hey all I was just browsin the internet when i came across this guide written by wikihow. It gives all the details in one place about airsoft upgradeing..it includes all the parts of the gun..dissasembly of an M-series AEG, changing hop/barrel, etc..I believe this one article contains everything in just one source. It would help with questions regarding this and as well as other topics that may be related..
Take a look! : )
http://www.wikihow.com/Upgrade-an-Airsoft-AEG