AR-15 Storage: complete v. detached > Maintenance & Cleaning

Posted: 2/9/2013 9:23:18 PM EDT

Hey guys, I recently purchased a Colt LE6920MP-B. I was wondering what method is preferred for storage: Complete or upper/lower detached. I have found cases for both, but I wasn't sure which is better.

The rifle is not needed for home defense; it will be used solely in the range and for hunting (a few times a year).

Any major drawbacks for one over the other?

Thanks.

Posted: 2/9/2013 9:27:57 PM EDT

[#1]

i had my hard case before i had the ar15. The ar15 (with the scope on) will not in the case with it together, so i break it down to stuff it in there

Posted: 2/9/2013 11:15:32 PM EDT

[#2]

I haven't heard of anyone separating their uppers and lowers for storage. Same goes for pistols. Do you separate the slides from the frames? I leave all my guns complete whether they're stored in the safe or being used. If we're talking about spare parts well then that's different altogether.

It's your gun and it's up to you how you want to store it. There's really no harm if you do decide to separate them. I'm sure most folks here leave their guns complete.

Posted: 2/10/2013 4:39:53 AM EDT

[#3]

I'm sure most people leave them complete. This is my first AR, so I wasn't sure what would be better. My other guns are stored complete. Complete v. detached in this case is only dependent on the type of case I purchase.

Posted: 2/10/2013 9:51:56 AM EDT

[#4]

I always disassemble and put the BCG somewhere else if I plan to put it in LT storage. Just don't forget to lube it once in a while.

Posted: 2/10/2013 10:13:56 AM EDT

[#5]

I have Two Uppers.

One upper is kept in your standard zippered rifle case I used to carry a bolt action rifle. The other is kept Attached to the Lower. The Complete rifle is kept in its carrying case. When I finish cleaning from Range Time I swap the Uppers.

Posted: 2/10/2013 3:51:49 PM EDT

[#6]

I have the Covert Takedown Softcase from the ARFCOM Store and I love it. Yes I break it down for storage. I usually clean it after range visits so it is already apart. Love the case. Doesnt take up much room and holds all my stuff.

Posted: 2/11/2013 12:35:10 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
I have the Covert Takedown Softcase from the ARFCOM Store and I love it. Yes I break it down for storage. I usually clean it after range visits so it is already apart. Love the case. Doesnt take up much room and holds all my stuff.

I have that case too, and I love it for travel and storage.

Posted: 2/11/2013 4:36:33 PM EDT

[#8]

I store mine separated as there is not much room left in the safe and they fit better like this..

Posted: 2/16/2013 1:32:09 PM EDT

[#9]

I normally leave mine together, but I don’t see a problem either way.

Posted: 2/18/2013 3:55:27 PM EDT

[#10]

Question as follow-up:

should you dry fire before storage?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: 2/19/2013 6:51:20 AM EDT

[#11]

Pull the rear pin and let the upper drop to expose the FCG. Place your hand on top of the hammer and squeeze the trigger, keeping the hammer under control allowing it to move forward the the forward position. The firing pin normal has a primer to cushion the blow and you never want to let the hammer slam into the lower.

Posted: 2/19/2013 7:02:51 AM EDT

[#12]

I store mine broken down, only because of the case I store it in

Posted: 2/19/2013 3:48:26 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
I store mine broken down, only because of the case I store it in

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61WULJSnEsL.jpg

Nice, I'm going to run something similar to that.

Quoted:
Pull the rear pin and let the upper drop to expose the FCG. Place your hand on top of the hammer and squeeze the trigger, keeping the hammer under control allowing it to move forward the the forward position. The firing pin normal has a primer to cushion the blow and you never want to let the hammer slam into the lower.

Thanks for this info - I hadn't thought about that.

Posted: 2/22/2013 11:43:41 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

Question as follow-up:

should you dry fire before storage?

Thanks in advance.

Like the poster above stated, depress the trigger while holding the hammer and lower the hammer slowly. It's best to keep guns decocked to ease tension on the springs.

Posted: 2/24/2013 7:10:03 PM EDT

[#15]

Leaving the hammer cocked won't affect the springs. Cycling springs is what wears them down.

No need to take apart the gun to lower the hammer, just pull the trigger and let it drop on the firing pin (make sure it's not loaded). This won't damage anything.

Posted: 2/28/2013 11:51:11 AM EDT

[#16]

FYI I am an FFL that buys many many used guns stored long term in foam lined cases and I see a ton of surface rust and trashed bluing. I operate in the dry hot climate of south texas.

Warning

Confirm Action

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - AR-15 Storage: complete v. detached

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - AR-15 Storage: complete v. detached