must not reverse the steps listed above. If you clear and inspect the chamber prior to removing the magazine you will load another round into the chamber when you release the charging handle. Always check the safety position and remove the magazine prior to clearing the chamber.
Disassembling the AR-10
To insure the proper function of the AR-10 it is necessary to disassemble the weapon to inspect and clean the internal components. The names of the parts should be learned through practice in disassembling and reassembling to enhance operator competence. Generally the parts are named for the functions they perform, i.e., the trigger guard guards the trigger, the charging handle is used to charge the weapon, etc. We have broken down the disassembly into normal operator field strip and detailed armor disassembly. Stay within your ability level or have a friend who can put your rifle back together.
Figure 5 – AR-10
AR-10 rifle completely disassembled and ready for cleaning and inspection.
Figure 6 – Major Components of AR-10 type rifles
Major Components of AR-10 type rifles, refer to Figure 6
1 - Lower Receiver and Buttstock Assembly
2 - Upper Receiver and Barrel Assembly
3 - Charging Handle
4 - Bolt and Bolt Carrier Assembly
When the operator begins to disassemble the weapon, it should be done in the following order:
To begin the disassembly-
Upper and lower receivers
1.First clear the weapon as per the above description, depending on the weapon’s condition.
2.Place the weapon on a flat, clean surface with the muzzle oriented in a safe direction. You may remove the sling if you need but otherwise you can leave it on the weapon.
Figure 7 – Separating the upper and lower receivers by pressing the take down pin
3.Separate the upper and lower receivers by grasping the weapon by the buttstock and with your free hand, push the take down pin as far as it will go right, do not force it, refer to Figure 7. If needed use a plastic or wood pin punch…it should be fairly tight.
Figure 8 – Removing the pivot pin
4.Push the pivot pin as far as it will go right, do not force it, and refer to Figure 8. If needed use a plastic or wood pin punch…it should be fairly tight. Lay the separated receivers down.
Charging handle and bolt carrier assembly
Figure 9a – Removing the bolt assembly
5.Unlock and pull back the charging handle and bolt carrier assembly, refer to Figure 9a.
Figure 9b – Lift out the bolt assembly
6.Lift the bolt carrier assembly off the charging handle, refer to Figure 9b.
Figure 9c – Lift out the charging handle
7.Pull back and lift up the charging handle, ensure you position the charging handle to clear the upper receiver’s track, refer to Figure 9c.
Figure 10a – Components of the bolt carrier assembly
| 1. Firing Pin | 4. Bolt Cam Pin |
| 2. Bolt Carrier | 5. Bolt Assembly |
| 3. Firing Pin Retaining Pin |
Figure 10b – Removing the firing pin retaining pin
8.Move the bolt forward to the unlocked position and remove the firing pin retaining pin, the Glock punch tool works great. Do not open or close the split end of the firing pin retaining pin, refer to Figure 10b.
Figure 10c – Locking the bolt to the rear
9.Push in on the bolt to put it in the rearward locked position, refer to Figure 10c.
Figure 10d – Removing the firing pin
10.Catch the firing pin as it drops out of the rear of the bolt carrier assembly, refer to Figure 10d.
Figure 10e – Removing the cam pin
11.Give the bolt cam pin a ¼ turn and lift it out, refer to Figure 10e.
Figure 10f – Removing the bolt from the bolt carrier.
12. Remove the bolt by pulling it from the front of the bolt carrier, refer to Figure 10f.
Figure 10g – Components of the bolt assembly
Components of the bolt
| 1- Extractor Pin | 5- Ejector |
| 2- Extractor | 6- Ejector Spring |
| 3- Extractor Spring | 7- Gas Rings (3) |
| 4- Ejector Pin | 8- Bolt |
Figure
