AR15/M16 Armorers Course

Master the AR-15/M16 Patrol Rifle

This two-day course gives peace officers and agency-designated armorers the skills to inspect, maintain, and verify the safe function of AR-15/M16 patrol rifles. Learn parts identification, preventive maintenance, readiness checks, and policy compliance—all aligned with POST standards for safety, legality, and performance.

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What This Course Is About:

This comprehensive AR15/M16 Armorer course is designed for law enforcement professionals and agency personnel tasked with maintaining, inspecting, and supporting patrol and duty rifles. The course provides participants with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to serve as their agency’s armorer for the AR15/M16 platform.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical, bench-based exercises, students will gain a working understanding of firearms terminology, rifle operation, and component function. Instruction covers routine maintenance, detailed inspection procedures, and field- and armorer-level assembly and disassembly of the AR15/M16 system. Participants will learn to identify wear, diagnose malfunctions, and perform basic troubleshooting to ensure rifles remain safe, reliable, and mission-ready.
Emphasis is placed on manufacturer standards, armorer best practices, and documentation that supports defensible maintenance programs. Students will also gain insight into common issues encountered with duty rifles, replacement part considerations, and preventative maintenance strategies that extend service life and enhance officer safety.
All required tools will be provided for the duration of the course, though students are welcome to bring and use their own armorer tools if preferred. Upon successful completion, participants will be prepared to return to their agencies with the skills and confidence to maintain AR15/M16 rifles, support operational readiness, and deliver basic armorer instruction as needed.

What You’ll Learn:

What You’ll Be Able to Do After This Course

Safety & Legal

  • Demonstrate safe handling and clearing procedures using POST-accepted methods.
  • Explain Minnesota statutes related to official duties, liability, and weapons maintenance.
  • Identify key case law on negligent discharges, equipment failures, and department responsibility.

Technical & Mechanical

  • Identify major AR-15/M16 assemblies (upper/lower receiver, fire-control components, gas system, bolt carrier group, etc.).
  • Explain the function cycle (fire, unlock, extract, eject, load, lock).
  • Conduct standardized departmental inspections for service readiness.
  • Recognize wear indicators, failure points, and conditions requiring gunsmith referral.

Maintenance & Documentation

  • Perform preventive maintenance within POST-approved scope (cleaning, lubrication, inspection).
  • Complete armory maintenance logs to departmental specifications.
  • Verify proper assembly without unauthorized modifications.