How to Field Strip an M 4 Carbine

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Before dis-assembly you must "clear the weapon" in order to ensure that the weapon is unloaded and that there is no round in the chamber.

   This is accomplished by pushing the magazine release button located on the right side of the magazine well.
   
   The magazine should just fall out. , While holding the charging handle all the way in the rearward position you will need to push the bottom portion of the bolt catch located on the left side of the magazine well. , If no round is present the weapon is "cleared".
   
   Push the top portion of the bolt catch to release the bolt.
   
   The weapon is now ready for dis-assembly. , Repeat this step on the front dis-assembly pin located above the magazine well. , The only removable part on the lower receiver for field stripping purposes is the butt-stock.
   
   Remove by pulling up on the adjustment lever and pulling to the rear.
   
   All dis-assembly from this point onward involves parts located in the upper receiver. ,,, The bolt carrier will come with it and should fall right out.
   
   Place it aside for further dis-assembly. ,, The firing pin will fall right out. ,,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: ensure that the weapon is on "safe" by checking the selector lever on the left side of the pistol grip.

3. 3

   Step 3: Remove the magazine from the magazine well and lock the bolt to the rear.

4. 4

   Step 4: To lock the bolt to the rear you will need to depress the lever on the left side of the charging handle (the T-shaped piece located on the bottom rear of the carrying handle) and pull sharply to the rear.

5. 5

   Step 5: Visually inspect the chamber for a round.

6. 6

   Step 6: Push the rear dis-assembly pin

7. 7

   Step 7: located above the pistol grip

8. 8

   Step 8: from right to left.

9. 9

   Step 9: Separate the upper and lower receivers by pulling them apart.

10. 10

    Step 10: Remove the upper and lower hand grips by pulling down on the O-ring located in front of the magazine well while pulling the hand grips away from the barrel.

11. 11

    Step 11: Remove the carrying handle by turning the mounting screws counter-clockwise.

12. 12

    Step 12: Remove the bolt carrier by pulling the charging handle to the rear.

13. 13

    Step 13: Remove the charging handle by lining the détentes up with the recesses in the upper receiver housing and pulling downward.

14. 14

    Step 14: Remove the firing pin from the bolt carrier by pushing the firing pin retaining pin from left to right and removing it.

15. 15

    Step 15: Remove the cam located at the front of the bolt carrier by turning it so that it clears the gas tube and pulling it out.

16. 16

    Step 16: Remove the bolt located inside the front of the bolt carrier by simply pulling it out.

17. 17

    Step 17: Remove the extractor from the bolt by pushing the retaining pin out.

18. 18

    Step 18: The weapon is now ready for cleaning.

Detailed Guide

About the Author