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The AK-47 assault rifle is a popular firearm with a rich history. Like any other firearm the AK-47 requires regular maintenance. Follow these steps to safely and efficiently field-strip an AK-47.

  1. Pull back the charging handle to eject any loaded rounds.[1]
  2. [2]
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  3. This may take a little jiggling, but mostly just use a constant pressure pulling the cover up and back (toward the comb and up).[3]
  4. Press the same button toward the front of the gun, sliding it out of its channel. Remove by pulling it backward.[4]
  5. [5]
  6. The lever should be pointing at a right angle to the barrel.[6]
  7. In my experience, Hoppe's gun oil is one of the best.
  8. If you get stuck, find an online forum to assist you.[7]
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Tips

  • The gas tube doesn't need to be cleaned as frequently as the chamber, bolt, or barrel.
  • This takes practice. There are several websites designed to assist you if you have trouble.
  • The bolt cover can be difficult to replace. Simply place it in the correct position and apply firm downward force at the back of it until it clicks into place, with the button sticking out of its back where it did originally.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Original cleaning tool kit, or pliers
  • Solvents and oils
  • Patches, and cleaning rods (if you plan on also cleaning your firearm)

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about firearms safety, check out our in-depth interview with Roger Judd.

About This Article

Roger Judd
Co-authored by:
Firearms Instructor
This article was co-authored by Roger Judd. Roger Judd is a Firearms Instructor based in Mesa, Arizona. Roger and his team at Concealed AZ have been teaching NRA, Arizona Concealed Carry, group and individual firearms training classes as well as promotional, corporate, TV & media machine gun events since 2008. As an NRA Instructor, Roger specializes in teaching people how to safely use rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This article has been viewed 152,546 times.
166 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 20
Updated: January 24, 2025
Views: 152,546
Categories: Rifles
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 152,546 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ratneshwar Varma

    Ratneshwar Varma

    Jan 27, 2020

    "Very informative and educational step-by-step description to make it easy. Great!"
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