Quick Tip: DON'T Ride the Charging Handle!

Published on July 28, 2021
Duration: 1:56

Avoid 'riding the charging handle' on an AR-15, as this operator error prevents the bolt from fully seating, causing a failure to go into battery. Always pull the charging handle fully to the rear and release it completely to allow spring tension to seat the bolt properly. If the rifle fails to go into battery, use the forward assist or re-rack the charging handle to clear the malfunction.

Quick Summary

Never ride the charging handle on an AR-15. Pull it fully to the rear and release it completely, allowing spring tension to seat the bolt. Riding it prevents full seating, causing a failure to go into battery and a misfire. Use the forward assist or re-rack to clear.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Failure to Go Into Battery
  2. 00:21Defining Failure to Go Into Battery
  3. 00:44Demonstrating Riding the Charging Handle
  4. 01:13Correct Charging Technique & Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a failure to go into battery on an AR-15?

A failure to go into battery occurs when the AR-15's bolt carrier group doesn't fully close into the receiver. This prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin, resulting in a malfunction where the rifle won't fire.

Why should you not ride the charging handle on an AR-15?

Riding the charging handle means guiding it forward slowly. This prevents the bolt carrier group from being fully seated by the spring tension, often causing a failure to go into battery and a subsequent misfire.

How do you properly charge an AR-15?

To properly charge an AR-15, pull the charging handle fully to the rear, then release it completely. Allow the bolt carrier group to slam forward under its own spring power to ensure it seats correctly.

How can you fix an AR-15 that failed to go into battery?

If your AR-15 fails to go into battery, you can often fix it by using the forward assist button to push the bolt fully forward. Alternatively, you can re-rack the charging handle to clear the round and reset the action.

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