If you’re the proud owner of an FN SCAR, you’ll know it’s not just about the thrill of shooting. It’s also about the maintenance. In this article, I’ll show you how to clean your FN SCAR, keeping it in top-notch shape.
Proper cleaning is crucial for the life and performance of your firearm. It’s not as daunting as it sounds, and with my guide, you’ll have your FN SCAR cleaned in no time.
We’ll cover everything from the tools you’ll need, to the step-by-step process of cleaning. So, if you’re ready to give your FN SCAR the care it deserves, stick around. This is one article you won’t want to miss.
Tools You’ll Need
You might be thinking, “What tools do I need to clean my FN SCAR?” No worries, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down.
First off, a good quality Gun Cleaning Kit. You can’t beat having a good, reliable set of cleaning tools at your side. Look for kits that contain cleaning rods, brushes, jags, and patches. Make sure it’s compatible with your FN SCAR’s caliber.
Next, Gun Solvent. A high-quality gun solvent helps to keep your firearm work smoothly and extend its lifespan. It removes fouling that builds up inside the barrel every time you squeeze the trigger, making sure your FN SCAR remains in top-notch condition.
Moving forward, Lubricating Oil. The friction from metal parts moving against one another can cause wear and tear over time. That’s where this guy comes in. Lubricating oil protects your firearm from this friction, reducing the rate of wear on your firearm components.
Some might not consider it a tool, but it’s vital nonetheless – A Clean, Well-lit Workspace. You’d want to see what you’re doing, wouldn’t you? A clean, well-lit workspace makes the process of cleaning your FN SCAR that much easier.
Now last but not least, Gun Grease. Slightly different from oil, it stays in place longer and provides great protection against rust and corrosion. Use this on areas of your FN SCAR that you want an extra layer of safeguarding against the elements.
And that’s pretty much it! Breaking down the tools needed makes it seem not as daunting now, doesn’t it? With these in your toolkit, you’re all set to give your FN SCAR the care it needs.
Remember, every tool serves a purpose. If unsure, always refer to your owner’s manual or consult with an expert in firearm maintenance. Preparation is often half the battle, and this holds true even when it comes to cleaning your FN SCAR. Would you go to war without proper gear? Not if you can help it. And cleaning your FN SCAR? Well, that’s no different.
Next, let’s move on to my step-by-step guide to cleaning that FN SCAR, where we put these tools to use.
Step 1: Unloading and Safety
Before diving into the process of cleaning your FN SCAR, it’s important to put safety first. This step can’t be overlooked, as it isn’t just about protecting the functionality and longevity of the firearm. It’s about ensuring I ensure my safety and the safety of those around me as well.
The first step to any cleaning process is always unloading the firearm.
Remove all ammunition from the firearm. Start by releasing the magazine. On the FN SCAR, you’ll find the magazine release button on the side, just behind the trigger. Press the button and the magazine should easily slide out.
The next step is clearing the chamber. Pull back the charging handle. It’s situated on the left side of the firearm. This action will eject any remaining round in the chamber. It’s of utmost importance to visually check the chamber to make sure it’s indeed empty. An accidental discharge could have devastating results.
With the FN SCAR now safely unloaded, the next part of the process is ensuring a safe cleaning environment. I recommend a well-lit, clean, and open space. Remember, small parts can easily be lost so it’s important to keep everything organized. Furthermore, a good working light will greatly improve the cleaning process.
Moreover, always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves. The glasses prevent any cleaning fluid, dirt, or debris from getting into your eyes. The gloves protect your skin from the harsh cleaning chemicals.
At this stage, you already know:
- The importance of having a safe cleaning environment
- The steps to safely unload your FN SCAR
- How to protect yourself while cleaning your FN SCAR
With that being said, the next section in our step-by-step guide will outline the necessary disassembly required for a thorough cleaning. So, let’s get ready to delve into the nitty-gritty of disassembling the FN SCAR for cleaning.
Step 2: Field Strip Your FN SCAR
Field stripping, a vital component in the cleaning process, is not as daunting as it might sound. Here’s how to disassemble your FN SCAR, also known as field stripping. This process will expose the key areas that you’ll be cleaning.
Start by pressing the takedown pin located on the receiver. Doing so separates the upper receiver from the lower receiver. Carefully pull them apart.
Now onto the bolt carrier group. While removing the bolt, watch out for the recoil spring. It’s under tension and can launch out. Once the bolt carrier group is out, pull the charging handle out of the upper receiver.
Next, remove the gas regulator from the front of the barreled assembly. Turn it counterclockwise and pull it straight out. You’ve now completed the major steps of field stripping your FN SCAR.
Let’s now look at what minor parts to remove. Extract the firing pin retaining pin and the bolt cam pin, making sure not to force them. They need to come out smoothly. Finally, take the firing pin as well as the bolt out from the bolt carrier.
Cleaning is most effective when the firearm is stripped down to its most basic components. After carrying out these steps, you’ll have a disassembled FN SCAR. The following components should be separated and in front of you:
- Upper and lower receivers
- Bolt
- Bolt carrier
- Firing pin
- Gas regulator
Having broken down your FN SCAR, it’s time to clean each part individually. Ensuring you clean these components separately can make a significant difference in the firearm’s performance. This will also prevent any damage from buildup or excessive wear on the internal parts.
Preparing your firearm for deep cleaning can feel like a chore. But remember, you’re not just cleaning your rifle. You’re preserving it for future use and maintaining its value.
I’ll show you how to do an effective deep clean in the next section, “Step 3: Cleaning the Parts”.
Step 3: Cleaning the Barrel
After disassembling your FN SCAR, it’s time to zero in on the barrel – the heartbeat of your firearm’s performance. Regular cleaning here can prolong the firearm’s life and maintain accuracy. You’ll need a cleaning rod, cleaning patches, and a high-quality solvent for this step. Make sure that the cleaning tools you’re using suit the bore size of your FN SCAR.
Start by attaching a cleaning patch to your rod. Saturate this patch in your chosen cleaning solvent. Once thoroughly soaked, push the rod through the barrel starting from the breech or back end. It’s crucial that you always clean from the breech to the muzzle – the direction the bullet travels. This method helps to avoid pushing any grime or residue further into the firearm.
You’ll see some gunk come out on the other end – that’s normal and a good sign your cleaning is effective. Pull the rod back out, but be careful not to pull it completely through. Doing so might contaminate your cleaning rod with the dirt on the muzzle, which can then find its way back into the barrel on your next push.
Swap out your dirty patch for a clean one and repeat the process until the patches start coming out clean. This might take a bit of repetition, especially if it’s been a while since the last cleaning.
Next, attach a wire brush to your cleaning rod. Saturate this in your solvent, and run it through the barrel several times. This helps to scrub off any stubborn residues left in your barrel. Again, ensure you’re scrubbing in the direction of the bullet’s travel.
Finally, you’ll prep your barrel for storage. Attach a clean, dry patch to your rod and run it through your barrel a few times. This helps to remove any remnants of the solvent. Immediately after, run a lubricated patch through the barrel. This creates a protective coating that prevents rust.
Proper barrel cleaning is integral for maximizing the performance and lifespan of your FN SCAR. Putting time and effort into this stage of firearm maintenance pays dividends in the long run.
Step 4: Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group
Having looked at the process of cleaning the barrel, we’ll now move to the next crucial component: the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). This part of your FN SCAR is essential in the firing mechanism, and it’s responsible for feeding, locking, and extracting the cartridge during the firing sequence. Given its significance, regular and proper cleaning of the BCG can have a substantial impact on your firearm’s overall performance and longevity.
Start off by disassembling the BCG into its main components: the bolt, firing pin, cam pin, and bolt carrier. Handle these parts carefully, they’re small and could be easily lost amidst your cleaning supplies.
Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the cleaning. Use a solvent-soaked cleaning brush to scrub off the built-up carbon and dirt from each part of the BCG. Stiff nylon brushes are preferred here due to their toughness, perfect for tackling stubborn carbon. Don’t forget to give the bolt face and bolt carrier interior special attention – these areas tend to collect a lot of residue.
Once you’ve scrubbed the parts clean, use a dry cleaning patch to wipe down each component and absorb any residual solvent. Regular cleaning patches work great for this step. These quick wipes ensure that no excess solvent remains which might attract unwanted debris.
When it comes to the firing pin, cam pin, and their respective holes on the bolt carrier, I’d advise using cotton swabs. Soak them in solvent and use them to clean the internal surfaces of these components. Cotton swabs can effectively reach into the tiny crevices that a cleaning brush can’t.
Remember, maintaining your FN SCAR starts from the inside out. Cleaning the BCG is just as important, if not more so, than cleaning the exterior parts of the firearm. By doing this, you’re not only contributing to the firearm’s performance but also extending its lifespan.
After this stage, your Bolt Carrier Group should be squeaky clean, ready to be oiled and reassembled…but that’s a task for the next section. Watch this space for Step 5, where we’ll dive into lubricating and reassembling your FN SCAR for optimal performance.
Step 5: Cleaning the Upper Receiver
Now that we’ve covered the steps for cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group, let’s move onto the crucial part of our FN SCAR cleaning process – the upper receiver. It’s often overlooked, yet it’s essential in maintaining the firearm’s functionality and lifespan.
To get the job done right, I suggest using cotton swabs and a detail cleaning brush soaked in your go-to gun cleaning solvent. The swabs will allow you to sweep away any stubborn carbon buildup that’s been neglecting your firearm’s performance. We also need to pay attention to the bore and chamber, as this is where most firing residues accumulate.
Cleaning the bore and chamber can be carried out using a bore brush and solvent. Ensure that you run it down the bore in the same direction the bullet travels a few times before switching to a bore snake. The bore snake, combined with the solvent, will help to remove the remaining deposits, ensuring a smooth and reliable operation of your FN SCAR.
Remember to be thorough when cleaning around the gas piston system as well. Here’s where the gas that propels the bullet out of the barrel is redirected to eject the spent casing and chamber a new round. If not properly cleaned, carbon buildup can cause malfunctioning and decrease the firearm’s overall efficiency.
After you’ve given your firearm a thorough clean, wipe it down with a clean, dry patch, then use a pick or a skinny brush to ensure there’s no cleaning solvents left.
You’re making great progress! The next step in our FN SCAR cleaning process will be to clean the lower receiver. This is where the trigger assembly is located, and like the rest of the firearm, it requires regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. But remember, don’t rush it — take your time to do a good job, and you’ll find that your FN SCAR will run more reliably and last longer.
Stay tuned to learn how to properly clean and maintain your SCAR’s lowers receiver to ensure the longevity of your firearm.
Step 6: Cleaning the Lower Receiver
As we continue with the cleaning process, let’s shift our focus to the lower receiver now. Compared to the upper receiver, the lower receiver needs a bit more attention due to its intricate parts.
Kick things off by disassembling the lower receiver. This includes removing the trigger assembly. Always remember, it’s essential to handle these small but significant components with care.
Your first task in this cleaning section is to wipe down the lower receiver using a clean, lint-free cloth. This step helps in getting rid of any exterior dirt or debris on the receiver body.
Next, we’ll dive deeper into the intricacies of cleaning. Focus on the trigger assembly. This operational feature of the FN SCAR firearm is a hub for grime accumulation. The buildup, if not adequately cleaned, can affect your firearm’s performance drastically. Here’s how you can do it:
- Soak a detail cleaning brush in gun cleaning solvent.
- Gently brush off the accumulated dirt, powder residue, and grime in the trigger assembly.
- Take a cotton swab soaked in solvent to clean any hard-to-reach sections.
Consistent trigger maintenance ensures that your FN SCAR operates smoothly without any hitches. Repeat the process until your cotton swab comes out clean. That’s your indicator that you’ve done a thorough cleaning job.
The lower receiver hosts the fire control group (FCG), another component that demands meticulous cleaning. Here too, a detail cleaning brush and cotton swabs soaked in solvent will do the trick.
Let’s not forget about the magazine well. A quick wipe with a cloth can keep it clean and free from debris that could obstruct your magazine’s path.
Caring for the FN SCAR isn’t just about ensuring it’s ready for your next range session. It’s about preserving the working life of your firearm, enhancing reliability and performance. Every minute you spend in the cleaning process is an investment in that objective. And it’s those regular cleaning habits that make the difference.
In the upcoming section, we’ll address reassembly, an essential final step in the cleaning process. But for now, let’s continue with the task at hand, knowing that proper maintenance is a fundamental part of any firearm’s lifespan.
Step 7: Lubrication
Now that we’ve successfully cleaned the lower receiver, it’s time to move on to the lubrication. Proper lubrication is critical for your FN SCAR’s overall performance, longevity, and reliability. It reduces the friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear while allowing for smoother operation.
Before we dive into the specifics, remember that not all lubricants are created equal. It’s essential to use a high-quality firearms lubricant. Avoid using harsh chemicals or household oils because they may damage the firearm’s components or attract considerable amounts of dust and grime.
First up, let’s focus on lubricating the bolt carrier group (BCG). Here’s how you can do it:
- Apply a light coating of lubricant on the bolt and in the bolt carrier.
- Pay special attention to high friction areas like the bolt cam pin and the bolt tail.
- Don’t forget to give the firing pin a light touch of lubricant before reassembly.
Next is the lubrication of the lower receiver. The lower receiver houses the trigger assembly and the FCG, both crucial to the firearm’s operation. Here’s how:
- Gently lubricate the fire control group (FCG) — this includes the hammer and the trigger.
- Apply some lube to the springs and levers in the trigger assembly. Be careful not to overdo it though, too much lubricant may attract dust and debris.
Step 8: Reassembly
Reassembling the FN SCAR might seem challenging but it’s actually the reverse of disassembly. You’ve successfully cleaned and lubricated the bolt carrier group, the lower receiver, and other critical parts of the weapon. This process has contributed significantly to your firearm’s longevity and reliability. Let’s now bring everything back together.
Start with the bolt carrier group (BCG). Ensure that it’s completely dry before you begin. Insert the firing pin, cam pin, and bolt in their respective places, and secure them with the bolt carrier pin. Keep in mind, the bolt must be kept extended while inserting the firing pin.
Continuing, turn your focus to the lower receiver. Reassemble the fire control group (FCG) and trigger assembly following the reverse order of their disassembly. It’s important to pay attention to the proper alignment of pins and springs to avoid possible jamming or misfires.
Next, pivot the upper receiver onto the lower receiver and push the front pivot pin back into its place. This will secure the two receivers together. After you align the receivers, slide the bolt carrier group back into the upper receiver. Finish the process by reinstalling the charging handle and the back cover.
Reinstall the barrel assembly, and ensure that it goes straight into its place in the upper receiver. Tighten the knurled locking nut securely but avoid excessive force. You don’t want to risk damaging the threads or misaligning the barrel.
As you can see, these steps aren’t complicated. Just go slowly, follow the instructions, and apply a little patience. Ensure to always maintain the safety measures. Reassembling your FN SCAR after a detailed clean is one of the essential maintenances you can perform to keep your firearm in top-notch condition.
Conclusion
Cleaning your FN SCAR isn’t just about keeping it looking good. It’s about ensuring its longevity and reliability. Remember, safety comes first. Always unload your firearm before you start the process. Field stripping and cleaning each part individually is key to a thorough clean. Don’t rush step 8 – reassembly. Proper alignment and attention to detail here is crucial. If you take the time to clean your FN SCAR correctly, you’ll have a firearm that’s not only clean but also dependable. So, take the time, follow the steps, and keep your FN SCAR in top shape. It’s worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important to unload the firearm before starting the cleaning process?
A: Unloading the firearm ensures safety during the cleaning process by minimizing the risk of accidental discharge.
Q: What is the process of field stripping the FN SCAR?
A: Field stripping the FN SCAR involves disassembling the firearm into its major components for thorough cleaning.
Q: How do you clean each part of the firearm?
A: Each part of the firearm should be cleaned individually using appropriate cleaning solutions and tools as explained in the article.
Q: What is the significance of proper alignment during reassembly?
A: Proper alignment ensures the firearm functions properly and maintains reliability after cleaning.
Q: Why is attention to detail important during reassembly?
A: Attention to detail ensures all components are correctly installed, reducing the risk of malfunctions or damage to the firearm.
Q: Why is reassembling the firearm after cleaning important?
A: Reassembling the firearm is crucial for maintaining its longevity and ensuring it operates reliably.
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