This installment of our Shooting 101 series is devoted to the basic operation of the AR-15 rifle for the complete novice. We cover procedures for safely loading, unloading, and firing the AR-15, as well as all the basic controls on the rifle.
The rifle used in the video is a BCM with 16-inch lightweight barrel and Midwest Industries M-Lok handguard. The stock, magazine, pistol grip, and rear sight are from Magpul (No affiliation. We just like their stuff.)
Support our channel, buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!
I love how friendly and professional this is. He covers the basics without treating new gun owners like retards. Love the vid! Just got my first AR-15 and I can't wait to shoot it
You will have a great time at the range with your AR-15.
Just got my first AR .love it .Beautiful weapon.
2 years later this is one of the top trending videos during COVID-19...
Even not covid only...
It’s the pandemic gun craze
You predicted the future.
It's why I'm here. I just a .300 AAC variant from a buddy.
@Cancel Marxism All the magazines. Loaded.
This is just a refresher for those of us who carried an M-16 in the military. It's never a bad idea to review what you learned for safety's sake.
Especially if it's been 40 years since I got DD 214.
@@martynichols32 LOL got mine in 1995. Almost 30 years ago. Next year in 1 October will be 30.
I was a young Marine in April 1967 when we were given the M16. Three weeks later we were fighting NVA regulars on hill 861. Needless to say we were a little skeptical on how they would work. We quickly adapted to them a found them to be better than the M14 for many reasons. Semper Fidelis.
I used the M-16 for years in the military, but that was 35yrs ago. Just purchased my first AR and this is a nice refresher course.
Thank you for your service!
Ditto....
My dad was a military man and police officer. I was shooting guns from a very young age and still enjoy shooting to this day. Dad was STRICT about gun safety and every single thing he taught me as a young child, I still do to this day. I wanted to compliment you on your video as it's very well done. It never hurts anyone to refresh gun safety and the "basics" of shooting.
I know I’m the minority here (I’m a left-leaning guy, but before you jump on me, I’ve never had a problem with guns, and NEVER advocated for taking them away), but (or maybe because) I’m a realist, and I know the importance of them, and that they are just a tool. I also am very much aware of my ignorance of guns, which is really due to being raised in a house that was basically anti-gun (my stance on guns probably makes me a bit of a black sheep on that issue). I just wanted to say, at the risk of looking like the ignorant ass in front of everyone, that this was one of the best and most informative videos I’ve ever watched on guns. I really do think that a lot of the anti-gun thought processes on my side of the aisle is fear-based, and fear is a direct reflection of ignorance (which goes for both sides of the aisle). I’m a bit less ignorant because of this video, so thank you. Well done, you really make me want to go shoot an AR!
Son, read your US Constitution and you'll realize why many are on the conservative or libertarian side. Both groups are very misunderstood.
@Steven Uh wrong Bozo but nice try.
The problem is the leftist masses might be fear-based but the leftist in power want control through disarmament.
@Steven Care to explain why you think libertarians are as left as liberals and Democrats? From what I can tell they seem more conservative than Republicans. Did you notice the Republican president signed an executive order banning bump stocks?
@Steven There are a lot of pro-life libertarians and libertarians that think third-wave femanism is a joke. They are also for shrinking the government (much more than "small government" Republicans could ever claim to be) and they are also pro free market. I'm glad Trump hasn't violated YOUR gun rights. I guess you dont care who's guns the government takes as long as it isn't your guns. But the fact is he set a precedent with that executive order making it easier for the next progressive president to continue to chip away at the 2nd amendment
The kindest most gentle understanding DI I’ve ever seen!
Must be a Coastie...
@@stephenhenley7452 I’m not sure I follow
@@anonymousbosch9265 The Coast Guard...resoundingly considered the easiest service in the US...
@@anonymousbosch9265 just a light jab at our easygoing Coastie brethren. (FWIW, I'm Air Force...probably second on the list...)
@@stephenhenley7452 fun, I was Navy and I’ve convinced my daughter to enlist in the air force reserve as I wouldn’t wish the navy or marines on my worst enemy
This guy is the best explainer I’ve ever seen. What people want is short, sweet, and to the point but thorough, and this guy did exactly that. It’s hard to know what ar-15 route to choose when you’ve nvr handled one and don’t know what features you’ll like until u better understand them. Even tho it’s 14 minutes long, there wasn’t a single word wasted. Good deal brother.
Non condescending back to basics. Great chapter of the 101 series. Thanks
Andy! It's Dale from axel oh man. Worked with you in Rochester. Hope your doing well....
Never seen him to act condescending in any of his vids. Seems like a lucky, lucky guy doing what he enjoys. Good stuff, as always
I've been shooting for years but still enjoy watching these Shooting 101 videos. If nothing else they give me good terminology and a good order of operations for teaching new shooters.
*School shooting for years*
great video
Aww shit 😲
just watching it makes you able to get back to that feeling when it was still new to you and you were highly enthusiastic about it and so stoked because you finally got your own
Agreed. It's nice to watch the basics time and again. Refreshes you and betters your ability to help others out.
I have been shooting for over 60 years, been in the military and hunted game big and small, I really appreciate your matter of fact and down to earth approach to teaching. Great job and great video.
This has got to be the best AR15 training video out there...thank you
Outstanding brief
Never seen anyone able to show what the sight picture should look like on KZhead. I'm sure you did something to animate it, but it looks very true to life, and I applaud you for that extra effort. Kudos.
I was thinking the same thing. I don't know how they did it, but I would LOVE to have those animations for my Concealed carry courses I teach.
@@calebbray1789 I'm an animator and big 2A supporter. williamtpenningtonart.com/ Let me know if you need anything.
Nothing wrong going back to the basics and always relearning fundamentals
I just bought my first AR15. And after reading the owner's manual, I found this video incredibly informative and helped me understand some of the things that I kinda was still unaware of.
Outstanding. It has been 36 years since I was first trained,(with an M16 in government service), and this AR tutorial was a great refresher for this weapon platform. This was precisely what I needed - a complete recap of all of the fundamentals to make sure I have not forgotten anything. Incredibly useful. Thank you!
I have never commented on any video on KZhead before, but I just bought my first AR15, and I throughly enjoyed this video. Thank you very much, one of the best videos on the subject I have seen.
Thanks, Michael!
Agreed!
@aztecstargazer yeah you either aztec. Dont drink and drive.
@aztecstargazer "we regulate cars" 🤣.. Not stock "oiling" shit. Nothing wrong with protecting my family from dipshit criminals.
@aztecstargazer I have seen so many defenseless and moronic sheep whining to wolves not to eat them, but what do you say to the ones who are trying to shame other sheep by the tiny little horns it grew to protect itself!!!
There is one practical use for the forward assist, and that's silent chambering. Instead of releasing the charging handle, walk it forward and use the forward assist to push the bolt all the way into battery.
Good comment Sir....🤔.
There's an indent on the bolt, you can just use your thumb to push it in.
The forward assist is actually meant for an ar15 that hasn’t been cleaned or for when dirt or sand has gotten its way unto the chamber. It forces the bolt into battery. People don’t know this because everyone babies there ar15.
@alan wake No, that's a good way to stay alive in combat.
@alan wake that's a good way to use the forward assist
Started shooting this platform when I joined the Army in 1986 and have loved it ever since. I watch videos like this one to enhance my own ability to train newcomers to this field. I found your video to be complete and to the point. My takeaway was the "making life and death decisions anytime we pick up a gun." Thanks for that, I'm going to use it.
I have owned AR's since the 1970's and I still find your videos very good for new and even "advanced" gun owners who need a reminder. Very simple and very, very well done.
The gun world is full of people who pounce on any tiny thing said wrong in a video like this yet you said everything accurately and in an easy to understand manner. Great video for new shooters! Well done.
New gun owner: I need to load my clip Gun fanatic: (flips out over use of the word clip, sarcastically tries stuffing paper clip into firearm) "it's called a magazine, not a clip NOOB!" Me: (sarcastically tries stuffing women's health magazine into firearm)
He thinks that ak is an ar
Enjoy while you can before the Democrats take over , that’s what it looks like to me but you never know 🤔
Jose Luis or a A.K. 47
exactly
from someone who has never shot a firearm before and want to go to a shooting range for the first time, this was a very thorough explanation on how to handle this particular rifle. Seems all angles were covered. Great job. I will definitely save this video and watch it many times before going to the shooting range.
By far the most clear, straight forward, and easy to understand guide. I really appreciate you sharing this
With America increasingly arming itself against catch-and-release criminals, it's surprising that such a great channel only has 543K subscribers.
When my dad bought his AR-15, it was a very unpopular rifle. People made fun of him for it when he took it for hunting, and just to buy it he had to travel like 100 miles out. Now who's laughing?
de72nlamont Around 1989 is when he bought it. I'm guessing it wasn't popular for civilians at the time.
AR-15s were a tiny sideline of gun shows before the assault weapon ban (aka flash hider ban). After the ban they quickly became huge in gun shows because people don't like being told what guns they can't buy. Two of my ARs are from that period and have no flash hiders or bayonet lugs. Back in those days it was only Colt, DPMS, Bushmaster and Olympic Arms. Now everybody and his grandma makes ARs.
Cool! Thanks for explaining why!
Paul X so the gov caused it lol
Me lol it's gonna be banned
Most responsible experienced people of any discipline (guns, airplanes, Kitchenaid mixers, etc.) benefit from going back to basics. Safety and knowing your tool go hand in hand. This is a great video for people new to the AR platform and those who think they already know all they need to know. I've been shooting AR's for decades, and I found this helpful.
you are correct - more people should adhere to this basic approach to life in general
Just like in sports, always practice the fundamentals!
Easily one of the most easy to follow and concise videos I can give to a new AR shooter. I just got back into AR and was looking for good info for my family who also recently bought into the platform. I'm not a great instructor and often miss things I consider "second nature " . This video really helps me consider elements I didn't. I am asking them to watch this and we will review. So very good.
Just purchased a new AR-556. Thank you so much for this easy to understand, friendly demonstration. Great work!
This is by far the best beginner AR-15 video I have found. Your presentation is very clear and explains everything I needed to know. And I am a new subscriber because I really appreciate how you make me feel comfortable learning step by step. Thank you!
Agreed! Excellent video. I finally had a clear video on some things I wanted to know.
*I know everything about ARs and how to operate them, still watched entire video.*
This video was so incredibly simple, I've seen a lot of guys try to teach people how to shoot ARs and they do a really great job of making it overly complex. This is absolutley perfect for the new shooter or someone new to the platform. Or even someone who's trying to refresh their knowledge. I know that to most people who are familiar with the platform this was probably painfully simple. But with that it's much easier for newer shooters to understand. Especially a platform like an AR which can be more complex to operate.
Left-leaning liberal here who is into airguns but this video totally makes me want to go gunpowder lol. Very well done! A lot of these instructions also apply to airguns with the added safety precautions for handling extremely high-pressure air tanks (up to 4500 PSI).
You know. Even though I have been shooting for a good bit of time and have no need to really watch these How To videos I still watch them. I find your content great for recommending to new shooters that do need this, and of course I need to make sure the content is there! It always is. I appreciate you guys making this content as its a great learning tool that I can utilize!
Beyond The Berm Same
I agree, I know how to use them but its very helpful to hear certain things put into words.
Bob Johnson It just adds that extra tool to my arsenal to spread good information and knowledge for beginners.
agreed
Beyond The Berm Reviewing what you already know is a good thing for all fields of knowledge. If you are knowledgeable in what you are watching you will be better positioned to pick up nuances, certain background points of view and sometimes a few new tips or, suddenly, new piece of knowledge.
You call that instruction ? I didn't hear you curse not even once. You didn't insult me or talk about my home state either.
It's almost as if teaching firearms discipline and handling shouldn't include being a condescending asshole. But all jokes aside, I admire Chris so much for teaching extremely useful things for gun owners without resorting to violent "us vs them" political rhetoric or making offensive caricatures of people who don't like guns.
Think the joke went was way over yo head, bro. Like mountain top high. Come on maaaaayne
No reflections on my momma nor my manhood? How'm I gonna learn anythin' ? Seriously, it was a fine refresher. I don't shoot my AR that often.
@Doug Carter I always thought the poor incompetent are the people who fight..the rich and well educated sit back and watch. At least that's how it's always been in the past. You hearing different these days?
@Doug Carter huh..say what?
This is a great introductory video for new AR owners. I just bought my first one (Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport II) tonight and can’t wait for it to get to the store! I look forward to getting to the range for the first time with it.
I want to give a huge thank you for this video. Others that I have looked at, I couldn't finish, because of being poorly thought out, poor camera work, etc. You did a thorough instruction and took my fears away. I have had a SW/MP-15 for 6 years and have been afraid to shoot it. But, now I know what sight to buy and the basics to operate the rifle. Thanks a lot.
Very well done Video, I'm an experienced military veteran and I watched this cuz I wanted to see, well you know, make fun of the video, but you my friend must also be experienced well beyond just the AR-15. Good Job! Every new shooter should watch this video.
This video came just in time...I just purchased my first AR 15! LOVE THIS PAGE ALWAYS GOOD INFO!
How much it cost you?
just got my first today as well, very excited!
@@RONALDB62 I bet you are very thankful you got it when you did. They are hard to find during the coronavirus frenzy.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. 1st time owner and excited to go to the range feeling confident i won’t make an ass out of myself. Or get the ol side eye
Thanks for making this video. I'm not used to working with people who've never shot a firearm before, so teaching my girlfriend about my AR has been challenging to put it lightly. I sent her this video to watch and she's been practicing how to operate it for over 2 hours now by herself. Thanks again.
"The gun will not fire unless there is a round in the chamber" lol I love that some people need that explained to them. Great video by the way!
Everyone has to learn it once.
Common sense isn't all that common unfortunately. "Hold my hand and repeat after me" LOL
Like the guy said, this is for people new to guns or new to AR’s
nobody comes out of the womb understanding this. Some people have more mechanically aptitude than others, and it's usually not a bad idea to repeat the basic principles of operation of a tool from time to time.
The people laughing are the ones in A&E with a missing toe screaming "it wasn't loaded"
Please continue with the AR15 series of videos for a while! I've been waiting forever for you guys to put out content around this. Awesome, awesome stuff!!!
Outstanding video. I fielded the M-16 over 40 years ago, but havent handled an AR style rifle since then. This was a great refresher, thanks.
Very cool video, informative and covers the most important aspects of the AR platform, as always safety first, clear explanation of the steps, I wish they were more videos like this. Great job!
I've been shooting AR-15's for 10+ years now, and I still learned something new from this "basic" instructional video. Great stuff, keep posting such awesome content!
Your videos are always outstanding. Been a concealed carrier for a few years now, looking to buy my first AR and this video was invaluable. Excellent content, keep doing what you're doing, we all appreciate it!
Another great vid! And I found it at just the right time , I pick up my 1st AR tomorrow it's in .300 Blackout, I've only shot bolt action in the past, so this vid is a big help. I first found your channel searching for vids on how to store your shotgun, your "cruiser ready" was a great help! Thanks for making informative, easy to understand vids & keep up the great work!
Being around guns your entire life, and trying to teach someone new I forget about a lot of little things. This is the best video I have ever seen!
I'm also an experienced shooter who appreciates these videos. I'm teaching my older kids about guns and these will be useful in that.
Tim Sharkey j
I’ve shot ar’s for years and know them pretty well, but it’s fun watching this video and this guy explain things. I can see how this would be a great guide for someone new to platform, this guy explains things in a very calm, friendly, and inviting way.
Love your vids, dude. You are thorough and clearly smart and eloquent, unlike a lot of firearm related content creators on youtube. Thanks
Thank you for the video. Very informative and well laid out from start to finish. I love picking up the little nuances of each narrator on AR15 “101” videos and then logically adding them together for my own preferences. I can’t wait to pick up my BCM RECCE 14 kmr
Thank you, excellent video! I’m a lefty, and it’s great that you gave some very important tips on handling and operation for lefties. Awesome!!
I purchased my first MSR 15 and your video has given me the knowledge and confidence to take it to the range instead of just looking at and saying “Wow”, I can’t wait to shoot this thing. As a retired teacher, I’ve listened to countless instructions. Yours is clear, concise, and well-organized.
Very informative...The last time I handled this type of weapon was in the service some 40 years ago, and I recently purchased one. This is a great refresher
Stellar demo. Wish I had seen it when I bought my AR 6 months ago. I shared it with my two adult sons who each bought one last week.
This gentleman is articulate, knowledgeable, and an excellent instructor.
Thank you for that info sir. I’m in the process of purchasing my first AR and intend to do as much practicing as I can when I get it. Also, nice incorporation of live fire so that reinforces what was gone over in the video. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
I clicked on this video for a good refresher I didn't think it was this much of a beginner lesson but I will say this.. This is a very well thought out very well executed and presented video. Seriously. You did a hell of a job explaining the basic functions of the AR-15. If I have never in my life held one before... I would at least know how to load it and shoot it at this point. Good job.
This video is invaluable. As a kid in basic training during the war, I easily made “marksman” at the range using the M-16. Now, I feel rather intimidated by my Springfield Saint Vincent. I am not going to the range until everything is this video becomes second nature to me. Thank you!
Just a thoroughly well thought out and teachable video that gives all the information one would need about an AR-15! Thank you for being so precise!
I expect my first ar this week, I'm a first time ar shooter as I'm an aussie living in Florida. I'm no stranger to long rifles and own pistols but this video is the only one I needed to watch. Thanks for covering all bases brother was a great help 🙂
Wow, the level of completeness was amazing. I would feel confident having a brand new gun owner watch this for sure! Couldn't be better! Amazing!
These guys are the best. I just bought my first AR and watched plenty of videos on how to use it but this is the most informative and best produced. And he doesn't make you feel like an idiot.
Thank you LG! I'm retired military (USA,20 yrs) very good video! Salute! AR's are only as dangerous as you make them. I have seen more negligent discharges with shotguns and handguns than rifles.
For someone who claims that he is no expert, you sure do know what you're talking about. Excellent job Brother! I've been shooting for years myself and although you'd never catch me being complacent, it always helps to know, stick to and maintain the basics of SAFE AR Rifle handling! Bravo!!
One of the best demos for using an AR-15. I appreciate this and was super helpful!!
I'm getting ready to buy my first AR and this did exactly what I needed it to do. Simple, clear, just right. Thanks!
Awesome explanation of "iron sights" I'm sure new shooters will benefit from this. Thank you
Nice introduction and refresher. I learned something. Thanks
I’ve been considering getting my first AR-15 and having been a pistol guy only, they’ve been a little intimidating. This video was very helpful in getting me more familiar with the basics of the platform. Thanks for making content like this.
AR-15s are in the news a lot; this helped me understand a bit better what they are. I appreciate how prominent the safety tips are in the tutorial, and especially the closeup image of what it looks like when the chamber isn't empty (at 4:08).
Thanks for the video, and good tip on the trigger finger indexing. As mostly a pistol shooter I am used to keeping mine indexed horizontally along a slide, but as a newbie on the AR I found that puts it right on top of the mag release. Indexing it up on the end of the open dust cover door a much better idea.
yea i noticed that too! great tip
MRBARRY7 still not that difficult to evade hitting the mag release, its a pretty big button.
Probably a good idea to angle your finger up on pistols too - less likely to accidentally slip onto the trigger, especially when drawing.
Hi Chris - You have produced an excellent set of videos that provide new shooters with excellent how to instructions as well as refreshing those that are experienced firearm owners. May your business grow exponentially as you give of your time to others (Proverbs 11:25).
Thanks for the tutorial. It's been 20 years since I used an AR-15. Just bought one and needed a refresher. This did the trick.👌
I have been around guns my whole life. Own many bolt action rifles, different shotguns and handguns but just got my first AR. I have some basic knowledge but this video was very reassuring. Great info!
Great video, thanks. Just got AR-15 and learning everything about it.
Thank you I just bought my first AR this was a huge help
As is normal for you Chris, nice concise information in a way that many can learn from and recommend to others. Great starting point.
Hey lucky gunner, thank you so much for your support of the ASP channel! You guys are great!
As a 27 year teacher, you my friend, are an educator. Explained so clearly and concisely. I'm a veteran teacher, but a newb shooter. I appreciate the straight forward, non intimidating instruction. Nice job!
Now you can teach your whole class
Thanks for the video. Been around firearms all my life but new to the AR thing. Have to admit, not a big fan of this rifle so all the help and knowledge is appreciated! Be safe!
Out of all other videos I watched you did the best thank you for going slow and step by step at explaining everything and why I appreciate it !!!
As someone new to the firearm hobby, Angela and Chris are some of the nicest people to deal with regarding Ammo purchases. Great to see an instructional facet to accompany their business. It shows that they care enough to get proper, accurate information out to the public regarding the use of their product. The 2A community is very cool. Keep 'em coming, I'm happy to be part of the "Lucky Gunner" family.
Your videos are not only packed with extremely valuable info you are most definitely saving lives teaching the proper ways of use.
Dude!!! I love the way you use simple verbiage and you didn’t rush on explaining. Awesome video!
I love this. Nothing is assumed, everything is described in detail. I expect that that was the intent, and it is massively successful. Kudos.
I understand firearms pretty well and have a deep respect and interest in them, however living in California i have never been around them much, I've taken a few handgun classes and have been to the range a hand full of times. This upcoming weekend I am going on vacation with friends and we are bringing an AR. I have not shot anything bigger than a 1911A1 and this video was a very informative refresher on how to handle a firearm. Though the video covered the very basics it was not condescending and covered a topic that not many other gun channels I follow do because they are common sense to regular gun people. Thank You
Free your state or move maybe burn it down first
Most popular rifle in every state except Massachusetts
dont forget california
22s r for wusses dude not liberal city
Yeh I know im just 20 I think I want one with a well equip scope and handle bars...
It's still legal in mass tho
Ironically my AR is made in Massachusetts.
Awesome video, very clear instructions on how to use the AR. Incredibly helpful for this newbie and my first time at the range. Thanks!
When I bought my first AR-15 back some 10 years ago,I remember asking the gun shop owner to go over the basic functions of the AR-15 platform. I had shot plenty of pistols,some revolvers and semiautomatic pistols as well as bolt action rifles and shotguns. But this was the first time I had purchased a semiautomatic rifle and wasn’t very educated about the functions of the AR-15. I felt kind of embarrassed to ask my gun shop owner about how to use it. But he said no worries,that’s what I am here for and when you walk out that door with this rifle you will feel comfortable and confident when you go to shoot it. To this day I still purchase new firearms from that FFL dealer and he always breaks down the basic functions of any new firearm platform that I buy. If you don’t understand the basic functions of that firearm,just ask your local dealer and he will give you the information to get you started with your new purchase.
Just came over from ASP nice channel great products Semper Fi
NRSS Cheatham love both of those channels I watch asp to cover mine and I watch this channel to pick ammo
Same here. Came for John (could've worded that better). Stayed for the AR-15.
Yep. Me too. ASP and Lucky Gunner have great stuff. Also John Lovell another great one, and Geauga firearms.
New to ARs so this is exactly what I needed, thanks!
As a fairly new gun owner, I appreciate your teaching...so much so, that I also buy my ammo from Lucky Gunner ! Great fast & friendly service & shipping.
Good people here. I’ve been buying froM them for about 6 months now and always fast deliveries and good videos. I know the basics of the AR but this helps a lot. Always was used to my Dads Remington. He was in Korea. Excellent marksman. Always very careful with his guns and never ever boasted. He was a doer!
thank you, this is perfect for what i need
Have hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns but just bought a AR (near the riots) thanks for the video. Home defense arsenal grows lol
James Barnes same here
Me tooooo! Bring the ruckus!!
Lol neckbeard. I always knew you dorks would forget to use the 2nd amendment to stop government tyranny.
@@npc2071 I've always supported the 2nd amendment on those grounds however when you have a family gun purchases are limited due to money.....way to be a dick though
Not the government you really have to worry about. It’s the savages that will rob, rape and pillage! 🤣😂
Nice job. You did a very good job going over the basics in an understandable way.
Excellent video! I just bought the M&P Sport 2, and while I was somewhat familiar with it, this was a great overview of the AR platform and features!
Great series. Thinking about doing a Shotgun 101?