What is the first component to remove when stripping the M-16?

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When stripping the M-16, the first component to remove is the magazine. This step is crucial for safety, as removing the magazine ensures that there is no ammunition in the weapon, significantly reducing the risk of an accidental discharge while handling the firearm.

Stripping the weapon involves disassembling it systematically to maintain, clean, or inspect the rifle. The removal of the magazine is always emphasized as the first action because it prevents live rounds from being fed into the chamber during the process. Following the removal of the magazine, other components can be safely handled, such as the bolt carrier, handguard, or sling, but ensuring that the firearm is unloaded is the priority. This foundational safety practice is essential to responsible firearm handling in military training and operations.

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