I just got my SA-85M, and how do I clean it?

[James]

I am new to AK's, and I just wanted to know how I should clean it after I take it to the range. What do I need & where do I buy it? Any info would be nice.
James

[Jakexx]

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[This message has been edited by Jake (edited 12-10-1999).]

[b james]

Here is what I do. Others may have different ideas but this works for me.

1) Disassemble the rifle.
Instructions here: http://www.netaphore.com/guns/ak_ad1_us.html

2) With the rifle field stripped, Run a patch down the barrel soaked with nitro solvent. I use breakfree, but Hoppes #9 or any brand will do. I like to get the bore really wet with solvent. Set the barrel aside for now.

3) Get an old cotton sock and saturate it with solvent, Take the bolt out of the carrier and wipe it clean with the wet sock.
Then clean the bolt carrier and gas rod with solvent. This part gets dirty, so you might want to do it over a piece of newspaper. Use plenty of solvent, and pay special attention to the tip of the gas rod.

4) Replace the bolt in the carrier and oil lightly. It rotates in so see the instructions on proceedure. Set part aside.

5) Run the wet sock over the recoil spring being careful not to loose the small retainer clip on the end. Lightly oil and set aside.

6) Wipe the Rear cover clean. Set aside.

7) Get a couple 12ga Shotgun bore polishers and a soak one (only 1)with solvent. Run it through the gas tube (the part with the front handguard on it) several times. This part gets real dirty, so scrub it well. Then, insert the bore polisher in the gas block port (on the front sight assy.) where the piston goes in. DO NOT USE OIL and do not leave any lint in there. Take the clean bore polisher and repeat the above process until the tube and port are shiney and dry. Again DO NOT OIL these parts at all.

7) Attach a Bronze .30 cal brush on your cleaning rod and run it down the wet barrel several times. Then run patches through the barrel until they come out clean. Run a lightly oiled patch down the barrel.

8) Take another clean sock and wipe every thing dry. Then oil the grooves on the inside of the reciever and bolt carrier. Use oil lightly, over oiling causes burning eyes when you shoot. Reassemble, wipe entire weapon dry, and your rifle is clean.

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Freedom, Liberty,and my AK for anything else.

[This message has been edited by b james (edited 11-12-1999).]

[James]

Thanks for the info b james. I really appreciate it.