How to Field-Strip an AR-15

In this video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, you'll learn how to disassemble and reassemble your modern sporting rifle.

posted on July 20, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Whether you call it an AR-15, a modern sporting rifle or a black rifle, this style of rifle is America's runaway favorite! The modern sporting rifle is versatile, accurate and fun to shoot ... but its inner workings are more complex than Grandma's old bolt-action. In this video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, instructor Ken Scott shows you the basics of field-stripping your AR-15.

Field-stripping is really nothing more than disassembling, cleaning and reassembling your gun. Knowing how to do it will not only make it easy for you to keep your black rifle in terrific working order, it will also give you more confidence in your rifle and your ability to use it effectively. As Scott says, "there's a lot going on here," but with this video and your friend the owner's manual, we know you've got this. 

Want to read up on how to do the same thing for your semi-automatic handgun? Check out this previous installment of GUNSMARTS here!

Latest

Cheryl Todd Miniter Podcast 1
Cheryl Todd Miniter Podcast 1

Living Her Life Out Loud: Gun Freedom Radio Host Cheryl Todd

NRA Armed Citizen podcast host Frank Miniter chats with Cheryl Todd of Gun Freedom Radio, who has become one of the Second Amendment's most vocal advocates.

B&P's Karen Miles Finishes on Top at Inaugural World Super Sporting Championship

Karen Miles earned two Ladies Championships and a pair of top-five overall finishes while Gebben Miles earned World Championship HOA.

GRITR Range to Host ROSE Seminar by SIG Sauer for Women

Led by SIG SAUER Academy female instructors, this seminar offers a welcoming environment for women of all skill levels to learn more about the ROSE program and strengthen their everyday carry knowledge.

Walk the Talk America Joins National Panel for Suicide Prevention Month

WTTA leaders Mike Sodini and Kevin Berry joined the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative to discuss collaboration, stigma reduction, and community-based prevention.

Following Firearm Trends without Forgetting the Fundamentals

Firearm instructors must apply the firearms rules of safety and shooting while customizing training for the individual student.

Firearm Training: Go the Extra Mile for Safety

Responsible trainers say "safety first," but really safety should be first, second and third! 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.