TFB: An AR-15 Maintenance Schedule

The Firearms Blog has posted an article entitled "AR-15 Maintenance Schedule: Complete Guide" that provides some guidelines based around time and/or round-count for cleaning, inspections, and replacing parts. The author goes over things to do: (i) wipe down the gun and check for lubrication after every range session; (ii) a good cleaning and inspection every 500 - 1000 rounds; (iii) a more detailed inspection and maintenance every 2000 - 5000 rounds; and (iv) annual or seasonal maintenance you should perform no matter how much or how little you have used your rifle. On the latter point, the author explains:

Oil migrates and evaporates. A rifle stored for months might be bone dry even if you oiled it before putting it away. Check for rust in the bore, chamber, BCG, which are most vulnerable, especially in humid areas.      

This is why I've noted before that if you are storing a firearm long term you should use wax (or at least grease) instead of an oil. In any event, continuing with the annual or seasonal maintenance, the author suggests this is a good time to also check that your castle nut is properly staked and hasn't loosened, that the optic and handguard are tight and haven't loosened, and verify timing and torque of muzzle devices. 

    The article also goes over some warning signs that something may be wrong and a couple myths related to maintenance. I was a little disappointed that he repeated a long held myth that the gaps in the gas rings must be offset from one another. (See, e.g., this video: "Smyth Busters: Debunking an AR-15 Myth - Gas Ring Alignment" from Brownells). Finally, he notes that the AR works best when "wet"--well lubed--while a clean but "dry" gun will almost certainly have problems cycling. 

• More: "AR-15 Hacks: Destroying 4 AR Maintenance Myths"--Outdoor Hub.