I have not had much range time but I need to get more familiar with the AR platform. I've watched quite a few videos on takedown and cleaning which is pretty easy. My question is quite simple, the videos on takedown fail to mention if the gun need to be de cocked "dry fired" first after insuring the the firearm is not loaded "safety first" or seperate the upper and lower with it cocked? Does it matter? Thanks so much!!!

I always leave the hammer back when cleaning an AR. I’m not even sure if it will come apart after dry firing. But I always.DO make sure the safety is on when you take the gun apart, which means you can’t dry fire it before taking it apart because the safety won’t operate if the gun isn’t cocked. If you take the upper off with the hammer back and pull the trigger the hammer will slam into the frame which is not good.

Agree on leaving hammer cocked and safety on. Just always do a bolt open magazine out or an empty mag in to easily lock back bolt visual inspection. With no mag inserted you can lock back the bolt by pulling the charging handle all the way back and pressing in the lower portion of the bolt release. When disassembling the upper from lower having the bolt in the forward position is the right way to go.
Have fun with your new rifle.
Jim

Simply put. Hammer cocked, bolt forward, safety on, then raise or remove the upper. With the upper raised or removed, DO NOT allow the hammer to go forward (fired position) unrestrained, as you can damage the receiver at the rear of the magazine well.

Thanks so much for the helpful tips!!

It can also break the hammer. If you need to release the hammer forward, use your other thumb or forefinger to catch the hammer while you squeeze the trigger gently letting the hammer come forward and rest against the back of the receiver while holding the hammer with your finger. Makes it easier to clean and lube with that forward out of the way. Then just pull it back, re cock the hammer by "hand" and put the safety back on safe when you hear it click back down into its fire position.

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One other thing to remember, when cleaning the barrel, keep the upper assembly right side up. Sights up. That will prevent solvent from entering the gas port. Not such a big deal on direct impingement gas systems but a good practice anyway.

First post I think I have LIKED on this site. I have converted all my Smiths to Piston drive and never considered that lol. Good idea!