Step 1.  Remove the end cover/dust cover if it is in place.

Step 2.  Take the end of the cover and press in on the center portion of the magazine base plate (which is the insert).  If you do not have an end cover, a spoon from the kitchen drawer will suffice.  Press this in, and then push on the base plate towards the front of the magazine. The base plate slides off, and the insert will attempt to launch itself under spring pressure if you don't keep your thumb or hand over it.

Step 3.  Removal of the spring is accomplished simply by pulling it directly out of the magazine body. Unlike a traditional USGI M16 magazine, there is no twisting of the follower to remove it.  This is as far as you will usually need to take the magazine apart to clean it. A clean dry rag is all that should be used.  Regardless of how you clean it, remember that there is ZERO need to lubricate the followers, inside, or outside of the magazine body. For those people that like to lube their spring, you are creating a dust magnet. If you feel a strong need to lube the spring, I would suggest that you lube it, then wipe it back off after letting it sit for awhile.

Step 4.  Reassembly is simple, and the tapered follower and insert won't allow themselves to be put in incorrectly.   If you were looking to drop on a Ranger Plate, now would be the time to drop it on. Much like the base plate and other parts, the Ranger Plate can only go on one way.  About the only way something can go wrong with reassembly is if you press the base plate on and miss one of the edges, in which case it will simply pop off under the spring pressure. When pressed into place, the gray insert will lock into position with the base plate.

Step 5.  Load and test fire.