and it will keep your gun happy!