How to preform a Press Check on your Rifle

Published on May 22, 2017
Duration: 3:15

This guide details how to perform a press check on a rifle to verify the chamber's status (loaded or unloaded). It emphasizes controlled manipulation of the charging handle, feeling for the bolt and brass, and the correct method for returning the bolt to battery to avoid malfunctions. The instructor, Ivan from Kit Badger, advises against frequent press checks due to potential issues but provides a safe and effective technique if necessary, including the use of a forward assist.

Quick Summary

A rifle press check involves pulling the charging handle back to inspect the chamber for a loaded or empty status. To do it safely, anchor the rifle, control the charging handle, feel for the bolt and brass, and let the bolt return to battery by releasing the handle, avoiding slow manipulation.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction to Press Checks
  2. 00:13What is a Press Check?
  3. 00:34Performing the Press Check Technique
  4. 01:00Feeling for the Bolt and Brass
  5. 01:17Visual Confirmation
  6. 01:22Returning Bolt to Battery
  7. 01:30Avoiding Malfunctions
  8. 01:38History of Forward Assist
  9. 02:13Using the Forward Assist
  10. 02:29Why Press Checks Can Cause Malfunctions
  11. 02:45Pragmatic Use of Press Checks
  12. 03:00Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of a rifle press check?

A press check on a rifle is performed to take the firearm out of battery and visually inspect the chamber. Its main goal is to verify whether the chamber is loaded with a round or is empty.

What is the correct way to return a rifle's bolt to battery after a press check?

After performing a press check, the bolt should be returned to battery by simply letting go of the charging handle. Avoid slowly riding the bolt forward, as this action is a common cause of malfunctions.

Why might a press check cause a rifle to malfunction?

Press checks can induce malfunctions if debris like sand, grit, or carbon is present in the action. If the recoil spring isn't strong enough to overcome this resistance, the bolt may not fully seat, leading to a failure.

When is a press check considered a necessary procedure?

Although generally discouraged due to potential malfunctions, a press check may be necessary in situations where you lack the opportunity to deliberately download and reload your rifle to confirm its loaded status.

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