How to Disassemble an AR-15: A Step-by-Step Guide

Disassembling an AR-15 is a task that requires precision and attention to detail. Whether you’re cleaning your firearm, performing routine maintenance, or simply curious about the inner workings of this popular rifle, understanding the process is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the disassembly of an AR-15, ensuring that you can do it safely and effectively.

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before you begin, always remember to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and ensure that the magazine is removed. This is a fundamental rule of gun safety that should never be overlooked.

Step 2: Removing the Magazine

Locate the magazine release on the lower receiver. Press it down and pull the magazine out. Set it aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Removing the Bolt Carrier Group

With the magazine removed, you can now proceed to remove the bolt carrier group (BCG). To do this, you’ll need to push the bolt release lever to the rear, allowing the bolt to clear the receiver. Once the bolt is clear, you can lift the BCG out of the receiver.

Step 4: Removing the Bolt

With the BCG removed, you can now focus on the bolt. Gently pull the bolt out of the BCG. Be sure to keep the bolt in a safe place to prevent it from getting lost or damaged.

Step 5: Removing the Firing Pin and Spring

With the bolt removed, you’ll see the firing pin and spring. Carefully remove the firing pin and spring from the bolt. Again, be sure to keep them in a safe place.

Step 6: Removing the Gas Key

The gas key is the component that holds the gas tube in place. To remove it, you’ll need to use a gas key wrench. Place the wrench on the gas key and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it’s loose, you can remove the gas key and set it aside.

Step 7: Removing the Gas Tube

With the gas key removed, you can now pull the gas tube out of the receiver. Be sure to keep it in a safe place as well.

Step 8: Removing the Upper Receiver

With the gas tube removed, you can now focus on the upper receiver. To remove it, you’ll need to remove the handguard. Once the handguard is removed, you can lift the upper receiver out of the lower receiver.

Step 9: Removing the Stock

Finally, you can remove the stock from the lower receiver. This is typically done by unscrewing the stock from the receiver. Once the stock is removed, you can set it aside.

Step 10: Reassembly

Now that you’ve successfully disassembled your AR-15, it’s time to reassemble it. Follow the steps in reverse order, ensuring that each component is properly aligned and secured. Always double-check your work to ensure that everything is in place and functioning correctly.

Disassembling an AR-15 can be a challenging task, but with patience and attention to detail, you can do it safely and effectively. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time to ensure that each step is completed correctly.