Diagram of an AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide
The AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms in the United States, known for its versatility and ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, understanding the components and layout of an AR-15 can greatly enhance your experience. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the various parts of an AR-15, their functions, and how they all come together to form a reliable and efficient firearm.
Receiver
The receiver is the central component of an AR-15, serving as the frame that holds all the other parts together. It’s typically made of aluminum or steel and is available in several different types, including the lower receiver and the upper receiver.
| Receiver Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Receiver | The lower receiver is the part that houses the magazine, trigger, and fire control group. It’s the only part of the firearm that requires a federal firearm license (FFL) to purchase. |
| Upper Receiver | The upper receiver is the part that houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and gas system. It’s responsible for the firearm’s accuracy and reliability. |
Barrel
The barrel is the tube that guides the bullet down the barrel and out of the firearm. It’s one of the most critical components of an AR-15, as its length and rifling pattern directly affect the firearm’s accuracy and performance.
| Barrel Length | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 10.5 inches | Carry concealed or for home defense |
| 16 inches | General-purpose use, including hunting and recreational shooting |
| 20 inches | Long-range shooting and hunting |
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is responsible for cycling the firearm’s action, including feeding the next round from the magazine, extracting the spent casing, and chambering the next round. It’s made up of several components, including the bolt, carrier, and gas key.
Gas System
The gas system is responsible for controlling the amount of gas that is bled from the barrel to cycle the action. It consists of the gas block, gas tube, and gas key. The gas system can be adjusted to accommodate different barrel lengths and shooting styles.
Handguard
The handguard is the tube that runs along the barrel and provides a place to grip the firearm. It also serves as a mounting point for various accessories, such as sights, lights, and lasers. Handguards come in various materials, including aluminum, polymer, and carbon fiber.
Sights
Sights are essential for aiming the firearm accurately. The most common sights on an AR-15 are the front sight and the rear sight. The front sight is a post that is adjustable for windage, while the rear sight is a combination of a peep sight and a rear sight that can be adjusted for elevation and windage.
Magazine
The magazine is responsible for holding the rounds of ammunition. There are several different types of magazines available for the AR-15, including box magazines, drum magazines, and flat-bottomed magazines. The magazine capacity can vary depending on the type of magazine and the state’s laws.
Trigger
The trigger is the mechanism that releases the hammer or striker, causing the firearm to fire. The trigger pull weight can vary, with some shooters preferring a lighter trigger for faster follow-up shots, while others prefer a heavier trigger for more precise control.
Fire Control Group
The fire control group is responsible for controlling the firearm’s rate of fire. It includes the hammer, sear, and spring. The fire control group can be adjusted to change the rate of fire, with options for semi-automatic, full-automatic, and burst fire.
Understanding the various components and their functions is crucial for anyone who owns or is interested in an AR-15. By familiarizing yourself