Cleaning an AR-15 barrel. Remove the gas block?

[Squatchy]

So my stainless barrel recently turned over 2000 rounds and I have noticed the accuracy is starting to dip. Previously I just ran a couple patches down the barrel and called it g2g but I would like to run a nylon brush and solvent to remove some of the crud. If im using Hoppes #9 do I need to remove the gasblock so I dont get any solvent in it?

[sprrdhawk44]

Short answer: No, you don't need to remove the gas block. Gas moves through it at several thousand PSI. No solvent will remain in it.

[Splittiebus66]

[TheRealDonJohnson]

I would run a copper solvent through the barrel. I recommend a brass brush as well.

[ianb1116]

I second what hawk said. No need. Gas block doesn't effect accuracy to any noticeable degree. Now, if you start short stroking, then there may be a precedent for taking off, cleaning, the remounting to make sure it's properly aligned.

[Splittiebus66]

Now, if you start short stroking, then there may be a precedent for taking off, cleaning, the remounting to make sure it's properly aligned.

That happens sometimes when I'm bangin my old lady too.

[ianb1116]

That happens sometimes when I'm bangin my old lady too.

Also very sound advice. Listen to this man.

[theunrulychef]

I've had luck with Butch's Boreshine for a good copper scrub. As others have said, you'll need to use a decent brush & the right size jag for your patches. If you don't use a bore guide, that's a good thing to have as well, though at 2,000 rounds, I'm not sure if it would be of much use. Just be mindful of your crown as you are brushing. I put the barrel up against the back of my bench so that the brush doesn't shoot out the end & I can have more control as it's going over the crown. Of course, I just saw an article yesterday where people purposely f-ed up the crown of a rifle to test it & it still shot great, so who the hell knows.

As sprrdhawk44 stated, you do not need to remove your gasblock.

[R L Suehr]

That happens sometimes when I'm bangin my old lady too.

Sounds like you need a better lube. I know mine likes to be run wet.

[sprrdhawk44]

The problem is you guys are running low-mass carriers.