Some rifles are built to run dirty. Others will keep running—but only if you’re willing to spend some time with a bore snake, dental picks, and more patience than you planned on. These rifles aren’t exactly fun to clean, and some make you feel like you need an engineering degree just to take them apart.
Still, they shoot well, run hard, and are absolutely worth keeping in the safe. You might grumble while scrubbing carbon, but you won’t be sorry when it’s time to hit the range or the field.
FN SCAR 17S
The SCAR 17S runs smooth, but taking it apart and getting into the nooks and crannies can be a hassle. The bolt and piston system collect grime in spots that aren’t easy to get to without a full teardown.
It’s not that it’s overly complex, but everything’s tucked away tight. Still, the rifle’s performance more than makes up for it. Once you shoot it, you’ll be willing to put in the time, even if it means swabbing carbon out of weird corners.
M1 Garand
Cleaning an M1 Garand is a bit like disassembling a puzzle. You’ve got to deal with grease, carbon, and that lovely combination of old steel and tight-fitting parts that require a bit of mechanical sympathy.
The gas system traps fouling, and getting into the op-rod and bolt can take a while. But once you’ve got it running smooth, it’s a pleasure to shoot. A bit of elbow grease is worth it for a rifle with that much history and function.
HK91 / G3 Clones
The roller-delayed blowback design is a tough one when it comes time to clean. The HK91—or any of its clones—will send grime everywhere. The chamber flutes, bolt carrier, and recoil assembly all need extra attention.
Add in the fact that most of these rifles have sharp edges and tight tolerances, and it’s not exactly quick work. But they shoot like a dream and are ridiculously tough, which is why folks are still hanging onto them despite the cleaning headaches.
Ruger Mini-14
The Mini-14 has a loyal following, and it’s a great rifle for ranch use or range days. But once it’s time to clean, you’ll find yourself fighting with small parts, tight pins, and a gas system that clings to carbon like glue.
It’s not impossible to deal with—it’s just tedious. Disassembly isn’t as intuitive as an AR, and putting it back together can be frustrating the first few times. That said, once you get the hang of it, the rifle’s reliability makes it worth the trouble.
M1A / Springfield M14
If you’ve ever cleaned an M1A, you already know what’s coming. The gas system gets filthy, the op-rod can be a pain to align, and disassembly takes time if you want to do it right. Forget a quick wipe-down—this one demands effort.
Still, the rifle has that solid feel and accurate performance that keeps it in rotation. It’s not the easiest to clean, but for long-range punch and a satisfying feel, you’ll deal with the mess and keep coming back.
Steyr AUG
Bullpups always have their quirks, and the Steyr AUG is no exception. The gas system gets filthy fast, and cleaning around the rotating bolt and piston setup takes time. Plus, there are more crevices than you’d expect in a rifle this compact.
You’ll need tools, patience, and a little finesse to clean it right. But when it’s clean, the AUG runs like a sewing machine. It’s smooth, accurate, and handles recoil well. You just have to accept that it’ll demand extra time on the bench.
AK-74
The AK-74 runs dirty and still keeps going—but cleaning it properly is another story. Carbon buildup on the piston and bolt face takes effort to remove, and the gas tube usually needs a soak if you’re running corrosive ammo.
It’s not complex, but it’s gritty. And if you shoot surplus, plan on extra steps to neutralize corrosive salts. Still, it’s a soft shooter with great ballistics, and the reliability makes the mess tolerable. Just don’t skip cleaning it for too long.
FN FAL
The FAL is known as the “right arm of the free world,” but it’s also a rifle that’ll test your cleaning patience. The adjustable gas system collects gunk quickly, and the bolt and carrier have a way of holding onto crud.
Field stripping is straightforward, but a deep clean takes time. The thing is, when it’s clean and dialed in, it runs well and hits hard. If you’re willing to deal with the extra maintenance, it’ll serve you well in any conditions.
Swiss K31
This straight-pull bolt-action rifle looks simple, but cleaning it is another matter. The bolt is a precision-made piece of machinery with parts that don’t come apart easily unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
If you skip deep cleaning too often, you’ll start to feel it in the action. But treat it right, and you’ll get smooth cycling, excellent accuracy, and one of the coolest surplus rifles ever made. It’s worth learning how to clean it properly—even if it’s not quick.
Desert Tech MDR
The MDR is a modern bullpup that’s modular and ambidextrous, but it gets dirty fast and requires a fair amount of effort to clean. The gas system, piston, and internal channels trap carbon in spots that take some work to reach.
You’ve got to remove multiple components to really get inside it, and that means more steps and more care. Still, once it’s clean, the rifle runs reliably and handles recoil well. It’s a lot of rifle in a small package—you’re just going to spend time scrubbing it down.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
