firearms terminology for the act of disassembling a firearm
to the greatest possible extent without the usage of any extra tools. A disassembly that uses such tools is called a detail strip, but this is less common than a field strip, as the latter is usually sufficient for most cases.
Definition
Field strips are done to facilitate cleaning, or identify damages.
recoil spring
, preventing it from being cleaned.
Rationale
When fully assembled, a gun is not very suitable for cleaning,[4] and like any machine, will need to be frequently cleaned and maintained in order to stay in optimal condition. Very few of its parts can be accessed unless it has been field stripped, and most of those parts can only be partially seen. Instead, when field stripped, it can be inspected or cleaned more thoroughly, as individual parts can be separated. A field strip may also reveal issues that otherwise can't be seen, such as cracks or deformities, but excessive cleaning may further induce wear on the weapon.[5]
References
^Morris, Christopher. Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology. Gulf Professional Publishing. p. 825.
^United States Bureau of Naval Personnel (1970). Military Requirements for PO 1 & C. Bureau of Naval Personnel. p. 75.
^West's California Reporter Volume 265. 1990. p. 180.
^Farmer, William (1944). Ordnance Field Guide. Military Service Publishing Company. p. 97.
^Landing Party Manual. United States Office of Chief Naval Operations. 1960. p. 623.
