How to Clean an M-14

By Karen Miller, eHow Contributor

updated: October 14, 2010
The M-14 is the grand old man of military rifles. It was standard issue in the U
S military from the 1950s until the 1970s; the rifle was too heavy to be conside
red 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 snipe
rs 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.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
* Screwdriver
* Allen wrench
* 1/2-gallon container
* Boiling soapy water
* Barrel brush
* Barrel rod
* Cleaning cloths
* Lubricant
1.
1
Look into the chamber to make sure there is no ammunition inside. Remove a
ll ammunition before taking the gun apart.
2.
2
Turn the M-14 over so the trigger is on top and the barrel is pointing awa
y 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 remov
ed completely.
3.
3
Turn the gun over and lift the barrel and chamber away from the lower stoc
k housing. Pull the chamber forward so it is closes to relieve the spring tightn
ess.
4.
4
Put one hand over the top of the barrel; this is where the spring is locat
ed. Push the end of the Allen wrench through the hole housing the pin that retai
ns 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.
5
Lower the iron sight at the barrel end of the gun; slide the spring housin
g and rod off the barrel. The rod and spring housing are attached to a single pi
ece.
6.
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.
7
Stand the barrel up so the firing end is inside a 1/2-gallon container. Pl
ace a funnel into the opposite send of the barrel.
8.
8
Pour 2 cups of soapy, boiling water down the funnel so the liquid runs thr
ough the barrel and into the container. Allow all of the water to drip out.
9.
9
Insert a barrel brush through the firing end of the barrel; move it back a
nd forth at least two times. The brush will dislodge solidified dirt.
10.
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 contai
ner.
11.
11
Stand the barrel up so the firing end is inside a 1/2-gallon container. Pl
ace a funnel in the opposite end of the barrel. Use the rod and cloth to clean t
he walls of the barrel.
12.
12
Clean all of the removed parts form the barrel by dipping them into the so
apy water. Spot-clean grime and dirt with cotton swabs and a degreasing solvent.
13.
13
Lubricate the gas piston and replace it directly above the barrel. Reassem
ble the parts.

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