Prioritizing Firearm Safety First
Safety First: Always The Priority
Before you even consider touching your AR-15, let’s talk about safety. This cannot be overstated. Every single time you handle your firearm, no matter the circumstance, safety must be your top priority. Negligence can lead to catastrophic results, and it’s essential to build these safety habits into every interaction with a firearm.
Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Even if you *think* it’s unloaded, treat it as if it’s ready to fire. This foundational principle will protect you from accidental discharges.
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. This is a fundamental rule. If the firearm were to discharge, it should be pointing in a direction where any potential bullet impact wouldn’t cause harm or damage. Control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. The trigger is the only thing between the firing pin and the cartridge. Until you’ve made the conscious decision to fire, your finger should be off the trigger and outside the trigger guard.
Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. This means knowing not only what you are aiming at, but also what is behind and around it. A bullet can travel a significant distance, and you must ensure that your shot won’t endanger anyone or anything else.
Verifying The Firearm Is Unloaded
Now, with those critical principles understood, let’s move onto the crucial step of verifying your firearm is unloaded. This must be done every single time you plan to work on the AR-15.
First, remove the magazine. The AR-15 cannot fire without a magazine. Eject the magazine and set it aside.
Next, visually and physically inspect the chamber. Open the action (by pulling back the charging handle) and visually check that there’s no round in the chamber. Then, run your finger along the chamber to feel and be absolutely certain it is empty.
Finally, ensure the bolt is locked back. The bolt is designed to stay open after the last round has been fired. This visually confirms the firearm is ready to be worked on.
Protection in the Workshop
Always wear appropriate eye protection. During disassembly and reassembly, small parts, lubricants, and debris can potentially get into your eyes. Safety glasses are non-negotiable.
Create a well-lit and uncluttered workspace. Adequate lighting helps you see the details of your firearm, and a clean workspace keeps your parts from getting lost or damaged.
Gathering The Right Tools And Materials
Essentials for Disassembly
Having the right tools makes the job of breaking down an AR-15 not only easier but also safer and more efficient. You want to be well-equipped before you start. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
A sturdy cleaning mat. This serves as a safe surface to work on, protecting both your firearm and your work surface from scratches and damage. It also helps to contain small parts.
A cleaning rod and brush. These are used to clean the barrel, removing fouling and debris. Choose a rod that won’t damage the rifling and match the caliber of your AR-15.
Bore solvent and gun oil. Bore solvent is used to dissolve carbon, lead, and copper fouling in the barrel. Gun oil lubricates and protects the metal parts. Make sure these are quality products designed for firearms.
Cleaning patches. These are used with the cleaning rod to wipe away debris from the barrel and clean other components. Choose patches of appropriate size.
A set of screwdrivers. Both a flathead and possibly Allen wrenches might be needed, depending on the specific components and accessories on your AR-15.
A punch set. This is specifically for removing pins. These punches are designed to safely drive out the pins that hold the AR-15 together.
Cleaning solvent for other parts. This is a general-purpose solvent for cleaning the various components, and degreasing.
Preparing For Field Stripping
The First Steps
With safety protocols firmly in place and your tools at the ready, let’s move on to the process of disassembling your AR-15. This initial process is often referred to as field stripping, and it will allow you to clean the key parts of the firearm.
Separating The Upper And Lower Receivers
Disassembly Begins
Begin by pressing out the rear takedown pin. This pin is typically located on the rear of the lower receiver. Push it out from one side to the other.
Next, push out the front pivot pin. This is located near the front of the lower receiver. It will often be spring-loaded, so control the pin as you push it out.
Once both pins are out, the upper and lower receivers can be separated. Simply pivot the upper receiver upwards and away from the lower receiver.
Removing The Bolt Carrier Group
Extracting the Core
After separating the upper and lower receivers, you’ll need to remove the bolt carrier group (BCG). This is the heart of the AR-15’s operating system.
Pull back the charging handle. This will retract the bolt carrier group to its rearmost position.
Remove the BCG. Pull the bolt carrier group out of the upper receiver. It should slide out easily.
Removing The Charging Handle
Handle with Care
With the BCG removed, you can now remove the charging handle. This is a simple process. Just pull the charging handle straight back and then out of the upper receiver.
Deeper Disassembly of the Bolt Carrier Group (Optional)
For Advanced Cleaning
For more thorough cleaning, you can choose to disassemble the BCG further. However, this is not always necessary for routine maintenance.
Begin by removing the firing pin retaining pin. This small, cotter-pin-like pin holds the firing pin in place. Use a small punch or your fingernail to push it out.
Remove the firing pin. Once the retaining pin is out, the firing pin can be removed.
Remove the cam pin. The cam pin rotates and controls the bolt’s locking and unlocking function. Remove it next.
Remove the bolt from the carrier. The bolt can now be removed from the bolt carrier.
Taking Care of Each Component During Cleaning
The Importance of Targeted Cleaning
Now comes the crucial part: cleaning the components. Each part of your AR-15 requires specific care.
Focusing On The Barrel
Accuracy Starts Here
The barrel is the most critical part of your AR-15. Proper barrel cleaning is essential for accuracy and reliability.
Apply bore solvent to the barrel. Attach the bore guide to the barrel. Dip a cleaning patch with bore solvent. Insert the patch into the breech end of the barrel, and then run it through the bore.
Scrub the barrel with the appropriate brush. Attach a bronze bore brush to the cleaning rod. Lubricate the brush, and run it back and forth through the barrel several times. This removes the fouling.
Clean with patches until they come out clean. After brushing, switch to clean patches. Run a patch through the bore to remove the dissolved fouling. Repeat until the patches come out clean, with no visible traces of dirt or residue.
Taking Care Of The Bolt Carrier Group
Maintaining the Workhorse
The BCG, as the workhorse of the AR-15, also requires careful attention during cleaning.
Clean the bolt, carrier, and other parts with solvent. Use your cleaning solvent and patches to clean the bolt, the carrier, and the other components of the BCG. Pay particular attention to the bolt face, the extractor, and the firing pin channel.
Dry and lightly oil the parts. Once cleaned, dry all parts thoroughly. Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving surfaces.
Taking Care Of The Upper And Lower Receivers
Keeping the Frame Clean
These two parts hold the core components of the AR-15. Maintaining them will help with the overall functionality of the firearm.
Wipe down with a solvent-soaked rag. Clean the upper and lower receivers with a solvent-soaked rag.
Pay attention to the moving parts. Use a brush and solvent to remove any dirt and debris from the bolt carrier tracks. Lubricate these areas after cleaning. Clean the trigger mechanism.
Putting It All Back Together
Reassembly Basics
Reassembly should be done with the same care and attention to detail as the disassembly.
Reassembling The Bolt Carrier Group
Rebuilding the Core
Reassemble the bolt carrier group (if it was disassembled).
Inserting The Charging Handle
Handle Placement
Make sure the charging handle is installed correctly. Make sure it slides into the upper receiver properly.
Inserting The Bolt Carrier Group Into The Upper Receiver
Reintegrating the Mechanism
After lubricating the BCG, insert it back into the upper receiver. It should slide in smoothly.
Attaching The Upper To The Lower Receiver
Combining The Pieces
Reconnect the upper and lower receivers. Line up the upper and lower receivers. Ensure the pins are aligned.
Insert and secure the front pivot pin. The front pivot pin slides into the lower receiver. Lock it in place.
Insert and secure the rear takedown pin. Like the front pin, the rear takedown pin locks the receivers.
Checking Functionality
The Final Test
With the AR-15 reassembled, it’s time to perform a function check.
Make sure the firearm is functioning correctly. Ensure the trigger and other mechanisms are working properly.
Ensure all safety mechanisms are working. Verify that the safety selector works correctly.
Perform a “dry fire” test. Point the firearm in a safe direction, and pull the trigger, making sure the firing pin falls as it should.
Maintaining Your AR-15: Beyond The Basics
Essential Maintenance
Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial, but there’s more to proper AR-15 maintenance.
Regular Inspections: Key to Longevity
Checking Key Components
Inspect the barrel for wear or damage. Check the feed ramps for any dings.
Inspect the BCG for damage. Check for cracks. Ensure the gas rings on the bolt are in good condition.
Inspect the buffer and spring. Check for any signs of wear or corrosion.
Lubrication: Keeping Things Moving
The Role of Lubrication
Use a quality lubricant specifically designed for firearms. Apply the lubricant sparingly to all moving parts.
Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Safeguarding Your Firearm
Store your AR-15 in a secure, dry place. Protect it from extreme temperatures and humidity.
A Final Word: Building Confidence
Mastering the Process
Breaking down and reassembling an AR-15 might seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it becomes second nature. The more you disassemble, clean, and reassemble your AR-15, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. This knowledge will not only keep your firearm in top operating condition but will also enhance your understanding and appreciation of its design and functionality.
By following these steps and practicing responsible gun ownership, you’ll enjoy years of safe and reliable use of your AR-15. Remember, safety is paramount. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliability of your firearm. Now go forth and master the art of breaking down your AR-15!
