How to Safely and Properly Break Down an AR-15 for Cleaning and Maintenance

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

How to Breakdown an AR-15

The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both hunting and self-defense. It is a versatile weapon that can be used in a variety of situations. However, it is important to know how to properly breakdown and reassemble the AR-15 in order to clean it and maintain it properly.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of breaking down an AR-15. We will provide detailed instructions and images to help you understand the process. By the end of this article, you will be able to breakdown and reassemble your AR-15 with ease.

Let’s get started!

Step Instructions Image
1 Remove the magazine and make sure the rifle is clear.
2 Lock the bolt back by pulling the charging handle to the rear and then release it.
3 Press the takedown pin located at the rear of the receiver and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise.
4 Pull the upper receiver away from the lower receiver.

How To Breakdown a AR-15?

Safety Precautions

Before you begin disassembling your AR-15, it is important to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and others.

  • Wear eye protection and ear protection. This will protect your eyes and ears from any debris or noise that may be generated during the disassembly process.
  • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. This means pointing the muzzle away from yourself, other people, and any animals.
  • Clear the firearm of ammunition before beginning disassembly. This means removing all ammunition from the magazine and chamber.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly. This will ensure that you properly disassemble the firearm and avoid damaging any components.

Disassembling the Upper Receiver

To disassemble the upper receiver of an AR-15, you will need the following tools:

  • A flat-head screwdriver
  • A punch
  • A vise

1. Remove the charging handle. The charging handle is located on the right side of the upper receiver. To remove it, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the charging handle latch open. Once the latch is open, you can pull the charging handle out of the upper receiver.
2. Remove the bolt carrier group. The bolt carrier group is located inside the upper receiver. To remove it, you will need to use a punch to push out the rear takedown pin. Once the rear takedown pin is out, you can lift the rear of the bolt carrier group up and out of the upper receiver.
3. Remove the forward assist. The forward assist is located on the right side of the upper receiver, just in front of the charging handle. To remove it, use a punch to push out the forward assist pin. Once the pin is out, you can pull the forward assist out of the upper receiver.
4. Remove the dust cover. The dust cover is located on the top of the upper receiver. To remove it, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the dust cover latch open. Once the latch is open, you can lift the dust cover up and off of the upper receiver.

Disassembling the Lower Receiver

To disassemble the lower receiver of an AR-15, you will need the following tools:

  • A roll pin punch
  • A hammer
  • A vise

1. Remove the magazine catch. The magazine catch is located on the left side of the lower receiver. To remove it, use a roll pin punch to drive out the magazine catch roll pin. Once the roll pin is out, you can pull the magazine catch out of the lower receiver.
2. Remove the bolt catch. The bolt catch is located on the right side of the lower receiver, just behind the magazine catch. To remove it, use a roll pin punch to drive out the bolt catch roll pin. Once the roll pin is out, you can pull the bolt catch out of the lower receiver.
3. Remove the trigger guard. The trigger guard is located on the bottom of the lower receiver. To remove it, use a roll pin punch to drive out the trigger guard roll pin. Once the roll pin is out, you can pull the trigger guard out of the lower receiver.
4. Remove the trigger assembly. The trigger assembly is located inside the lower receiver. To remove it, you will need to use a hammer to drive out the trigger pin. Once the pin is out, you can lift the trigger assembly up and out of the lower receiver.

Reassembling the AR-15

To reassemble the AR-15, you will need to reverse the steps you took to disassemble it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reassembly.

Disassembling and reassembling an AR-15 is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively disassemble and reassemble your AR-15.

Here are some additional tips for disassembling and reassembling an AR-15:

  • Take your time and be careful.
  • Make sure you have the right tools.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If you are unsure about anything, consult a qualified gunsmith.

3. Disassembling the Lower Receiver

To disassemble the lower receiver of an AR-15, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine.
2. Lock the bolt back.
3. Rotate the takedown pin lock lever clockwise until it is in the vertical position.
4. Press down on the takedown pin lock lever and pull the takedown pin out of the receiver.
5. Move the upper receiver forward and off of the lower receiver.
6. Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver.
7. Remove the buffer assembly from the lower receiver.
8. Remove the trigger assembly from the lower receiver.
9. Remove the hammer and trigger pins from the lower receiver.

4. Reassembling the AR-15

To reassemble the AR-15, follow these steps:

1. Assemble the lower receiver first, then the upper receiver.
2. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reassembly.

Disassembling and reassembling an AR-15 is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage to the firearm. If you are not comfortable disassembling and reassembling an AR-15, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith do it for you.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [AR-15 Disassembly and Assembly Instructions](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/ar-15-disassembly-and-assembly-guide/)
  • [AR-15 Disassembly and Assembly Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-24_97800g)
  • [AR-15 Disassembly and Assembly Tutorial](https://www.wikihow.com/Disassemble-and-Assemble-an-AR-15)

    How do I breakdown an AR-15?

1. Remove the magazine. Press the magazine release button located on the left side of the receiver, and then pull the magazine out of the gun.
2. Check the chamber. Ensure that the chamber is empty by looking through the ejection port. If there is a round in the chamber, you will need to clear it before you can continue.
3. Lock the bolt back. With the magazine removed, pull back on the charging handle and hold it in place. This will lock the bolt back in the rearward position.
4. Remove the bolt carrier group. While holding the bolt back, use your other hand to push down on the bolt release button located on the right side of the receiver. The bolt carrier group will then come out of the receiver.
5. Remove the barrel. Rotate the barrel nut counterclockwise until it is loose. Then, slide the barrel off of the receiver.

What tools do I need to breakdown an AR-15?

You will need the following tools to breakdown an AR-15:

  • A cleaning rod
  • A bore brush
  • A gun oil
  • A rag
  • A pair of pliers

How often should I clean my AR-15?

You should clean your AR-15 after every use, or at least once a month if you do not shoot it regularly. Cleaning your gun will help to prevent rust and corrosion, and it will also help to keep it functioning properly.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic AR-15?

A semi-automatic AR-15 fires one round each time the trigger is pulled. An automatic AR-15, on the other hand, fires multiple rounds each time the trigger is pulled. Automatic AR-15s are illegal in most countries, including the United States.

What is the difference between a 5.56mm and a .223 Remington round?

The 5.56mm and .223 Remington rounds are very similar in size and performance. The 5.56mm round is slightly longer and has a slightly higher muzzle velocity than the .223 Remington round. However, both rounds can be used in AR-15s.

What is the best AR-15 for beginners?

There are many different AR-15s on the market, so it can be difficult to choose one for beginners. However, some good options for beginners include the Ruger AR-556, the Smith & Wesson M&P15, and the DPMS Oracle. These rifles are all reliable and easy to use, and they are also relatively affordable.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to breakdown an AR-15. We started by discussing the different parts of an AR-15 and how they work together. We then went over the steps involved in breaking down an AR-15, both field stripping and fully disassembling it. Finally, we provided some tips for safely handling and storing your AR-15.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • An AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that is made up of multiple parts.
  • To field strip an AR-15, you will need to remove the magazine, bolt carrier group, and charging handle.
  • To fully disassemble an AR-15, you will need to remove the barrel, gas block, and handguard.
  • Always be careful when handling and storing your AR-15. Keep it unloaded and out of reach of children.

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