Parts Diagram for AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the various components of an AR-15 rifle is crucial for both enthusiasts and professionals. This guide will delve into the different parts of an AR-15, providing you with a detailed overview of each component. Whether you’re looking to assemble, maintain, or simply learn more about this popular firearm, this guide will serve as an invaluable resource.
Receiver
The receiver is the central part of the AR-15 rifle, serving as the frame that holds all the other components together. It is typically made of aluminum or steel and is available in two types: the lower receiver and the upper receiver.
| Lower Receiver | Upper Receiver |
|---|---|
| Contains the magazine well, trigger group, and fire control components. | Holds the barrel, bolt carrier group, and gas system. |
| Available in various calibers, such as 5.56mm, .223 Remington, and 9mm. | Also available in various calibers, with the same options as the lower receiver. |
Barrel
The barrel is the heart of the AR-15 rifle, responsible for directing the bullet down the barrel and propelling it out of the firearm. It is typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and comes in various lengths and calibers.
Barrel lengths can range from 10.5 inches to 24 inches, with the most common being 16 inches. The barrel also features rifling, which is the grooves that impart spin to the bullet, ensuring accuracy and stability during flight.
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is a critical component of the AR-15 rifle, responsible for cycling the action of the firearm. It consists of several parts, including the bolt, carrier, gas key, and firing pin.
The bolt is the part that moves back and forth, extracting the spent cartridge case, chambering a new round, and then locking the bolt into place. The carrier is a tube that holds the bolt and guides it during the cycling process. The gas key is a locking piece that secures the bolt carrier group to the upper receiver, and the firing pin is the part that strikes the primer of the cartridge to ignite the propellant.
Gas System
The gas system is responsible for controlling the amount of gas that is bled from the barrel to cycle the action of the firearm. It consists of the gas block, gas tube, and gas key.
The gas block is a threaded sleeve that fits over the barrel and is connected to the gas tube. The gas tube is a hollow tube that carries the gas from the barrel to the bolt carrier group. The gas key is a locking piece that secures the gas block to the upper receiver.
Handguard
The handguard is the part of the rifle that covers the barrel and provides a place for the shooter to hold the firearm. It is typically made of aluminum or polymer and comes in various lengths and designs.
Handguards can be fixed or removable, and they can feature various attachments, such as Picatinny rails for mounting optics, sights, and other accessories.
Stock
The stock is the part of the rifle that provides a place for the shooter to rest their shoulder. It is typically made of aluminum, polymer, or wood and comes in various lengths and designs.
Stocks can be adjustable, allowing the shooter to customize the length of pull to their preference. They can also feature various attachments, such as QD sockets for quick-detach slings and cheek risers for improved cheek weld.
Trigger Group
The trigger group is responsible for the firing of the rifle. It consists of the trigger, hammer, sear, and safety selector.
The trigger is the part that the shooter pulls to release the hammer, which in turn strikes the firing pin. The hammer is the part that strikes the firing pin, and the sear is the part that holds the hammer in place until the trigger is pulled. The safety selector is the part that allows the shooter to engage or disengage the safety.
Magazine
The magazine is the part of the rifle that holds the ammunition. It is typically made of steel, aluminum, or polymer and comes in various capacities and calibers.
