Field stripping an AR 15 rifle is a crucial skill every gun owner should master. Properly cleaning and maintaining your firearm ensures its longevity and reliability. However, if you're new to the world of firearms, field stripping can be intimidating.

In this article, we will explore the process of how to field strip an AR 15 rifle. We'll break down each step in detail so that even beginners can understand it without feeling overwhelmed. Knowing how to properly field strip your firearm not only helps you keep it clean but also allows you to diagnose any issues or malfunctions that may arise during use.

So if you're ready to learn about this essential gun maintenance task, read on!

How to Field Strip an AR 15: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a gun enthusiast, chances are you've come across the AR-15 rifle. It's one of the most popular rifles in America due to its versatility and customization options. However, owning one means you should know how to properly maintain it.

One of the essential skills every AR-15 owner must learn is field stripping. This technique allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of your rifle. In this article, we'll guide you on how to field strip an AR-15.

What is Field Stripping?

Field stripping refers to disassembling a firearm into its major components without using any tools or removing pins. For instance, with an AR-15 rifle, field stripping involves separating the upper receiver from the lower receiver.

Field stripping doesn't require specialized equipment and can be done anywhere at any time making it ideal for situations when complete disassembly isn't necessary.

Reasons You Should Know How To Field Strip Your Rifle

Learning how to field strip your firearm has several benefits:

1. Maintenance – Regular cleaning and oiling will keep your weapon functioning optimally.
2. Emergency Repairs – When in a remote area with limited resources tools that allow for full disassembly may not be available but being able to strip down enough parts can help repair many common issues
3. Knowledge – There's no better way than learning about guns than by becoming intimate with their internal workings

Step-by-step Guide on How To Field Strip An Ar 15

Here’s how you can easily perform field-stripping:

Step 1: Clear Your Firearm And Prepare The Workspace

Before starting anything else ensure that there are no rounds in your magazine or chamber then clear out firing pin as well as bolt carrier group (BCG). Find a clean surface such as workbench or table where debris won’t stick around while working on assembly/disassembly.

Step 2: Separate Upper Receiver from Lower Receiver

Start by pushing the front pivot pin located at the base of your rifle’s handguard to one side, then use a finger or thumb to push it all the way out. Do this on both sides of the rifle while tugging on your upper receiver until it comes free. This will allow you to detach and remove bolt carrier group from upper receiver

Step 3: Remove Charging Handle From Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)

Pull charging handle back and lock it in place with latch located on left side near rear of BCG so that there is easier access for removal.

Once you’ve locked your charging handle in place, grab hold of its tail end with one hand and twist counterclockwise until it slips out past gas key as well as forward assist assembly that holds onto these components.

Step 4: Remove Bolt Carrier Group

With Charging Handle removed go ahead and remove bolt carrier group which can be done simply by lifting them upwards off their rail guides within upper receiver

At this point, there are different directions you could choose depending upon goals for cleaning/maintenance but is important not lose track where each part goes when reassembling later.

Conclusion

Field stripping an AR-15 isn't challenging once you get used to doing it repetitively. You'll appreciate how easy field stripping makes maintaining your firearm.
Ensure also that after disassembling parts into their major components is always kept clean before replacement – making sure no debris interfere proper function during shooting sessions.
Remember also always practice safety procedures when handling firearms especially like those detailed above!

Happy shooting!

FAQs

What is field stripping an AR-15 and why is it important?

Field stripping an AR-15 means taking the gun apart into its main components for cleaning, maintenance or repair purposes. It involves removing the upper receiver from the lower receiver, separating the bolt carrier group from the charging handle and disassembling them further if necessary. Field stripping your AR-15 regularly keeps it in good working order by preventing malfunctions caused by dirt or residue buildup.

During regular use of your rifle, a significant amount of debris can accumulate within its various parts. This debris will negatively affect performance if left uncleaned for too long. Thus, field stripping helps to maintain peak performance as well as increase safety when handling firearms.

How do I prepare my workspace before beginning to field strip my AR 15?

Before you begin to strip down your firearm there are several steps that you should take to ensure that you have a clean and safe area in which to work.

Firstly ensure that all ammunition has been removed from both magazines and chamber while also verifying this visually on inspection.
Secondly place all tools required around where you are going to be working so they’re easily accessible.
Thirdly secure any loose clothing so nothing gets caught on parts while re-assembling.
Lastly ensure there is adequate lighting present so everything can be clearly seen throughout every step of re-assembling.

Following these precautions will help minimize potential hazards during this task while setting yourself up for success with what follows

What tools do I need before starting?

It’s important before starting anything new especially something like disassembling a firearm we want make sure we have all necessary items available beforehand:

1. A dedicated workspace
2. Clean towels
3. Cleaning solvent (such as Hoppes #9)
4. Lubricant oil (such as Rem Oil)
5. Nylon brush & toothbrush
6. Punch set including specific sizes such 1/16”, 1/8” etc
7. A Rubber mallet 
8. Tweezers
9. Vise grips

What is a step-by-step guide on how to field strip an AR-15?

Here is a detailed guide on how to field strip your AR-15:

1. Remove the magazine and clear the chamber.
2. Push out the takedown pin (located above and below the trigger guard).
3. Separate upper receiver from lower by pulling them apart.
4. Take out charging handle located in between of upper receiver body.
5. Turn bolt carrier group 90 degrees counter-clockwise, then pull it back toward rear of gun until it separates from barrel extension assembly group.
6. Push forward on gas tube blocks at front end of handguard towards muzzle end while also pulling up on delta ring until spring pressure releases.

It’s important when doing any type of maintenance or cleaning with firearms that you follow manufacturer specifications as well as always keep safety a top priority throughout all procedures.

Should I clean my rifle after every use?

Yes, you should always clean your firearm after every use if possible following disassembly instructions outlined in manufacturers manual tailored specifically for each model available today so this is something that should be researched prior or advised by certified professionals

While there are some circumstances where firing less-than-a-handful-of rounds might not require immediate cleaning action – but under normal conditions, thorough cleaning and lubrication will ensure maximum longevity & performance while minimizing chances for malfunctions over time caused by residue buildup overtime