How to Dismantle a Mini-14

Disassembly of a weapon is a process that follows a logical mechanical order; the more complex the weapon, the more difficult the disassembly. The Mini-14 has a reputation of being a fun rifle to operate and fire, but has more moving parts than a handgun or a shotgun. Removal of one part leads to the removal of the next.

• 1

  Remove the magazine. Press forward on the magazine catch to release the magazine. Pull the magazine down and out of the rifle.

• 2

  Pull the slide handle to the rear and release. Ensure the safety is on and the hammer is cocked.

• 3

  Invert the rifle and insert the steel rod punch or screwdriver into the hole at the rear of the trigger guard. Pry the trigger guard out from the locked position.

• 4

  Remove the trigger-housing assembly. Carefully pull the trigger-housing assembly up and out of the inverted rifle.

• 5

  Turn the rifle right-side up and remove the barrel/receiver assembly. Lift the rear of the assembly out of the stock and pull the stock to the rear.

• 6

  Remove the guide rod and recoil spring. Grasp the guide rod and recoil spring and push them forward. Carefully lift them up and out of the rifle while allowing the spring to slowly release its tension.

• 7

  Remove the slide. Pull the slide handle to the rear and align the locking projection with the disassembly notch on the receiver. Pull the locking projection through the disassembly notch and rotate the slide up and out of the receiver.

• 8

  Remove the bolt. Pull the bolt forward and align the firing-pin projection and slot. Remove the bolt from the receiver.

• 9

  Locate the bolt-lock cover plate on the side of the receiver. Tap downward on the top edge with a punch.

• 10

  Remove the bolt stop. Depress the bolt-lock plunger and lift out the bolt stop.