How To Take Apart an AR-15: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prioritizing Safety Above All Else

Before you even consider touching your AR-15, safety *must* be your top priority. Neglecting safety protocols can lead to serious injury or even death. The following rules are non-negotiable and should be followed *every time* you handle a firearm:

• **Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.** This is the most fundamental rule. Never assume a gun is unloaded; always verify.
• **Point the muzzle in a safe direction.** This means directing the firearm’s barrel towards a place where an accidental discharge would cause minimal harm, ideally a safe direction or a solid backstop.
• **Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.** This prevents accidental discharges. Your finger should be off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you have positively identified your target and decided to fire.
• **Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.** Know your target and what is behind it. Bullets can travel a long distance. Be absolutely certain of your target and the area surrounding it.

Before beginning the disassembly process, *always* verify the firearm is unloaded:

• Remove the magazine from the magazine well.
• Pull back the charging handle fully, and visually inspect the chamber to ensure no round is present.
• Lock the bolt to the rear using the charging handle and the bolt catch, ensuring the chamber is entirely clear.

In addition to these fundamental gun safety rules, always wear appropriate eye protection and hearing protection. Consider a well-ventilated area to work, especially when using gun cleaning solvents.

Essential Gear for the Task

Having the right tools and supplies makes the disassembly process much smoother and safer. Here’s what you’ll need:

• **AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench or Adjustable Wrench:** Crucial for removing the castle nut and potentially the barrel nut (depending on your needs). An AR-15 armorer’s wrench is specifically designed for this, offering multiple functions. An adjustable wrench can work but might require more care to avoid damaging components.
• **Punch Set:** A comprehensive punch set, including roll pin punches and pin punches, is essential for driving out pins that secure various components. Quality punches are critical to prevent damage to the rifle.
• **Hammer:** A small hammer, preferably with a nylon-tipped or brass head, helps in driving out pins and gently tapping on parts. A steel hammer is generally not recommended, as it can easily damage the parts.
• **Cleaning Supplies:** You’ll need gun cleaner, a quality gun lubricant, brushes (nylon or brass, depending on the part), cleaning cloths or patches, and cotton swabs.
• **Small Containers (Optional):** Small containers or trays can be incredibly useful for organizing small parts, preventing them from getting lost.
• **Vice (Optional):** A vice with padded jaws can be helpful for certain tasks, such as removing a stubborn barrel nut or providing a stable platform for working on the lower receiver.
• **Gunsmithing Mat:** Protecting your working surface is vital and reduces the risk of scratching your firearm.

Optional, but Recommended Tools:

• **Pivot Pin Tool:** This tool can make installing and removing the pivot pins on the lower receiver much easier.
• **Magazine Catch Tool:** Useful for removing and reinstalling the magazine catch button.

Understanding the Cleaning Agents

Choosing the right cleaning solvent and lubricant is crucial for long-term functionality. Solvents break down carbon buildup and residue, while lubricants help reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Use solvents specifically designed for firearms and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A high-quality gun oil is usually an excellent lubricant choice.

Disassembly: The Lower Receiver

The lower receiver houses the fire control group and is generally simpler to disassemble than the upper receiver. Proceed with care, and take note of the order of parts for easier reassembly.

• **Removing the Magazine:** Ensure the magazine is removed.
• **Separating the Upper and Lower Receivers:** Depress the rear takedown pin and remove it. Then, pivot the upper receiver open, and take out the front pivot pin. These pins allow the upper and lower receivers to separate.
• **Removing the Bolt Catch:** With a punch, carefully depress the bolt catch roll pin and remove it. Take out the bolt catch itself, followed by the bolt catch spring and plunger. It’s a good idea to contain these small parts.
• **Disassembly of the Trigger and Hammer Assembly:** Use punches to carefully remove the trigger and hammer pins. Take extreme caution here, as springs can launch small parts. Once the pins are out, the trigger and hammer should be removable. Keep track of the position of each part for reassembly.
• **Removing the Pistol Grip:** Unscrew the grip screw and remove the pistol grip.
• **Removing the Buffer Tube/Stock Assembly:** Unscrew the castle nut using your armorer’s wrench or an adjustable wrench. Remove the buffer tube. Then, remove the buffer retainer and its spring. Finally, remove the stock.
• **Removing the Trigger Guard (Optional):** Remove the roll pin and the trigger guard.
• **Removing the Magazine Release Button (Optional):** Remove the screw.

Disassembly: The Upper Receiver

The upper receiver houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and charging handle. This process can be slightly more involved.

• **Removing the Charging Handle:** Pull the charging handle back and remove it.
• **Removing the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):** Slide the bolt carrier group out of the upper receiver.
• **Disassembling the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):**
  • Remove the firing pin retaining pin.
  • Remove the firing pin.
  • Rotate the cam pin ninety degrees and remove it.
  • Slide the bolt out of the bolt carrier.
• **Removing the Handguards (If Applicable):** Handguard removal depends on the specific model. Some have retaining rings. Others are bolted or screwed on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the handguards.
• **Removing the Barrel (Advanced Users):** This step is typically only done for barrel replacement or advanced cleaning.
  • Loosen the barrel nut.
  • Remove the barrel nut.
  • Remove the barrel.

Cleaning and Inspection: The Heart of Maintenance

Cleaning and inspecting your AR-15 is as critical as the disassembly process.

• **Thorough Cleaning of Each Part:** Use appropriate cleaning solvents and brushes, cloths, and cotton swabs to remove carbon buildup and grime. The bolt carrier group, chamber, and barrel require particular attention. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the cleaner you are using.
• **Inspecting for Wear and Damage:** Carefully inspect each part for wear, damage, or corrosion. Look for cracks, excessive wear, or any signs of damage that could compromise the firearm’s function.
• **Lubrication is Key:** Once all parts are cleaned and inspected, lubricate them with a high-quality gun oil. This reduces friction, prevents corrosion, and ensures smooth operation. Apply a light coat of lubricant to moving parts.

Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together

Reassembly is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. Take your time, and make sure all parts are correctly aligned and seated.

• **Reassembling Upper Receiver Components:** Reassemble the charging handle, handguards and barrel, if you removed them.
• **Reassembling the Bolt Carrier Group:** Reassemble the bolt carrier group, ensuring all components are properly aligned and seated.
• **Reassembling Lower Receiver Components:** Reassemble the trigger group, pistol grip, and buffer tube/stock assembly, carefully following the reverse order of disassembly.
• **Attaching the Upper and Lower Receivers:** Reattach the upper and lower receivers, ensuring the takedown and pivot pins are correctly installed.

Function Check: Confirming Correct Operation

After reassembly, a thorough function check is essential.

• **Cycling the Action:** Cycle the charging handle and check for smooth operation.
• **Bolt Lock on Empty Magazine:** Ensure the bolt locks back on the empty magazine.
• **Dry-Firing:** Dry-fire the weapon (with an empty magazine and pointing in a safe direction) to ensure the trigger functions correctly.
• **Control Function Verification:** Verify the proper functioning of all controls, including the safety selector, magazine release, and bolt catch.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your AR-15

Disassembling and reassembling an AR-15 is a fundamental skill for any firearm owner. This guide has provided a step-by-step approach to safely taking apart your rifle, promoting thorough cleaning, and maintaining optimal performance. Remember to always prioritize safety, use the right tools, and take your time. If you encounter complex issues or require major repairs or modifications, consult a qualified gunsmith. Responsible gun ownership includes not only safe handling and storage but also proper maintenance. This practice is not just about preventing malfunctions; it’s about maintaining the longevity and safe function of your firearm. Consider exploring local gun stores to find parts, accessories, or a gunsmith who can help you maintain your AR-15.