Photo from Phantom Tactical USA

Originally Posted On: https://phantomtacticalusa.com/how-to-disassemble-and-reassemble-ar-15-magazines-for-maintenance-and-repair/

Maintaining your AR-15 magazines is an important part of ensuring their reliability and longevity. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of disassembling and reassembling your AR-15 magazines so you can keep them in top condition.

Before getting started, it’s important to note that disassembling your magazines can void any manufacturer warranties, so proceed with caution and only attempt this if you feel confident in your abilities. It’s also important to ensure that your firearms and magazines are unloaded before beginning any maintenance or repair procedures.

STEP 1: REMOVING THE FLOORPLATE

The first step in disassembling your AR-15 magazine is to remove the floorplate. This can usually be accomplished by using a small screwdriver or punch tool to depress the floorplate retention tab, located at the bottom of the magazine, and sliding the floorplate off the bottom of the magazine body.

‍STEP 2: REMOVING THE SPRING AND FOLLOWER

With the floorplate removed, the magazine spring and follower can be removed from the magazine body. To do this, simply grasp the follower with one hand and the spring with the other and pull them out of the magazine body. Be careful when removing the spring, as it will be under compression and can be difficult to control.

‍STEP 3: CLEANING THE MAGAZINE BODY

With the spring and follower removed, the magazine body can be cleaned. This can be done with a soft cloth and a specialized magazine cleaning solution. Take care to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the magazine body. Our magazines are made of high quality stainless steel and will be corrosion free.

‍STEP 4: INSPECTING THE SPRING AND FOLLOWER

Once the magazine body is clean, inspect the spring and follower for any signs of damage or wear. Look for signs of corrosion, cracks, or other damage that could affect the magazine’s function. If the spring or follower is damaged, replace it with a new one.

‍STEP 5: REASSEMBLING THE MAGAZINE

To reassemble,  align the followers’ “D” boss with the “D” shaped spring end, and fit the spring onto the follower. Align the follower and spring into the bottom of the magazine body. The follower will only fit one way, which is keyed. Slide the follower and spring back into the magazine. Depress the retainer, that is at the other end of the spring, below the surface. Now slide the floor plate over the retainer, and tap it with your hand. You should hear the retainer snap into the floor plate, if assembled correctly.

‍STEP 6: TESTING THE MAGAZINE

Once the magazine is reassembled, test it to ensure that it is functioning properly. First you can test the magazine by depressing the follower and seeing that it springs back up a few times.

Also you can insert the magazine (empty of bullets), and slide into the gun. Pull the bolt back, and see if it stays back, as it is supposed to catch on the magazine when empty.

Maintaining your AR-15 magazines is an important part of keeping your firearms in top condition. By disassembling and reassembling your magazines, you can clean and inspect them for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure that they are functioning properly. Follow these steps and ensure that your magazines are reliable and ready when you need them.