Separating the upper and lower, removing the bolt, firing pin and extractor.

Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure proper function and long life of your firearm. Before disassembling your pistol, unload and make absolutely certain that your pistol has been cleared, as described in <a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-2-1-unloading-and-clearing-9282996">the unloading instructions</a>.3.1.1&#xA0;&#xA0;Verify your pistol is unloaded/clear and return the bolt into battery.3.1.2&#xA0;&#xA0;Partially push the rear take down pin from the left side so it is not captured by the detent that retains it in the receiver in the closed position. Do not attempt to drive it out with a punch. A bullet tip or other tool that will move it enough to grasp the head on the opposite side is proper procedure. (fig 4)3.1.3&#xA0;&#xA0;Pull the rear take down pin the rest of the way to the right side of the lower receiver until it engages the detent that holds the pin in the open position. (fig 5)<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-d83479b0-7142-461c-8121-5576500d0e2b-ep45-fig04.webp" alt="Figure 4" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 4<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-ebf36204-a8eb-468e-8437-890c50e42793-ep45-fig05.webp" alt="Figure 5" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 5<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-508180e1-39b0-42fb-bd80-4b6a871a462b-ep45-fig06.webp" alt="Figure 6" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 63.1.4&#xA0;&#xA0;Grasp the front of the magazine well with a thumb up on the back of the hand guard retainer as shown in the illustration below. (fig6) Push the upper assembly forward with thumb until it lifts up in the back to a loose position and simultaneously disengages from the front retaining hook.3.1.5&#xA0;&#xA0;The upper and lower receiver groups are now separated; set the upper receiver group aside. PLEASE NOTE: The receiver extension cannot be removed or replaced.3.1.6&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the buffer and action spring from the lower receiver by first depressing the buffer slightly into the lower receiver extension tube. While maintaining tension on the buffer face, the retaining plate that inserts into a slot in the lower receiver can now be lifted up or drop out. While removing, remember it will be under pressure from the action spring. (fig7) Holding the hammer depressed past the cocked position will allow the buffer and spring to be easily removed from receiver extension. (fig8)<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-eef8695f-83d4-43f2-8619-45aa40776f44-ep45-fig07.webp" alt="Figure 7" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 7<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-e2e22b05-bda7-40d5-9bb1-0f96ab59299a-ep45-fig08.webp" alt="Figure 8" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 8<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-efa7b297-7a5d-4e93-94f0-4c10e8b0c886-ep45-fig09.webp" alt="Figure 9" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 9<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-36427302-e2cf-4c19-bdad-9e512f860dd8-ep45-fig10.webp" alt="Figure 10" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 10<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-b0356950-5c39-4f8a-97cc-cc8e2cb88b48-ep45-fig11.webp" alt="Figure 11" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 113.1.7&#xA0;&#xA0;Set the lower receiver, buffer and recoil spring aside and pick the upper receiver back up.3.1.8&#xA0;&#xA0;Move the charging handle all of the way to the rear, and then pull the charging handle straight out. (fig9)3.1.9&#xA0;&#xA0;With the charging handle removed, pull the bolt straight out and then lift off the top portion of the bolt (the &#x201C;key&#x201D;) and set it to the side. (fig10)3.1.10&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the firing pin retaining pin from the left side of the bolt carrier group. You may use a small tool to push out the firing pin retaining pin. (fig11) To further aid disassembly you may need to slightly depress the firing pin to relieve tension from the firing pin spring.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-7018c8f0-e575-4f89-be57-8634a83392d1-ep45-fig12.webp" alt="Figure 12" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 123.1.11&#xA0;&#xA0;Tilt bolt face up and remove firing pin from the bolt.3.1.12&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the extractor by pulling the retaining pin up and out of the bolt while applying slight pressure onto the lateral face of the extractor. (fig12)3.1.13&#xA0;&#xA0;Your pistol is now disassembled to the point necessary for normal required cleaning and maintenance. Do not attempt disassembly of your bolt any further than herein described,<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-2-3-malfunctions-and-failure-to-fire-9283008">&#x2190; Previous: 2.3 Malfunctions &amp; Failure to Fire</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-complete-owners-manual-9283076">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-2-cleaning-and-lubrication-9283004">Next: 3.2 Cleaning &amp; Lubrication &#x2192;</a>

3.1 Field Stripping (EP45)

Built to run clean and dry. Why oil doesn’t help, and which dry lubes are acceptable.

3.2.1&#xA0;&#xA0;Your EP Series pistol has been designed implementing advanced materials that eliminate the need for oil lubrication. Your EP series pistol will have optimal performance and best longevity if simply kept clean and dry. After thorough cleaning with traditional products, oils can be used if one simply insists, but they will not enhance function or decrease wear and tend to create a grimy mess that tends to do just the opposite. If anything, &#x201C;dry&#x201D; lubricants such as a light fog of silicone spray or any of the PTFE based dry lubricant sprays are preferable over oil.<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-1-field-stripping-9282999">&#x2190; Previous: 3.1 Field Stripping</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-complete-owners-manual-9283076">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-3-reassembly-9283005">Next: 3.3 Reassembly &#x2192;</a>

3.2 Cleaning & Lubrication (EP45)

Firing-pin spring seating and positioning the LRBHO actuator.

<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-b0356950-5c39-4f8a-97cc-cc8e2cb88b48-ep45-fig11.webp" alt="Figure 11 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 11 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-7018c8f0-e575-4f89-be57-8634a83392d1-ep45-fig12.webp" alt="Figure 12 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 12 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-779c5ed1-36fa-46df-ba14-cf61306d7751-ep45-fig13.webp" alt="Figure 13" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 133.3.1&#xA0;&#xA0;Assembly is the reverse order of <a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-1-field-stripping-9282999">the disassembly steps</a>.IMPORTANT: The firing pin spring, if it has been removed, must be assembled back onto the firing pin as illustrated with the spring all the way up over the retaining shoulder. (fig13) Failure to do so can result in spring or firing pin breakage and failure to function.Upon reinserting the bolt into the upper receiver make sure that the last round bolt hold open actuator is positioned out of the path of the bolt.<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-2-cleaning-and-lubrication-9283004">&#x2190; Previous: 3.2 Cleaning &amp; Lubrication</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-complete-owners-manual-9283076">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-4-muzzle-devices-and-handguard-9283012">Next: 3.4 Muzzle Devices &amp; Handguard &#x2192;</a>

3.3 Reassembly (EP45)

Swapping muzzle devices by hand or with open-end wrenches, and handguard removal.

WARNING: Always confirm that any muzzle device is appropriate for use with the designated caliber of the firearm. If you are not sure or do not have the capability to physically confirm this, consult a qualified gunsmith.The Extar EP Series pistol is uniquely designed to accommodate easy and efficient muzzle device work in an uncommonly sensible manner. Do not attempt to use &#x201C;upper vise jaws&#x201D; or any similar devices designed for other firearms. Simple and common hand tools are all that is required and all that should be used to prevent damage to your pistol.3.4.1&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the factory muzzle device first. It implements a washer and o-ring for required retention and can be removed by hand with a firm grip. Any device that does not require rotational orientation (timing) should be mounted using the factory washer and o-ring as tightly as one can accomplish by hand. Torquing is not necessary with these types of devices, and the washer and o-ring prevent any loosening during use.3.4.2&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the handguard by removing the two retaining screws on the backside of the hand guard retainer, using a Phillips head screwdriver. (fig14)3.4.3&#xA0;&#xA0;After both screws have been completely removed, the hand guard may now be pulled firmly forward to release it from the retaining slot at the front of the upper rail. (fig15)3.4.4&#xA0;&#xA0;For muzzle devices that require orientation or torquing and are small enough to pass through the handguard, standard open-end wrenches should be used to perform required work. (fig16) For additional stability the wrench flats on the barrel can be covered with heavy protective paper and lightly clamped in an appropriate area of a vise, but this is usually not necessary and wrenches are the preferred method to avoid damage. If a vise is used on the flats, tighten only enough to hold against rotation, as a powerful vise could easily deform the barrel bore.3.4.5&#xA0;&#xA0;Assemble in reverse order. Make sure to only hand tighten the handguard back on and do not use power tools.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-b3bd157a-8f2b-4151-b304-80f9f3eda170-ep45-fig14.webp" alt="Figure 14" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 14<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-80dffe3a-5937-4a6f-99f7-c983a2ee1a3c-ep45-fig15.webp" alt="Figure 15" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 15<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-e9ad5440-b3e5-4a98-963e-3e23ae36782d-ep45-fig16.webp" alt="Figure 16" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 16<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-3-3-reassembly-9283005">&#x2190; Previous: 3.3 Reassembly</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-complete-owners-manual-9283076">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep45-4-1-parts-identification-9283013">Next: 4.1 Parts Identification &#x2192;</a>

3.4 Muzzle Devices & Handguard (EP45)

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