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/ep9-2-1-unloading-and-clearing-9282862">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/2026111021-211a519d-4c22-4b2a-bcb0-d089c59ca2e1-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-f51d96a1-ed37-46a3-82d2-4a1ca30655e6-fig05.webp" alt="Figure 5" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 5<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-42dcd172-14f1-49c9-9038-47fe1c741a2d-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. (fig 6) 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.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. (fig 7) Holding the hammer depressed past the cocked position will allow the buffer and spring to be easily removed from receiver extension. (fig 8)<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-0ad337ea-a882-4a5e-ace0-19b0a9509155-fig07.webp" alt="Figure 7" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 7<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-1f54379e-decd-4c9a-861c-77e830a0f7cd-fig08.webp" alt="Figure 8" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 8<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-4da7d2e5-e8eb-4c37-8162-15a4a3e9621c-fig09.webp" alt="Figure 9" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 9<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-5b602979-3a22-4dd9-b8be-dad396cda275-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-bf30fb00-94fd-4ace-ba0c-f20bd4019f21-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. Pick up the upper receiver.3.1.8&#xA0;&#xA0;Move the charging handle a couple of inches to rear and remove the bolt assembly. It will simply pull straight out with no further action required.3.1.9&#xA0;&#xA0;Remove the firing pin retainer from the left side of the bolt carrier group. You may use a small tool to push out the firing pin retainer. (fig 9) To further aid disassembly you may need to slightly depress the firing pin to relieve tension from the firing pin spring. Before removing the retainer note its position relative to the firing pin head. It MUST be reinstalled positioned the same way. (fig 10)3.1.10&#xA0;&#xA0;Tilt bolt face up and remove firing pin from the bolt.3.1.11&#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. (fig 11) Please note: When reinserting the extractor retaining pin, you must insert it from the top, not the bottom. The loop must be on the top. (fig 11)3.1.12&#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/ep9-2-3-malfunctions-and-failure-to-fire-9282964">&#x2190; Previous: 2.3 Malfunctions &amp; Failure to Fire</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-complete-owners-manual-9283074">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-2-cleaning-and-lubrication-9282965">Next: 3.2 Cleaning &amp; Lubrication &#x2192;</a>

3.1 Field Stripping (EP9)

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. Cleaning is achieved with traditional products. The EP9 components are impervious to even the most powerful solvents or hydrocarbons. Oils can be used for post cleaning if one simply insists, as none will attack the material, but they will not enhance function or decrease wear, and they tend to retain and circulate contamination that results in just the opposite. If anything, dry lubricants such as a light fog of silicone spray or any of the PTFE based dry lubricant sprays are preferable over oil, but again, best longevity will be achieved without their use.<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-1-field-stripping-9282959">&#x2190; Previous: 3.1 Field Stripping</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-complete-owners-manual-9283074">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-3-reassembly-9282966">Next: 3.3 Reassembly &#x2192;</a>

3.2 Cleaning & Lubrication (EP9)

Firing-pin spring seating and positioning the LRBHO actuator.

<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-5b602979-3a22-4dd9-b8be-dad396cda275-fig10.webp" alt="Figure 10 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 10 &#xB7; shown again from Field Stripping<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-bf30fb00-94fd-4ace-ba0c-f20bd4019f21-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-fc5c63a3-3a98-48a3-899a-420fe15e0065-fig12.webp" alt="Figure 12" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 123.3.1&#xA0;&#xA0;Assembly is the reverse order of <a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-1-field-stripping-9282959">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. (fig 12) 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/ep9-3-2-cleaning-and-lubrication-9282965">&#x2190; Previous: 3.2 Cleaning &amp; Lubrication</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-complete-owners-manual-9283074">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-4-muzzle-devices-and-handguard-9282967">Next: 3.4 Muzzle Devices &amp; Handguard &#x2192;</a>

3.3 Reassembly (EP9)

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. (fig 13)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. (fig 14)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. (fig 15) 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/2026111021-3f76eda6-6984-4583-8f34-6e63aaae8b51-fig13.webp" alt="Figure 13" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 13<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2PkJn6ogePy/hc/ldzOw7JzMM7oL59m/2026111021-679b9a10-d38f-4a81-ac0a-591824e250ba-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-e48cc9e0-de73-4f67-a0ac-9d299729be33-fig15.webp" alt="Figure 15" style="width: 420px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 15<hr><a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-3-3-reassembly-9282966">&#x2190; Previous: 3.3 Reassembly</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-complete-owners-manual-9283074">Complete Owner&#x2019;s Manual</a>&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;|&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<a href="https://extar.us/en-US/ep9-4-1-parts-identification-9282968">Next: 4.1 Parts Identification &#x2192;</a>

3.4 Muzzle Devices & Handguard (EP9)

Video and quick steps for taking down the EP9.

<h3 id="fielding-strippingtaking-down-the-extar-ep9">Fielding Stripping/Taking Down the Extar EP9</h3><h3 id="how-to-takedown-the-ep9"><iframe width="100%" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/803269329?h=b52d3e41ba" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="fr-draggable"></iframe>How to Takedown the EP9:</h3><ol><li>Verify that the firearm is unloaded.</li><li>Using your fingertip, a bullet tip, or a pen tip, push in the takedown pin from the left side of the firearm.</li><li>From the right side of the firearm, pull the takedown pin out until it is captured by the detent in the fully extended position.</li><li>Grip the magwell in one hand and use your thumb on the back of the barrel nut to push the upper assembly forward until it lifts up in the back and disengages from the front hook.</li><li>To reassemble, perform the above steps in reverse.</li></ol>

How to Field Strip the EP9 (EP9)

Maintenance

3.1 Field Stripping (EP9)

3.2 Cleaning & Lubrication (EP9)

3.3 Reassembly (EP9)

3.4 Muzzle Devices & Handguard (EP9)

How to Field Strip the EP9 (EP9)

How to Clean the EP9 Video (EP9)