How to Disassemble the M16A2 Rifle

Press the rear take-down pin (located behind the fire selector switch) from the left-hand side through the receiver; the pin will stop when fully extended. Rotate the upper receiver forward (the front take-down pin will act as a hinge), press the forward take-down pin through and separate the upper and lower receiver.

Place the hammer (on the lower receiver) in the cocked position and press down on the buffer retention pin (located in front of the recoil buffer). Remove the buffer and buffer spring from the stock. You have now disassembled the lower receiver.

Turn the upper receiver over, pull the charging handle back approximately 3 inches and lift out the bolt assembly. Line up the tabs on the sides of the charging handle with the recesses cut into the charging handle groove and remove it.

Push out the firing pin retention pin from the bolt carrier (located about midway on the bolt carrier) and remove the firing pin from the back of the bolt carrier. Rotate the bolt clockwise until the cam pin is accessible, then rotate the cam pin a quarter turn and remove it. Once you have removed the cam pin, pull the bolt from the bolt carrier. You have disassembled the bolt carrier.

Hold down the extractor (located at the rear of the bolt) and carefully remove the extractor pin (take care not to separate the spring from the extractor). You have now disassembled the bolt.

Press down on the hand guard retention ring (located at the base of the barrel) and lift off the hand guards. Your have now dissassembled the upper receiver.