This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I trust and use myself.
Lets look at how to disassemble an AR-15 upper! Breaking down your AR-15 upper doesn’t have to be a pain. Whether you’re doing a deep clean, prepping for upgrades, or just curious how it all fits together—this teardown guide walks through every part, tool, and trick to get it done right.
TL;DR
Fully teardown your AR-15 upper receiver without damaging parts
Includes barrel, front sight base, carry handle, ejection port cover, and forward assist
Clear timestamps from the video walk you through each step
Ideal for cleaning, inspection, upgrades, or Cerakote prep
Breaking down the upper receiver lets you deep clean, inspect parts for damage, and prepare for upgrades. If you’re changing barrels, doing a paint job, or replacing a forward assist, this is where it starts.
What Tools Do You Need to Disassemble an AR-15 Upper?
When I first started working on AR-15s in the 90’s I thought they were going to be complicated. When you start working on them you find out how easy it is to build and maintain them.Jason Schaller
Wrap-Up
Disassembling an AR-15 upper might look intimidating, but with the right tools and a clear walkthrough, it’s a straightforward job. Whether you’re chasing cleaner cycles, planning a new build, or just getting to know your rifle inside and out—this teardown gives you the confidence to make every shot count.
Covers field stripping, upper teardown, lower teardown, lower assembly, and full upper builds—everything needed to break down and rebuild your rifle the right way.
Join The Rogue Nation!
Stay in the Loop with Real-World Gun Maintenance
No spam. Just proven firearm maintenance tips, gear reviews, and DIY builds—straight from a former gunsmith and 2A educator.
Follow for tools, tips, and teardown walk-throughs:
• Instagram – Behind-the-scenes shop content • Facebook – Community posts & guide drops • Twitter – Quick rants, 2A news, and hot takes • Website – Full archive of all TRB content
Credits:
Original Content by The Rogue Banshee / My Rogue Solutions LLC. Credit: Jason Schaller Email: jschaller@trb.fyi
About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.
Disclaimers:
Content Use & Compliance
The videos, articles, and images shared by The Rogue Banshee feature gear, tools, and products for informational and entertainment purposes only. All activities follow local, state, and federal laws where they were conducted in. All activities are conducted safely under professional supervision in approved locations.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links are affiliate-based. No extra cost to you—but they help support the work.
Firearm Safety Notice
I promote safe and responsible firearm ownership. All activities are conducted in a controlled, professional environment.
