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

SIG Sauer P322 Rose Lede
SIG Sauer P322 Rose Lede

New Guns 2026: SIG Sauer P322-ROSE ROMEO-RS

Chambered in .22 LR, the pistol offers a light-recoil, cost-effective alternative to 9 mm.

What Are Armor-Piercing Bullets?

This specialty ammo is designed for a very specific purpose, and it’s not for civilian use. But what is it exactly?

Spring Cleaning Your Concealed-Carry Handgun

If you’ve never tackled this task on your own, follow along with these basic steps.

What’s Up With Flyways?

If you’re not a waterfowl hunter, you might not be familiar with the concept of flyways. What are they, and what are the differences between the different flyways?

The Armed Citizen® Reload April 17, 2026

It's reality TV at its best: A brave hotel clerk is captured on video as she thwarts an armed robbery—and potentially worse—with her own handgun.

From Hawaii To Houston: Finding Fab Female NRA Firearm Training on the Mainland

Frustrated in their search for next-level instruction on the Big Island, two women journey 3,800 miles to Texas for the gold standard in training.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.