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How to Clean an M-14

The M-14 is the grand old man of military rifles. It was standard issue in the US military from the 1950s until the 1970s; the rifle was too heavy to be considered standard when lighter weight weapons became available. The M-14 is still the choice of weapons for many frontline soldiers and is used by armed forces snipers because of its amazing accuracy and precision. The two most important things to know about any rifle are how to use it and how to clean it.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Allen wrench
1/2-gallon container
Boiling soapy water
Barrel brush
Barrel rod
Cleaning cloths
Lubricant

Instructions

- 1
  Look into the chamber to make sure there is no ammunition inside. Remove all ammunition before taking the gun apart.
- 2
  Turn the M-14 over so the trigger is on top and the barrel is pointing away from you. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the hole in the trigger guard. Pry upward until the trigger mechanism comes loose from the gun and can be removed completely.
- 3
  Turn the gun over and lift the barrel and chamber away from the lower stock housing. Pull the chamber forward so it is closes to relieve the spring tightness.
- 4
  Put one hand over the top of the barrel; this is where the spring is located. Push the end of the Allen wrench through the hole housing the pin that retains the spring's place. Slowly move your hand away when the pin is pushed all the way out. This will allow the spring to retract without hurting you.
- 5
  Lower the iron sight at the barrel end of the gun; slide the spring housing and rod off the barrel. The rod and spring housing are attached to a single piece.
- 6
  Remove the barrel mechanism by pulling it through the hole on the side of the barrel. Use a wrench to release the nut holding the gas piston found on top of the barrel. Allow it to slide out to complete the disassembly.
- 7
  Stand the barrel up so the firing end is inside a 1/2-gallon container. Place a funnel into the opposite send of the barrel.
- 8
  Pour 2 cups of soapy, boiling water down the funnel so the liquid runs through the barrel and into the container. Allow all of the water to drip out.
- 9
  Insert a barrel brush through the firing end of the barrel; move it back and forth at least two times. The brush will dislodge solidified dirt.
- 10
  Pass a barrel rod fitted with a cleaning cloth through the barrel. Pour 2 cups of the water through the funnel and barrel and let it drain into the container.
- 11
  Stand the barrel up so the firing end is inside a 1/2-gallon container. Place a funnel in the opposite end of the barrel. Use the rod and cloth to clean the walls of the barrel.
- 12
  Clean all of the removed parts form the barrel by dipping them into the soapy water. Spot-clean grime and dirt with cotton swabs and a degreasing solvent.
- 13
  Lubricate the gas piston and replace it directly above the barrel. Reassemble the parts.

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