For new owners of the AR 15 rifle, understanding the differences in this weapon and other guns they may have owed in the past can be a steep learning curve. For many people, the use of the charging handle on the AR 15 is a mystery, but it really isn’t complicated if you stop and think about the firing process.
The most important function of the handle, which is sometimes known as a cocking or bolt handle on weapons, is to move the bolt to the rear manually, allowing the gun to be ready for the next cartridge. The bolt will remain in this position until the bolt release button is pressed and the bolt moves into the position to be able to eject the spent cartridge.
It is important to realize that the bolt handle only operates in one direction and that is to pull the bolt backwards. It cannot be used to push forward. With this pulling action, it can also be used to clear a bad round and to chamber the next round.
The Method
When operating the charging handle on the AR 15, there is very little force required. In fact, it is easy to operate with just the forefinger on the inside of the handle and the thumb on the back of the grip. This gives you easy access to unlatch the handle quickly and in one fluid movement.
When using the handle be sure to pull it all the way to the back. Avoid just pulling back until the bad round ejects as this can cause problems with the next round. Pull the bolt handle the full length backwards and then release, don’t try to hold or slow the forward motion of the handle on the release.
You can also use the flat of the side of the hand to pull the charging handle back fully. This is a simple option that can be used if you are wearing gloves or if the action has to be completed quickly without the time to correctly position the fingers.
There is really no wrong way to use the bolt handle on the AR 15. The biggest issues to avoid are only pulling it back until the bad round is ejected or trying to slow the forward movement after the release. Remember that it is important not to twist or push the extended handle to one side of the weapon or the other, instead pull straight back and allow it to snap forward.
