AR-15 Diagram Parts: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the components of an AR-15 rifle is crucial for anyone looking to maintain, customize, or simply appreciate this popular firearm. In this detailed guide, we’ll delve into the various parts of an AR-15, providing you with a comprehensive overview of each component’s function and importance.
Receiver
The receiver is the central part of the AR-15, serving as the frame that holds all the other components together. It’s 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. |
| Required for registration and ownership in some jurisdictions. | Can be easily swapped out for different calibers and barrel lengths. |
Barrel
The barrel is the heart of the AR-15, responsible for directing the bullet down the rifling grooves and propelling it out of the firearm. Key barrel components include the barrel itself, chamber, rifling, and crown.
- Barrel: The tube that guides the bullet and propels it down the rifling grooves.
- Chamber: The area at the end of the barrel where the bullet is seated and ignited.
- Rifling: The grooves inside the barrel that impart spin to the bullet for stability and accuracy.
- Crown: The flat area at the end of the rifling where the bullet exits the barrel.
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is a critical component responsible for cycling the firearm’s action. It includes the bolt, carrier, gas key, and firing pin.
- Bolt: The part that moves back and forth, extracting and chambering the next round.
- Carrier: The part that holds the bolt and guides it during the cycling process.
- Gas Key: The part that seals the gas port and allows gas to push the bolt carrier group back.
- Firing Pin: The part that strikes the primer of the cartridge, igniting the propellant.
Gas System
The gas system is responsible for controlling the amount of gas that is bled into the action, affecting the rifle’s cycling speed and reliability. Key components include the gas block, gas tube, and gas key.
- Gas Block: The part that covers the gas port and directs gas into the gas tube.
- Gas Tube: The tube that carries the gas from the gas port to the bolt carrier group.
- Gas Key: The part that seals the gas port and allows gas to push the bolt carrier group back.
Handguard
The handguard is the part of the rifle that covers the barrel and provides a place to grip the firearm. It can be made of various materials, such as aluminum, polymer, or carbon fiber, and can be customized with various attachments.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, with a variety of options for customization.
- Polymer: Lightweight and cost-effective, with limited customization options.
- Carbon Fiber: Lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, with higher cost and limited customization options.
Stock
The stock is the part of the rifle that provides a place to rest your shoulder and control the firearm. It can be made of various materials, such as wood, polymer, or composite, and can be adjusted for length of pull and cheek weld.
- Wood: Traditional and aesthetically pleasing, with good durability and adjustability.
- Polymer: Lightweight, cost-effective, and durable, with limited adjustability.