Hey all, pardon my lack of knowledge. Is it ok to use a rod cleaning kit, Hoppes to clean for the first time? Also is it ok to go down through muzzle first?
Its better to clean through the breech. Once you are used to removing the upper receiver and bolt, cleaning from the chamberside to muzzle end is easier. Cleaning from the muzzle risks barrel crown damage.
Hoppes #9 is fine.
Stay Safe
Jim
Hey all, pardon my lack of knowledge. Is it ok to use a rod cleaning kit, Hoppes to clean for the first time? Also is it ok to go down through muzzle first?
I highly advise that if you're going to use a rod use a one piece, non marring, cleaning rod. The segmented screw together cleaning rods have a higher probability of breaking, causing a headache of a time removing.
Hoppes No.9 solvent is perfectly fine for cleaning. Run a Hoppes moistened patch down the bore, let it dwell for a few minutes, run a solvent moistened phosphor bronze brush down the bore, then dry patches to swab out. Don't forget to follow up with a lube moistened patch.
Clean from the breech to the muzzle. Hinge open your rifle. Carefully push the rod down the barrel, making sure not to smack the chamber. You can buy a Gunslick AR-15 bore guide to ensure you're not going to nick your chamber.
If you want to skip all that, go for an Otis flexible rod cleaning system. You can also use a Hoppes Viper Bore Snake. Also, don't forget to clean the chamber.
Welcome, enjoy your new Sport. I also recommend breaking it down fully and give it a good cleaning. Most rifles come with factory goop that really should be cleaned off IMO. Clean it all out around the trigger area, breech area, bolt etc. then clean the barrel as others stated. Then re-lube everything (these guns like it wet) and you should be gtg.
Okay so I know that this is an M&P Sport forum, I do own a Sport for the record, but I had to share this custom build that I had done for my brother. The parts include:
Can I be your brother too? Very nice build. You're brother will definitely appreciate the ambi features and the Nickel Boron treated bolt. I might build a left-handed AR-15 for my 13 year old god daughter for the family range get-together in the summer.