AR-15 Cleaning Essentials: 5 Must-Have Maintenance Accessories

Everyone likes shooting their AR-15s, but cleaning is one of those elements of firearm ownership that's more of a chore than anything else. However, the desire of today's AR owners to cut down on cleaning time spurred firearm-accessory manufacturers to create cleaners and tools that make maintenance of your go-to rifle faster and easier than ever. Check out these five products designed to ease your cleaning schedule, giving you more time on the range and less time at the bench:

A. The Present Arms AR Hook acts as an upper-receiver strut and a cleaning-rod guide. Simply pop your rear takedown pin, hinge your rifle open, remove the BCG and charging handle, then secure the hook to the rear of the bolt-carrier channel and anchor the other end to the lower receiver via the rear takedown pin. Adding it to the company’s Sentinel plate and AR magazine post (sold separately) makes it the perfect portable AR cleaning station. MSRP: $9.95 presentarmsinc.com

B. Don’t let its size fool you, the Otis Technology B.O.N.E. Tool is designed to quickly clean carbon buildup and fouling from an AR bolt, bolt-carrier assembly and firing pin. One end of the tool is designed to scrape the bolt carrier, while the other cleans the bolt itself. An 8/32-inch threaded hole allows this versatile tool to act as a T-handle for your favorite cleaning rod. Best of all, it is available in both 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO. MSRP: $27.99 otistec.com

C. Swab-its .22cal/5.56mm Bore-Sticks replace traditional cleaning implements such as rods, jags, patches and mops. The handle is compatible with pistol-length barrels and contains a lint-free foam tip that is designed to compress inside the bore to aggressively penetrate the rifling for a deep, thoroughly clean barrel, magazine well and other critical components. As a bonus, with a simple rinse, the swabs can be reused. MSRP: $10 swab-its.com

D. Available in aerosol and liquid formulas, Lucas Oil Products’ Extreme Duty CLP cleans, lubricates and protects your black rifle with a single application. It contains high-grade additives that dissolve powder residue, old lubrication and other contaminants. MSRP: $7.49 lucasoil.com

E. Wheeler Engineering Star Chamber Cleaning Pads removes carbon fouling from one of an AR’s most-challenging areas to clean. Made from compressed wool, the pads are die-cut to fit inside the recessed nooks and crannies of the chamber for uncompromising tidiness. Each contains a 3/32-inch threaded end for attaching to a cleaning rod. MSRP: $9.99 (pack of 20) btibrands.com