AK Maintenance

The AK-47 and its variants are renowned for their legendary durability and reliability under harsh conditions. However, even these battle-proven rifles need regular care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Whether you are a collector, enthusiast, or simply rely on your AK for defense or sport, following best practices for cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance is crucial. This guide synthesizes recommendations based on military documents and modern practices to help you keep your AK running smoothly.

Disassembly: Preparing for Cleaning

Before you begin, make sure the rifle is unloaded. Remove the magazine, check the chamber, and ensure that the rifle is clear. Perform the following steps to field-strip the rifle:

• Remove the Dust Cover: Press the button at the rear of the receiver and lift off the dust cover.
• Remove the Recoil Spring Assembly: Push the recoil spring assembly forward and lift it out.
• Remove the Bolt Carrier and Piston Assembly: Pull the bolt carrier to the rear and lift it out.
• Remove the Bolt from the Carrier: Rotate the bolt and slide it out of the carrier.
• Remove the Gas Tube: Use the lever on the right side of the rear sight block to lift the gas tube assembly.

With these components removed, you have access to the major parts that require cleaning and lubrication.

Cleaning the Rifle: From Bore to Bolt

Follow these steps to clean each key component:

• Cleaning the Bore:
  • Use a bore brush with solvent to scrub the bore from the chamber to the muzzle. Pull the brush in one direction, starting at the chamber and pushing towards the muzzle, to avoid damage.
  • Follow with clean patches until they come out clean.
  • Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore to protect it from corrosion.

• Cleaning the Gas Piston and Tube:
  • Wipe down the gas piston with a solvent-soaked cloth, scrubbing away carbon buildup. Use a brass brush if necessary. A 12-Guage shotgun brush works perfect here.
  • Clean the gas tube interior using a rag or bore brush with solvent if required.

• Cleaning the Bolt and Bolt Carrier:
  • Use a brush and solvent to remove carbon and debris from the bolt face, bolt lugs, and firing pin channel.
  • Clean the bolt carrier and inside the receiver with a solvent-soaked rag, focusing on areas with built-up fouling.

• Cleaning the Receiver:
  • Wipe down the inside of the receiver and the fire control group with a cloth dampened with solvent.
  • Ensure no debris remains in the crevices of the trigger, hammer, and safety lever.

Lubrication: What to Use and Where to Apply It

• Recommended Lubricants:
  • CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant): A versatile option that combines cleaning, lubrication, and rust prevention. It’s widely used in military applications.
  • Synthetic Grease: Ideal for high-wear areas like the bolt carrier rails. It stays in place better than oils during extended use.
  • High-Quality Gun Oil: Use a modern gun oil with corrosion inhibitors for general lubrication.

• Key Areas to Lubricate:
  • Bolt Carrier Rails: Apply a light coat of oil or grease to the bolt carrier rails and the corresponding tracks in the receiver. This reduces friction and smooths the cycling action.
  • Bolt Lugs and Cam Surface: Lightly oil the bolt lugs and the cam surface where the bolt rotates into the carrier.
  • Gas Piston: Apply a thin coat of oil to the gas piston rod to prevent corrosion, but avoid excessive lubrication that can attract dirt.
  • Firing Pin Channel: Use a very light application of oil or leave it dry to avoid buildup that could cause light primer strikes.
  • Recoil Spring: A small amount of oil along the length of the recoil spring ensures smooth operation.

Reassembly: Putting It Back Together

After cleaning and lubricating, reassemble your AK by reversing the disassembly steps. Ensure all parts are properly seated and the bolt carrier cycles smoothly.

• Insert the gas tube and lock it in place.
• Install the bolt into the bolt carrier, making sure it locks into position.
• Slide the bolt carrier group into the receiver and ensure it moves freely.
• Install the recoil spring assembly.
• Attach the dust cover and ensure it is properly aligned.
• Perform a function check to verify that the safety, trigger, and bolt operate correctly.

Maintenance Schedule and Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Clean and lubricate your AK after every range session or at least every few months if stored.
• Corrosive Ammo: If you use corrosive ammunition, clean the rifle immediately after use with a water-based solution or ammonia to neutralize salts, then clean as usual.
• Deep Cleaning: Perform a detailed cleaning every 1,000-2,000 rounds, focusing on scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
• Storage: Store your AK in a cool, dry environment, and occasionally check for rust or dry areas that need lubrication.

Cleaning Corrosive Ammo Salts

Shooting corrosive ammunition requires additional care when cleaning your AK-style rifle. Corrosive ammo, often found in older surplus ammunition, contains primers with potassium chlorate, which leaves behind potassium chloride salts (similar to table salt) when burned. These salts are highly hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture, leading to rapid rust and corrosion if left untreated. Here’s how to properly clean your AK after shooting corrosive ammo:

Immediate Cleaning After Shooting

To prevent rust from setting in, it’s crucial to clean your rifle as soon as possible after shooting corrosive ammunition. The cleaning process focuses on neutralizing the salts left behind by the primers.

Essential Cleaning Steps for Corrosive Ammo

• Flush the Bore and Gas System:
  • Start by flushing the bore, gas tube, and gas piston with a water-based solution. Water dissolves the corrosive salts effectively.
  • Many shooters use a mixture of water and ammonia (commonly found in Windex) or a water-vinegar solution. The ammonia or vinegar helps neutralize the salts, though plain hot water can also work well.

• Cleaning the Bore:
  • After flushing with water, run wet patches through the bore, followed by a bore brush. This helps dislodge any salts and fouling.
  • Continue with dry patches until the bore is dry.

• Clean the Gas Tube and Piston:
  • The gas system is highly exposed to corrosive residue. Use a wet rag or patches to wipe down the inside of the gas tube and the gas piston.
  • Scrub the gas piston face and the interior of the gas tube with a brush to remove any residue.

• Clean the Bolt and Bolt Carrier:
  • Dismantle the bolt and carrier and clean all metal surfaces with a water-based solution. Be thorough, as corrosive residue can easily accumulate here.

• Dry Everything Completely:
  • After using water-based solutions, ensure that all parts are completely dried. Don't want rust to form.

Applying Solvent and Lubrication

Once the salts are neutralized and removed, proceed with your usual cleaning routine using standard gun cleaning solvents. Follow up with lubrication:

• Apply a light coat of oil or CLP to the bore, gas piston, bolt, and other critical areas to prevent corrosion.
• Pay extra attention to any hidden crevices where salts might have accumulated, such as inside the bolt carrier and on the firing pin, and inside and around the trunnion and gas tube.

Reassemble and Store

After cleaning and lubricating, reassemble your rifle and check for any areas that might have been missed. Store the rifle in a cool, dry place. It’s a good idea to inspect and re-lubricate the rifle a few days later to ensure no corrosion has formed.

Alternative Cleaning Solutions

Some gun owners prefer using specific products designed to neutralize corrosive salts, such as Ballistol mixed with water (50/50 ratio).

Summary of Best Practices:

• Flush with water to dissolve and remove corrosive salts.
• Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
• Clean and lubricate as usual with standard solvents and oils after removing the salts.
• Perform regular inspections for rust after cleaning to catch any potential corrosion early.