AR15 carbon fouling removal

[Major Tom]

I've put several hundred rounds thru my DPMS Panther AR15. I always clean the rifle after every range session. I noticed there is carbon buildup around the bolt and other places. It is really hard/crusty. Some of it I can scrape off, but not all of it. What is recommended to get all parts free of carbon buildup?

[lyman]

keep the bolt and carrier wet,
not dripping, but well lubed helps the cleanup,


if you cannot scrap it off now, soak it a day or so, (kero works well, )

[clintonhater]

What is recommended to get all parts free of carbon buildup?

Problem with carbon is that nothing will soften it that doesn't also attack the steel. I think scraping or brushing may be the only way.

[clintonhater]

\


soak it a day or so, (kero works well, )

Haven't tried that, but ordinary gun cleaning solvents have no effect. Had to use a steel wire brush in an electric drill to get it out of the chambers of a revolver I shoot a lot.

[m1ashooter]

I scrap mine with an Otis Bone Tool

[barretcreek]

Ultra sonic can break down carbon deposits. We had U/S the size of bath tubs for removing carbon from big diesel cylinder heads and injectors.

[RH Scott]

Not that big of a deal or problem. I use a simple green nylon scouring pad. The Brits turned me on to them years ago as they were issued for cleaning the SA80

[clintonhater]

Not that big of a deal or problem. I use a simple green nylon scouring pad.

Depends on where it's located & how long it's been there. The carbon ring that forms just ahead of the chamber on .22RFs is hard to remove without methods that risk damage to chamber or leade. Brass brushes just skate over it. Ordinary sport shooters needn't obsess over it, but when BR level accuracy is the goal, it's a problem.

[lyman]

Haven't tried that, but ordinary gun cleaning solvents have no effect. Had to use a steel wire brush in an electric drill to get it out of the chambers of a revolver I shoot a lot.

did you try one of those lewis lead removers in your revolver,

they also work fairly well,

[clintonhater]

did you try one of those lewis lead removers in your revolver,

They work GREAT, but are only made for larger calibers.

[barretcreek]

Isn't the Lewis lead remover based on a copper/brass screen? Should be able to jury rig something using a bore mop and screen.

[lyman]

Isn't the Lewis lead remover based on a copper/brass screen? Should be able to jury rig something using a bore mop and screen.

yes,

[clintonhater]

Isn't the Lewis lead remover based on a copper/brass screen? Should be able to jury rig something using a bore mop and screen.

Maybe, but the screen needs to be really tight to be effective; it's attached with a screw on the Lewis jag. Wrapping steel wool around a brass brush is something I've also done. Remember, a carbon deposit is harder than brass or lead.

[togor]

It turns out KG-12, nominally for copper fouling, is good on carbon on gas pistons (eg Garand) and at the hard to reach back of AR bolt carriers. Wet Q-tip scrub, wear gloves, as it is water based but apparently a little bit nasty.

[Former Cav]

buy the Sinclair decarb tool

https://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/cleaning-rods-amp-accessories/cleaning-tools/ar-15-carbon-scraper-prod35018.aspx