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

NRA ILA Gun Bus Lede
NRA ILA Gun Bus Lede

NRA-ILA Launches National "Gun Bus Battleground Tour"

A first for NRA-ILA, the cross-country tour is expected to mobilize gun owners for the 2026 midterms.

In Defense of Social Media Hunting Influencers

Everyone drags influencers, but there are really two categories: Those who do it right and those who…well, deserve to get dragged. The good ones are actually really good for hunting in general.

Fiocchi's Dianna Muller and Lanny Barnes to Represent Team USA at 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot

The championship, to be held in Corinth, Greece, represents IPSC's highest level of shotgun competition and will feature competitors representing nations from around the world.

Shoot Like A Girl Experience Comes to PBR Thunder Days in Ridgedale, MO

Shoot Like A Girl will offer women, men and families an opportunity to experience firearms, archery and a variety of outdoor products in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

9 mm Ultra: The Forgotten 9

Of the five different 9 mm cartridges that can be encountered in brick-and-mortar stores, online and at gun shows, one seems to lead the list of “forgotten cartridges.” Read about it here.

Team Hornady Shooter Jessie Harrison Wins USPSA Race Gun Nationals

The victory marks Harrison's 26th USPSA Ladies National Title.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.