The v1 upper is definitely the most difficult to assemble/disassemble. I'll try to articulate the disassembly process in a way that is easy to understand. Here it goes!
1. Most obviously, make sure weapon is completely unloaded.
2. Remove Upper from Lower
3. Using a 2.5mm allen wrench, LOOSEN the screws in the bolt up plate. Having a ball nose allen wrench will make this process much easier. Don't attempt to completely remove the screws at this stage. You just need to get the rail system loose for the next step.
4. Supporting the Upper Receiver and the front of the barrel, place the upper receiver group ejection port cover down and drive out the taper pins in the Front Sight Base. Be very careful not to damage the rail system in this step. there isn't a lot of room to work with.
5. With the taper pins removed completely from the FSB, secure the upper receiver group in a bench vice with a vice block or reaction rod. At this stage, use an appropriate wrench to remove the flash hider.
6. With the flash hider removed, you can now proceed with completely removing the screws from the bolt up plate.
7. With the screws completely removed, you may now remove the rail system, FSB, and gas tube from your barrel.
8. At this point your barrel is completely exposed.
This is a beast of a project so only do it if absolutely necessary. installation instructions are available on our website. I've pinned a link to the instructions in our industry section. Technical support is always available during the week so if you need assistance, just give us a call.
S/F
Joe
Joe Marler
Daniel Defense
jmarler@danieldefense.com