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

Gtm Mothers Day Sale 2026 Lede
Gtm Mothers Day Sale 2026 Lede

Gun Tote’n Mamas Launches Mother’s Day Empowerment Campaign

The campaign, designed to educate women on off-body concealed carry without sacrificing style, invites customers to receive 25% off all GTM products.

Welcome In! NRA Women New Energy Brunch Brings More Women into the 2A Fold

Now in its 13th year, the NRA Women New Energy Brunch, which highlights NRA's outreach programs for women, has become a cornerstone event of the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

The Armed Citizen® Reload April 24, 2026

Take the TV, take the jewelry, take the cash—but abscond with the four-legged family member and all bets are off.

Binocular Buying Guide

Shopping for binos? Here’s what to look for.

20 Years of the Taurus Judge Revolver

This revolver still provides the just-right balance of features and price that turned a niche dual-caliber revolver into one of this company's most successful platforms.

What Is “Necked Down?”

Many common cartridges are simply “necked down” versions of other cartridges—but what exactly does that mean?

 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.