Introduction
The AR-15. It’s more than just a rifle; it’s a versatile platform, a symbol of American freedom, and a tool enjoyed by many for sport shooting, hunting, and self-defense. To truly understand and appreciate the AR-15, one must gain a working knowledge of its inner workings. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to understanding how to take apart an AR-15, empowering you to perform essential maintenance, cleaning, and even some basic troubleshooting. We will focus on a basic field strip, preparing you for the fundamental care your firearm requires.
Owning an AR-15 comes with significant responsibility. Safety is paramount. Before you even think about disassembly, understand and commit to practicing strict gun safety protocols. This is non-negotiable. Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Assume it’s always ready to fire. Never point your AR-15 at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. The information presented here is for informational and educational purposes only. Always handle firearms responsibly, and if you are unsure of any step, seek the guidance of a qualified gunsmith or experienced firearm professional. This is not intended as a replacement for professional training.
Safety: Your First Priority
Before you even think about disassembling your AR-15, certain protocols must be followed precisely. These are not suggestions; they are absolute requirements for preventing accidents.
The foremost step is ensuring the AR-15 is completely unloaded. The most dangerous assumption is that you know the firearm is unloaded without checking. This is where many accidents occur.
Crucial Safety Checks
First, CLEAR THE WEAPON. Open the action, that is, pull back the charging handle all the way. Lock the bolt to the rear by using the bolt catch. Next, visually inspect the chamber, the place where the bullet sits before being fired. Then physically check. Run your finger along the inside of the chamber, making sure there is no ammunition present. Ensure the magazine well is empty.
Second, Remove the Magazine. Depress the magazine release button (usually on the lower receiver, located near the trigger). Pull the magazine free, and visually inspect it to confirm that it is, in fact, empty.
Third, Visually Inspect the Chamber. Even after removing the magazine, cycle the charging handle to the rear again. This confirms the chamber is empty. If you have any doubt, shine a light into the chamber.
Fourth, Confirm the Safety is Engaged. The safety selector should be in the “safe” position. This prevents the trigger from being pulled.
Only after you have meticulously completed each of these steps should you proceed to the disassembly process. This consistent focus on safety will create a safe environment and build good habits.
Ensure you are working in a well-lit area with adequate ventilation. A stable, clean work surface is essential. A dedicated gun-cleaning mat, such as a neoprene mat, is an excellent investment. This protects your rifle’s finish and provides a dedicated space for your tools and parts. Always wear appropriate eye protection when working on firearms to prevent any debris from entering your eyes.
Gather your tools. You’ll need a few basics to start. While specific AR-15 armorer’s tools exist, and may become useful as your knowledge grows, the following are essential for this field strip:
- A cleaning rod or a bore snake. The cleaning rod is a rigid rod with a handle, designed to push cleaning patches through the barrel. A bore snake is a flexible cable with a brush and cleaning surface, also designed to clean the barrel.
- Cleaning patches. These are small, absorbent squares of cloth used to apply cleaning solvent and wipe away debris.
- Cleaning solvent. This chemical solution dissolves powder residue, carbon buildup, and other contaminants. Choose a solvent specifically designed for firearms.
- Gun lubricant. This prevents friction and corrosion. Choose a lubricant suitable for firearms.
- A variety of brushes such as a nylon brush, toothbrush and/or a brass brush.
With your safety checks completed and your tools gathered, you are now ready to disassemble your AR-15. Remember to take your time, and work methodically.
Taking it Apart: Unveiling the AR-15
Begin by separating the upper and lower receivers. They are joined by two pins, the takedown pin located towards the rear of the receiver and the pivot pin located towards the front.
Separating the Receivers
First, Depress the Takedown and Pivot Pins. Push the takedown pin and then the pivot pin out of their respective holes on the lower receiver. The takedown pin will usually be depressed by pushing with a punch or bullet tip to release it.
Next, separate the upper and lower receivers, articulating them open. You can gently pivot the upper receiver away from the lower receiver. The two receivers are now separated.
Now, work with the lower receiver, this is the section that contains the trigger and other fire-control parts.
Disassembling the Lower Receiver
First, Remove the Bolt Catch Assembly. Located on the left side of the lower receiver, this assembly contains the bolt catch, bolt catch spring, and bolt catch roll pin. Using a punch, push the roll pin out. Carefully remove the bolt catch and the spring. Be cautious; the spring is under tension and can fly out if you are not careful.
Second, Remove the Trigger and Hammer Assembly. Using a punch, knock out the trigger pins. Be careful not to damage the receiver. Now, lift the trigger and hammer out. If there is a spring holding the hammer in, be aware of the force on the spring.
Third, Remove the Pistol Grip. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw holding the pistol grip to the lower receiver. Carefully remove the pistol grip.
Fourth, Remove the Buffer Tube and Buffer Spring. Unthread the castle nut that secures the buffer tube. Be careful, there’s a spring under tension. Unscrew the buffer tube. The buffer and spring can now be removed. The spring will be inside the buffer tube.
Fifth, Remove the Safety Selector. There may be a spring or detent pin. Locate this and the safety selector can be removed.
That’s the disassembly of the lower receiver. Next, move to the upper receiver.
Disassembling the Upper Receiver
First, Remove the Charging Handle. Pull the charging handle out of the receiver. It sits in a channel on the top of the receiver.
Second, Remove the Bolt Carrier Group. Grasp the charging handle (you can reinstall it here for extra purchase, if you wish) and pull the bolt carrier group (BCG) out of the receiver. The BCG is the heart of the AR-15’s action, containing the bolt and carrier. This is a critical component.
Disassembling the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
Third, Disassemble the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). If you wish to further disassemble, these steps are useful.
- Remove the firing pin retaining pin. This small pin holds the firing pin in place. Push it out using a punch.
- Remove the firing pin. After removing the retaining pin, gently pull the firing pin out of the bolt carrier.
- Remove the cam pin. Rotate the cam pin until its narrow section aligns with the bolt carrier. Then remove it.
- Remove the bolt from the bolt carrier. With the cam pin removed, the bolt can be pushed out of the bolt carrier.
These steps allow for more thorough cleaning and inspection of all the BCG components.
With these steps completed, the major components of your AR-15 are now disassembled.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Preserving Your Investment
Cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure your AR-15 functions properly and lasts for years.
The barrel should be thoroughly cleaned. Use a cleaning rod or bore snake. Apply a cleaning solution to the brush or patch and push it through the barrel from the chamber towards the muzzle. Repeat this until the patches come out clean. After cleaning the barrel, run a clean, dry patch through the bore.
The bolt carrier group must be cleaned. Disassemble the BCG (if you’ve not already done so) and remove carbon buildup and fouling using a brush, cleaning solvent, and patches. Pay close attention to the bolt face, the locking lugs, and the inside of the bolt carrier.
Wipe down both the upper and lower receivers. These are usually made of aluminum and can be cleaned with a soft cloth and solvent.
After cleaning, apply a light coat of gun lubricant to moving parts such as the bolt carrier, the barrel extension, and the buffer spring.
Reassembly: Putting it Back Together Again
Reverse the disassembly steps to reassemble your AR-15.
Reassembly Steps
First, start reassembling the upper receiver and the BCG
- Reinsert the bolt into the bolt carrier
- Insert the cam pin in the bolt carrier and rotate it to lock the bolt in place
- Insert the firing pin. Then insert the firing pin retaining pin
Second, reassemble the lower receiver
- Insert the safety selector
- Reinstall the trigger and hammer assembly
- Reinstall the pistol grip
- Reinstall the bolt catch assembly.
- Reinstall the buffer tube, buffer and buffer spring.
Finally, install the upper receiver onto the lower receiver
After reassembly, perform a function check.
Double-Check Safety!
This cannot be stressed enough. Even after reassembly, confirm the firearm is unloaded before beginning the function check.
Function Check
- Cycle the charging handle. Make sure the bolt locks back on the bolt catch.
- Test the trigger. Pull the trigger and verify that the hammer falls.
- Test the safety. Ensure the safety selector engages and prevents the trigger from being pulled.
If everything functions correctly, your AR-15 is ready for the range.
Troubleshooting
You may encounter some issues during disassembly and reassembly. Sometimes, parts may be stiff, or the pins may be difficult to remove.
If you encounter a stuck pin, ensure you are using the correct punch size and that you are applying force directly and evenly.
If parts do not fit easily, ensure they are properly aligned and that no debris is obstructing their movement.
If you encounter any problems you cannot resolve, it’s always best to consult with a qualified gunsmith.
Conclusion
Learning how to take apart an AR-15 is a valuable skill for any owner. This guide has provided a detailed, step-by-step approach to field stripping your rifle, covering the essential components and the process of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. Remember to always put safety first.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical for the reliable and safe operation of your AR-15. Understanding the inner workings of your firearm allows you to keep it in optimal condition, ensuring its longevity and performance. Further your education, research more detailed cleaning methods, explore different customization options, and keep practicing!
If you encounter any problems, seek professional assistance. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified gunsmith or experienced professional. Safety is always the top priority. Now, with the rifle unloaded and safe, practice this disassembly and reassembly. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Your AR-15 is a complex piece of machinery; getting to know it will reward you in the long run.
