field-strip

field-strip

A soldier field-strips his rifle during a training exercise.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To disassemble a firearm for cleaning or maintenance: "field-strip" refers to the process of taking apart a weapon, typically a gun, into its basic components without requiring special tools, usually for the purpose of cleaning, oiling, or inspecting it. This is a standard military procedure performed in the field (i.e., outside a workshop or armory).
Usage Examples
  • (He took apart the gun to clean it in a non-workshop environment.)
  • (He disassembled the firearm for maintenance.)
  • (The instructions detail the disassembly process for cleaning.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to field-strip a weapon": the standard action of disassembling a firearm for basic upkeep.

    • During boot camp, recruits learn to field-strip their M16 rifles in under a minute. (They practice rapid disassembly for cleaning.)

  • "field-stripping": the gerund form referring to the act or process.

    • Field-stripping is an essential skill for any soldier. (The ability to disassemble a firearm for maintenance is crucial.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Field-strip (noun): the act or process itself (rare, but used in military jargon).

    • A proper field-strip ensures the gun remains functional. (The disassembly process guarantees the weapon works correctly.)

  • Field-strippable (adj): capable of being disassembled in the field without tools.

    • This model is field-strippable, making it ideal for soldiers. (The firearm can be taken apart easily for cleaning.)

  • Strip (verb): to remove or take apart (often used in general mechanical contexts, but "field-strip" is specific to firearms in military settings).

Synonyms
  • Disassemble: to take apart into pieces.
  • Break down: to separate into components.
  • Take down: to dismantle, especially a firearm.
Related Idioms

  • "Strip down": to remove all non-essential parts, often used for vehicles or machinery, but not specific to firearms.

    • He stripped down the engine to find the problem. (He disassembled it to inspect.)

  • "Field-ready": prepared for use in the field, often after field-stripping and cleaning.

    • After field-stripping, the weapon was field-ready. (It was clean and functional for outdoor use.)
Notes
  • This term is primarily used in military or firearm maintenance contexts. It does not apply to general disassembly of non-weapon items.
  • The process is distinct from a full "armorer-level" disassembly, which requires specialized tools and is more complex.