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

Kayle Browning Team Federal Qualifies For Us National Team
Kayle Browning Team Federal Qualifies For Us National Team

Olympic Silver Medalist Kayle Browning Among Team Federal Top Shooters on U.S. National Trap Teams

Three Olympic hopefuls—current Federal sponsored shooters—have qualified for the 2026 U.S. National team in Trap following the Shotgun National Championships, which took place at Hillsdale College.

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks Show Increase for May 2026

The data shows an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the May 2025 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,071,685.

Lox & Loaded: Teaching the American-Jewish Community How to Be Armed

This gun club's co-founder is now overseeing 50 chapters across the United States, an endeavor that was borne out of an intense need to do something after acts of evil.

New Guns 2026: Performance Center S&W Equalizer Carry Comp

In the 5th Annual NRA Women Ladies Pistol Project (2023), the majority of the women declared the original Equalizer their favorite overall 9 mm pistol. Now there is more reason to celebrate.

Safe Gun Storage Galore

It's time to evaluate your gun storage methods and perhaps be inspired by some of the newest ways to secure your firearms.

Women for Gun Rights Announces 2026 National Summit in Wash., D.C.

The Summit offers attendees an opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process while connecting with influential voices in the Second Amendment movement.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.