The AR-15 platform, known for its modularity and ease of maintenance, requires regular cleaning and occasional field stripping. This guide will walk you through the process of field stripping an AR-15, ensuring you can confidently maintain your firearm. Safety is paramount, so always ensure your firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before beginning any maintenance.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
- AR-15 Rifle: Obviously! Ensure it's unloaded and the bolt is locked back.
- Cleaning Kit: This usually includes a cleaning rod, patches, bore brush, and gun oil.
- Punched: A small punch can be helpful for removing the pivot pin, though it's often not strictly necessary. Using a bullet tip to help push out the pins is possible too. Be careful with this method to avoid damaging the firearm.
- Soft Cloth: For wiping down parts and preventing scratches.
Steps to Field Strip Your AR-15
The field stripping process is straightforward, but accuracy is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) Removal:
- Check Again: Verify your weapon is unloaded and the safety is engaged. This is a crucial step to perform repeatedly throughout the process.
- Remove the Upper Receiver Pin: Locate the takedown pins on either side of the upper receiver. Using your fingers or a punch, push the pins out from the right side. The pins will often just fall out, but be ready to catch them. This may require a slight tap using the bullet end of a round of ammunition. Do not use excessive force.
- Separate Upper and Lower Receivers: Once the pins are removed, gently separate the upper and lower receivers. The bolt carrier group (BCG) will remain within the upper receiver.
2. Removing the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):
- Grab the Charging Handle: Pull back on the charging handle and retain it.
- Extract BCG: Carefully remove the BCG from the upper receiver. This is usually simple but may require a slight wiggle. Support the BCG to avoid dropping it.
3. Disassembling the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):
- Remove the Bolt: The bolt and the cam pin are usually easily separated after pushing the cam pin out using a punch.
Reassembly: A Reverse Process
Reassembly is simply the reverse of the steps above. Pay close attention to the proper alignment of all parts, ensuring smooth operation. Remember to lubricate your BCG with gun oil after cleaning.
Cleaning Your AR-15
Once disassembled, thoroughly clean all parts using your cleaning kit. Focus on removing any fouling or debris from the bore, bolt, and other components. Always use the proper cleaning solvent and lubricant.
When to Field Strip
Regular field stripping is essential for maintaining your AR-15's performance and longevity. You should field strip your AR-15 after each range trip, or at least every few months, even if you haven’t fired it recently. This keeps your weapon clean and free from rust and prevents malfunctions.
Advanced Stripping
Beyond basic field stripping, more advanced disassembly is sometimes necessary for deeper cleaning or parts replacement. This involves removing the buffer tube and other internal components. Research this advanced level of stripping before attempting it.
Safety First!
Remember, firearm safety is paramount. Always treat your weapon as if it were loaded, even after you've confirmed it's unloaded. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified firearms instructor or gunsmith. This guide provides information for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional firearms instruction.
