AK cleaning

K

ks_shooter

New member
On the various AK type rifles do you have to clean from the muzzle end or is there a way to clean from the chamber end with some disassembly? If it has to be cleaned from the muzzle what's the best method to keep the crunge out of the receiver? Don't M1A's require cleaning from the muzzle also? Thanks.
 
What in the world are you talking about? Clean an AK? You must be out of your gourd.

Anyway, The M1 series must be cleaned from the muzzle, you can clean the AK from the chamber, IIRC, but you would need to remove the dust cover, spring assembly and bolt carrier. You might need a flexible cleaning system (Otis's system uses a wire instead of a rod), I'm not sure, I've never seen anyone actually clean an AK...

Kharn
 
Kharn is right. If you really MUST clean it......a rod with a little flex in it will work after you remove the bolt and carrier. I cleaned mine once using my dewey coated rod......worked fine.
 
Alright, you gotta fess up, what exactly did you get in the gas system that it requires cleaning? Loc-tite? Super Glue?

Just oil the piston, use a toothbrush on it if you really feel the need.

Kharn
 
AKs aren't magic, they need to be cleaned just like any other gun. The barrel will accumulate carbon and copper deposits, and the gas port will eventually become restricted by carbon deposits. I use the aforementioned Otis pull-through kit for my Vepr. It uses a coated steel cable that's threaded at both ends for standard cleaning attachments. I also use pipe cleaners and solvent to clean the gas port.
 
I also use my dewey coated rod and clean my AK from the breech. After all, it takes a good 10 seconds to remove the dustcover, bolt carrier and bolt.

I clean my gas tube every few hundred rounds. Not that it needs it, but I like a clean rifle. I use a 12 ga brush and mop. I bought a gas port scraper, to clean the port itself, but have not used it yet.

Note: all AK experts and manuals I have seen say to NEVER use any oil on the gas piston or gas tube. Clean 'em with a solvent that leaves no residue.
 
Whoa, never knew that. I guess thats what I get for applying AR-15 procedures to the AK.
My browser isnt letting me edit the post (the firewall is causing problems again), I'll edit it when I get home from work.

Kharn
 
You have to clean them?

(sarcastic mode on)

I thought they only got dirty if you threw them into the mud, poirde a cup of gravel down the bore and pissed on the action.:D

They are supposed to be the exact opposite of the AR which requires 10-12 patches down the bore, a complete disassembly of the bolt carrier, forward assist and rear sight to enable one to shoot more than twice.

(sarcastic mode off)

If you clean from the muzzle, elevate the receiver to allow grunge to drip out safely.

Nothing goopy on the gas system as all gas systems work best bone dry.
 
Here's a copy of an AK-47 Operator's Manual. It has all the instructions to field strip and clean.

I have an M1A manual around here somewhere. When I find it, I'll post whether you can clean the barrel from the breach end or not.
 
Cleaning an AK?? :eek:


The words "cleaning" and "AK" are oxymorons.

First off, it's not like cleaning the barrel is going to make it shoot any better. Past 100 yds, forgetaboutit.

Second, if you absolutely had to run something thru the barrel, just use one of those .30cal Bore Snake pull-thru things and a few drops of Shooters Choice.

Pull it all the way thru, from the chamber end toward the muzzle. Repeat 5 times and you're good to go.
 
I like a clean rifle too.. I use a flexible rod and clean from the breech.. if you have any sort of muzzle attachment it will act like a guide and keep you from buggering up your muzzle crown. Welded on attachments shoul get a liberal soaking in Hoppes #9 (that ak74 compensator collects a LOT of crud)

Course you could just piss down the barrel and keep shooting it. (make sure the rifle is unloaded):p

I bought that little gas port cleaner too. but pipe cleaners work better. Wipe the gas piston off, or scrub it with a tooth brush if you must. Oil used on the piston will just blow out the holes in the gas tube.
 
FYI my favorite post on cleaning the AK-47.

Over on AK-47.net, someone asked "how often do you clean your AK?"

Someone replied "I was at the range once and it started raining. Does that count?"
 
I clean my AK(s) as often and completely as any other rifle. I pay special attention to the obvious areas: gas piston and gas block. Otherwise, I do the same cleaning routine with regards to barrel and receiver.

The only real difference is time. The AK seems to come clean pretty quick, though not as quick as my FAL.
 
OK now guys, please tell me you're not serious. You really don't clean your AK's?!:confused:

My AK's get just as much of a rub-down after a day's shooting as my AR, FAL, Mdl 94, etc,....
 
I clean from the breech every time I take it shooting. With the chromed barrel, it comes clean fast. One patch with clp, one dry patch, it's done.
Once in a great while I pull the pistons (Or piston and op-rod) for cleaning.
It may not need that much cleaning, it's just my habit.
Regards.
 
If you don't care if about your rifle, and don't care if it's ruined by rust and corrosion......don't clean it. Personally I can't afford to allow any firearm to be ruined. Even AK's cost money.

This reminds me of people who swear they NEVER change oil in their cars, just add more as needed. They claim that oil doesn't wear out!!!
 
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