@churchmouse I appreciate that and the popcorn pic is funny so it's all good lol, the vid I saw was hickok45 he took a AR apart for cleaning looked so easy but he just sprayed the insides with some lube/cleaner stuff, but I need to learn what's normal wear and not something not working right,
Some members do not understand the meaning of the emoty so just keep it real.
The AR platform is seriously easy to pull down and clean. Get a proper kit and cleaning materials. Easy peasy.
Not remembering what pistol you now have so I can give no advice here. Again, if you are in earnest there are members that will help you with this.
1st last and always, safety.
Training. Get some training. Take the time and just do it. You will be ahead of the curve.