How to Field Strip an M4 Carbine

The M4 carbine is a lightweight, efficient assault rifle. An adaptation of the M16 family of rifles, the M4 is designed for quick disassembly and reassembly in demanding combat situations. Here is the procedure for an efficient field stripping of the weapon.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Remove the handguards by applying even downward pressure to the o-ring that keeps the foregrips in place. While this is not necessary in emergency situations, this is generally regarded as the proper first step.

2. Pop out the top retaining pin where the barrel meets the receiving group. Leave the bottom retaining pin in place so that the barrel can swing down in an open "shotgun" position.

3. Remove the bolt slide. Remember to keep in mind that this piece will be loose and may have to be jiggled slightly in order to have it clear the bolt carrier group.

4. Pull out the bolt carrier group, exerting gentle but firm rearward force. If the bolt carrier group is hard to remove it may be due to sand or other debris than can be dislodged with a short chop with the palm of your hand.

5. Inspect the bolt carrier group for damage as this can cause a catastrophic malfunction to your M4 carbine.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the bolt carrier group assembled in a field strip situation as the smaller parts inside are easily lost, especially at night or in extreme weather conditions.

Resources

• Review detailed specs on the M4 Carbine.

[harosokman]

on 1/10/2009 before stripping this weapon, remove any magazine attached, pull charging handle to the rear, and press the bottom half of the bolt catch on the left hand side of the magazine housing. CHECK THE CHAMBER FOR ANY AMMUNITION. once clear press the top half of the bolt catch, and continue with stripping.