AK-47 Buyers Guide

The online version of the book by Robert Kay

  • Home
  • About
  • Author
  • Press

Field stripping your rifle

November 9, 2016 By Robert Kay

In order to clean and maintain your rifle, the first step is to field strip (disassemble) your rifle.

The AK was designed so that military conscripts with limited training could be quickly taught to care for the weapon. In this respect, Mr. Kalashnikov and his team did a brilliant job.

Here’s a step-by-step primer how to do a basic take-down so that you’ll be able to clean it.

>> The first thing you’ll want to do is detach the magazine by depressing the magazine catch.

Make certain the safety is on “safe” mode and pull back the charging handle. Inspect the chamber to make certain there is no live round inside.

It’s also a good idea to put your finger into the chamber to verify that there is, in fact, no live cartridge within. (If indeed there is a live round in the chamber, place the safety lever on “fire” mode, and pull the charging handle to the rear to eject the round. If the round is stuck, slowly release the charging handle, put the safety back on, lay the gun down out of harm’s way, and get someone to help you.)  For more insights on how to clear an AK malfunction this video from Rob Ski of the AK Operators Union (AKOU) is quite helpful.

after-flipping-the-safety-to
After flipping the safety to “fire” mode, depress the serrated button at the back of the dust cover to remove it. (Robert Kay)

>> The second step in your field strip is to remove the top cover of the receiver.

Just depress (with your thumb) the square serrated button located at the end of a top cover. This will compress the carrier spring and allow you to lift up the rear end of the cover. (Take note where the front end of the cover fits against the rear-sight block.)

press-the-same-button-forward
Press the same button forward until it’s out of its slot. Then pull the spring and guide out. (Robert Kay)

With the dust cover removed, you’ll expose the “guts” of the rifle.

>> Next, remove the recoil spring assembly.

You’ll do this by pressing the same button forward until it’s released from its slot. Then pull the spring and guide out. Again, take note of how the spring assembly is inserted into the carrier.

pull-charging-handle-towards-you
Pull charging handle towards you until it pops out of the receiver. (Robert Kay)

>> Then remove the bolt carrier.

Pull the charging handle back towards you, as if you were ejecting a live round, until it pops out of the receiver.

Note how it travels along a rail towards the rear of receiver and can be removed once it clears a couple of slots. Simply lift it out.

At this point you can also remove the bolt from the bolt carrier by rotating it clockwise, and then pulling it out.

to-remove-the-gas-tube
To remove the gas tube, flip up the Gas Tube Release lever located on the right side of the rear-sight block. If it’s stuck, use a chop stick or something similar. (Robert Kay)

>> Remove the gas tube by flipping up the Gas Tube Release lever located on the right side of the rear-sight block.

You’ll want to move it into a nearly vertical position.

On many rifles, particularly new ones, it may be stiff, so you’ll have to use the end of a chop stick or a similar wedge (nonmetallic, so as not to spoil the finish) to move the lever.

once-the-lever-is-up
Once the lever is up, it’s easy to remove or insert the gas tube. (Robert Kay)

Once the lever is positioned at around 12 o’clock, you’ll be able to lift the rear end of the gas tube up, and then off the top of the barrel. (You can take a brush with some solvent to the inside of the tube to remove carbon buildup.)

>> To put humpty dumpty back together again, align the front end of the gas tube with the gas block opening.

Snap the rear end of the gas tube into position and then pop down the lever and lock it into a horizontal position.

to-prepare-the-bolt-carrier
To prepare the bolt carrier for insertion in the receiver, make sure that the front of the bolt is all the way forward on the carrier, with the bolt cam captured by the cam channel. (Robert Kay)

Secure the bolt properly in its housing then rotate it counterclockwise, moving it forward as far as it will go inside the carrier. The front of the carrier will be just about flush with the front of the bolt.

>> You are now in a position to place the carrier assembly back into the receiver.

Before you do this make sure the hammer is cocked back, otherwise the carrier assembly will not fit.

when-putting-the-bolt-carrier
When putting the bolt carrier group in the receiver, make sure to place it properly into the slot and push it down so it’s seated on the rail. (Robert Kay)

Take the carrier with your thumb and forefingers and place the gas piston into the gas piston cylinder. Make sure the carrier is seated properly on the rails by pushing it down through the slots and moving the whole assembly forward.

push-the-button
Push the button forward and then let it slide back, nestling the button backward into the grooves at the back of the receiver. (Robert Kay)

>> After the carrier is on its rail in the receiver, take the recoil spring and slide it into the top of the bolt assembly.

Push the button forward and then let it slide back, nestling the button backward into the grooves at the back of the receiver.

when-putting-the-dust-cover
When putting the dust cover back on, be certain that the front end is snugly placed against the rear-sight block. (Robert Kay)

Lower the rear end of the cover and press it down, popping in the rear button. It may take some jostling to get it to fit, but eventually it will lock it in place.

dust-cover
Placing the dust cover back on top of the receiver is a bit tricky. You’ll have to do some jostling to snap in on properly, but you’ll figure it out. (Robert Kay)

 

Filed Under: Chapter 6, Resources

Buy The Book

How to Buy an AK 47 cover Rob Kay
How to Buy an AK 47 cover Rob Kay

Skip to a chapter in the book

  • Foreword–By James Reeves, Firearm Blog
  • Acknowledgements
  • Chapter 1: AK-47 Basics & Introduction
  • Chapter 2: How to buy the Best AK
  • Chapter 3: AK Parts Upgrades
  • Chapter 4: Optics & Mounts
  • Chapter 5: Parts Reviews
  • Chapter 6: Lubrication & Maintenance
  • Chapter 7: Where to Buy your AK
  • Chapter 8: FAQ & Glossary
  • Chapter 9: Online Resources

Copyright © 2025 · AK-47 Buyers Guide · Log in