Maintenance Series: Cleaning AK Pattern Rifles

Hey everyone, Caleb here with Brownells. In this video, I walk through how to clean and maintain an AK-pattern rifle. The AK has a reputation for being durable and low-maintenance but keeping it clean and properly lubed is still important if you want it to last and run reliably. I used a Zastava M70 for this walkthrough, but these steps apply to most AK variants.

What You Will Learn

In this video, viewers will learn a complete, step-by-step process for safely disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling an AK-pattern rifle. Using a Zastava M70 as an example, Caleb explains key maintenance tips that apply to nearly all AK variants, from carbon removal to proper lubrication points.

Benefit

Whether you're new to the AK platform or just want to brush up on best practices, this guide helps ensure your rifle runs reliably and lasts longer. It’s a quick, practical watch that gives you the confidence to maintain your AK without overcomplicating the process.

Do You Really Need to Clean an AK?

There's a common joke that you don’t need to clean an AK. While it's true that they’ll often run dirty, that doesn’t mean they should. Regular cleaning helps with longevity and ensures you don’t run into malfunctions when it matters most.

Getting Started: Safety and Disassembly

The first step is always safety. I make sure the rifle is unloaded, remove the magazine, and check the chamber. Then I remove the dust cover, recoil spring, bolt carrier, and bolt. I also take off the gas tube. You don’t need special tools for any of this – it’s designed to come apart easily.

Cleaning the Receiver, Bolt, and Gas System

I start by wiping down the internals with CLP and a rag, then use a brush to get into tighter areas. If there’s surface rust, steel wool takes care of it without damaging the finish. For the bolt and firing pin, I look for signs of carbon buildup and check to make sure the firing pin moves freely. If it’s stuck, I clean it thoroughly and work it until it moves properly.

Cleaning the Piston and Gas Tube

The piston gets especially dirty, so I brush it out and clean the interior of the gas tube with a 20-gauge bore brush – it fits perfectly. This gets all the soot and fouling out without too much effort.

Barrel and Bore Cleaning

When I clean the barrel, I make sure to protect the crown. I run a bore brush through from the chamber end, followed by patches until they come out clean. I don’t worry about getting it spotless – just free of fouling that could impact performance.

Lubricating the AK

AKs like grease, especially on high-wear surfaces. I use Brownells Action Lube Plus on the bolt carrier rails, the back of the bolt lugs, and around the fire control group. This helps smooth out cycling and prevents wear on the contact points. Then I reinstall all the components.

Reassembly

The bolt carrier drops back in over the hammer, and the curved section of the bolt helps push the hammer down as it slides into place. The recoil spring assembly goes into the bolt carrier, and I line up the rails at the back so it snaps into position.

For the dust cover, I seat the front into the crescent-shaped notch and press the rear down. If your AK doesn’t have the spring-loaded rear latch like this Zastava M70, you might have to snap the cover into place manually.

Final Function Check

Once everything is reassembled, I work the action a few times to spread the grease around. Then I do a quick function test:

• Put the rifle on safe and check for movement

• Switch to fire, pull the trigger

• Hold the trigger, cycle the action

• Release the trigger and listen for the reset

Everything should function smoothly. If it does, you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

And that’s all there is to it. The AK platform is straightforward to clean and maintain once you know the process. Whether you’re running a Zastava, PSAK, or a Romanian import, regular maintenance will keep your rifle running smoothly.

If you have questions or want to see another maintenance guide, drop it in the comments. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time.

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