Anyone who has experience with an AR 15 firearm understands that to be effective in using the weapon you have to understand the components of the gun and use them correctly.
When out on the target range, when talking to others or even when watching a movie or show on TV you will see a lot of mistakes made in firing AR 15 weapons. Unfortunately, when people don’t learn how to correct these mistakes they can cause a lot of issues with the weapon and even create possible safety concerns for the user.
Some of the most common mistakes seen in the use of the AR 15 have to do with the incorrect use of the charging handle. This is usually because people don’t know when to use it or how to use it properly and for the purpose it was intended.
When to Use a Charging Handle
It may be easier to think of this part by its other name, the bolt handle. This helps people to remember it is to move the bolt back manually, which allows the gun to chamber the next round from the magazine.
Once the bolt handle is manually pulled back, it will stay in place until a release button is depressed. This will also allow the ejection of the spent cartridge and the chambering of the next.
Correct Use
There is only a slight amount of force required by the shooter to pull the bolt handle back into the locked position. It can be accomplished by the flat side of the hand or by the finders, either option will work with ease.
It is essential not to make the mistake of simply pulling it back until the spent round ejects from the chamber. Always pull the charging handle all the way back once you have started the process.
Additionally, never try to slow down the forward movement of the bolt handle once released. This is less likely of an issue when it is fully pulled back and then released compared to only pulling it back to eject the round and then trying to slow the forward motion from the partial backward movement.
Finally, do not move or try to pull up or down on the bolt handle when pulling back. This can be surprisingly easy to do if you are not comfortable with your grip on the bolt handle. It is worth the time to practice and feel comfortable with the action and the feel of doing it correctly to avoid developing bad habits.
