How to Remove the Barrel of an AR10

All weapons require periodic maintenance or modification over time; that includes the AR10, an American assault rifle that fires a 7.62 round, which was developed at ArmaLite back in the late 1950s. The weapon was a base design for the AR15 and the subsequent M16A1 service rifle issued to the U.S. military. Many AR10 users also like to customize the weapon barrel for certain needs. Removing the AR10 barrel can be accomplished using a few gunsmith tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning rod
  • 1/8-inch punch and hammer
  • Padded barrel vise
  • Barrel lug wrench (fitted to AR10 barrel lug nut)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the magazine. Pull the charging handle to the rear. Visually inspect the weapon to ensure that no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Push out the rear take-down pin from left to right using your thumb or a cleaning rod if the pin is hard to move. Note that the pin will not come completely out. Pull out the charging handle and bolt carrier group from the receiver.

    • 3

      Push out the forward take-down pin located in front of the magazine well. Pull the barrel and receiver off of the weapon frame.

    • 4

      Inspect the front sight base/gas block. If the gas block is pinned to the barrel, drive out the two pins with a 1/8-inch punch and hammer. If it is held to the barrel with screws, loosen the two retaining screws. Slide the sight base and gas tube assembly forward until these pieces come off of the weapon.

    • 5

      Pull down on the handguard lock ring. Pull off the handguards. Rotate the handguard lock ring counter-clockwise until it loosens and can be pulled off of the weapon.

    • 6

      Secure the barrel and receiver into a padded barrel vise. Attach the barrel lug wrench to the barrel lug nut located at the front of the receiver. Turn the barrel counter-clockwise until it is completely unscrewed from the receiver.