How to Disassemble an AR
In this section, we will walk through the process of AR disassembly, including how to field strip an AR for cleaning and lubrication, as well as detailed AR disassembly for deep cleaning and inspection.
The AR is a beautiful system. It designed with field use in mind. You can not only field strip an AR for cleaning without tools, but you can do a detailed strip using everything available to you ON OR IN THE GUN. Unless you need to uninstall components, the process of AR disassembly is super easy.
Note that this section does not describe how to uninstall certain components (specifically, those that require tools to do so). Refer to the applicable step of the How to Build section for instructions on how to uninstall a particular component. For ease of reference, please find the applicable steps linked in the table below:
Uninstall Lower Receiver Components
If you haven’t already done so, unload and clear your firearm!
Step D1: Separate the Receivers
The first step to field strip an AR is to separate the receivers.
Pop the takedown pin and extend to the open position.
Pop the pivot pin and extend to the open position.
The upper receiver and lower receiver should now separate.
NOTE: You should be able to pop these pins without any tools. If you have difficulty, you can tap the right end of the pin with a non-marring hammer or use the bullet of an intact cartridge to push the pin out of the closed position.
Step D2: Remove the Charging Handle and Bolt Carrier Group
Turn the upper receiver upside down.
Retract the charging handle by retracting the lever and pulling the handle to the rear. The BCG will move with the charging handle.
Lift the BCG out of the charging handle/upper receiver.
Lift the charging handle out of the upper receiver (the alignment tab will pass through the applicable cuts in the upper receiver).
Step D3: Disassemble the Bolt Carrier Group
In general, you should not take anything apart in the field if you could possibly drop and lose small parts. This is particularly applicable to the BCG. Only field strip the BCG if you can keep track of the small parts. While should should periodically disassemble the BCG fully for inspection, its not something you need to do every time you shoot the gun. We recommend that you field strip the BCG every thousand rounds or so for cleaning and inspection of the bolt components. Detailed strip can be done less frequently or as needed.
Step D3a: Field Strip the BCG
Remove the firing pin retaining pin (this is the cotter pin about halfway back on the left side of the BCG). Use caution so as not to lose this small part.
Orient the bolt upwards and tap the back of the BCG on a solid surface to dislodge the firing pin. The firing pin should fall out of the rear of the BCG. If the BCG is particularly dirty, you may need to help the firing pin out by pulling it from the rear with a small screwdriver or needle nose pliers.
Push the bolt to the rear position in the carrier. The cam pin can now rotate in the bolt.
If you are using an index-marked cam pin, take note of the position of the index mark. You should reinstall the cam pin with the index mark oriented the same way to minimize wear of the upper receiver.
Rotate the cam pin so that the long side of the rectangular head is in line with the length of the BCG. Lift the cam pin out of the carrier. This will release the bolt.
Pull the bolt out of the carrier.
Step D3b: Detail Strip the BCG
You should periodically remove the extractor for cleaning and inspection.
Using the 1/16″ punch (you can use the firing pin in a pinch; be careful not to damage the tip), push the extractor pin out of the bolt. The extractor will come free once the pin is removed. Use caution so as not to lose the extractor spring, insert, or O-ring.
You should not need to routinely remove the ejector or ejector spring. If you need to remove the ejector, we recommend using dedicated bolt disassembly jig. Install the bolt in the jig and punch the ejector roll pin out of the bolt using a 1/16″ finish roll pin punch.
You should not remove the gas key, unless it needs to be replaced, entirely. As such, we will cover removal in the Repair and Replace section.
Step D4: Remove the Buffer System
Depress the buffer retainer pin and spring and pull the buffer and buffer spring out of the receiver extension.
Use a pin punch or screwdriver, if necessary.
At this point, your AR should be ready for cleaning and inspection.
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