AR-15 - The Beginner's Guide - What to Know About the AR-15

Published on September 24, 2013
Duration: 11:33

This beginner's guide to the AR-15 covers essential external components, controls, and the basic cycle of operation. It emphasizes proper magazine seating with a firm 'whack' and demonstrates field stripping for cleaning. The video highlights key aftermarket parts from brands like Magpul and Battle Arms Development, offering practical advice for new AR-15 owners.

Quick Summary

To properly seat a magazine in an AR-15 with a closed bolt, use a firm 'whack' to ensure it locks securely. Gentle insertion can lead to the magazine not being fully seated and potentially falling out.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AR-15
  2. 01:12AR-15 External Components Overview
  3. 02:36Upper Receiver Controls Explained
  4. 03:18Magazine Loading and Insertion Technique
  5. 04:54AR-15 Cycle of Operation
  6. 06:11Bolt Catch and Release Function
  7. 07:20AR-15 Takedown and Field Stripping
  8. 08:42BCG Removal and Reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential external components of an AR-15 rifle?

Key external components include the buttstock, castle nut, receiver extension (buffer tube), pistol grip, safety selector, trigger, bolt release, magazine release, ejection port, forward assist, takedown pins, handguards/rails, and muzzle brake.

How do you properly seat a magazine in an AR-15?

When inserting a magazine into an AR-15 with a closed bolt, use a firm 'whack' to ensure it seats properly. Being too gentle can result in the magazine not being fully locked and potentially falling out.

What is the function of the forward assist on an AR-15?

The forward assist is a button on the upper receiver used to manually push the bolt carrier group (BCG) fully into battery. This is helpful if the bolt gets stuck and needs a gentle nudge to ensure it's locked and ready to fire.

What is the serialized part of an AR-15 that requires a background check?

The lower receiver is the serialized component that legally defines the AR-15 as a firearm. Therefore, purchasing a lower receiver requires a background check, similar to buying any other complete firearm.

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