The bolt carrier is pulled into the buffer tube compressing a spring, it pushes down on the hammer latching it to the trigger and charging the weapon. Moral of the story: failure to extract can be serious business and should be treated accordingly. There are plenty of great charging handles available now a days but theres a couple that stand out to me that deserve a mention here. The first attempt to remedy any stoppage of an AR-15 should be what those in the know call Immediate Action: "Tap, Rack, and Reassess.". In this case, you might get the first round off, and then the magazine falls away, knocked loose by recoil. Strong springs, components with quality finishes and parts that fit properly are essential for trouble free operation of the AR-15 weapon system. There is an empty mag installed (PMAG Gen 3 5.56). It may be helpful to compare the primer to that of an empty cartridge that was successfully fired. Can't pull back charging handle with upper and lower receiver together What Is A Charging Handle On an AR-15? Complete Guide Stopping Power and Caliber, The bolt carrier and charging handle will slide to the rear of the upper receiver, Pull the bolt carrier out of the back of the upper receiver, Slide the charging handle back and forth near the rear of the upper receiver, The wings on the charging handle must find the opening in the upper receiver to fit through, Pull the charging handle out the back of the upper receiver, Slide the charging handle part way into the upper receiver, Move the charging handle back and forth so the wings on the charging handle can find their opening in the upper receiver, The charging handle will fit into its own channel on the top of the upper receiver, Once in its channel, slide the charging handle about half way into the upper receiver, Pull the bolt forward in the bolt carrier, Slide the gas key on the bolt carrier into the channel on the charging handle, Slide the charging handle and BCG forward into the upper receiver, If the BCG doesnt want to go, make sure the bolt is pulled forward in the BCG, Latch the charging handle by pushing it into the upper receiver until the charging handle latch clicks into place. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. Simply put, dirty weapons often short cycle, either due to friction or binding of the bolt carrier group or because fouling or dirt increases back-pressure on the gas system to a level that cushions the action of the bolt rather than allowing it to cycle backward to its fullest extent. Receive exclusive deals, new product announcements and need to know information. Tape the casing with the cleaning rod to chase it back out of the chamber. Using the bolt catch as a release chambers a fresh round, and the bolt has the energy necessary to lock in battery. TNVC/NGI Giveaway: 15 winners with over $7000 worth of prizes!! Move the bolt into the rear position by keeping pressure on the charging handle and bumping the butt of your rifle on the ground. Once the handle is bent, the bolt carrier cant reciprocate and the AR ceases to function. 299 views, 7 likes, 16 loves, 55 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from New Hope Community Church: 4/30/23 AR-15 Won't Pull Back: Common Charging Handle Issues and Solutions The charging handle is also used to manually lock the bolt to the rear. Maybe, but simple and smooth are not the same thing. The AR style rifles have been a go-to for shooting enthusiasts for decades now. Hi my name is Neckbone and I started this site because I love firearms and shooting sports. It may take the patience of a saint, more than a few choice words, and smithing tools to extract an ornery piece of brass. the back of the bolt carrier can be machined a little differently depending on the manufacturer. Same Day Shipping when order is placed before 1PM EST. Using the Tap & Tug loading procedure is second nature to many shooters, and can help the shooter new to the AR platform to avoid a lot of issues that might look like a feeding malfunction at first blush. Some rifles absolutely need an upgraded charging handle because the mounted optic is getting in the way. After cycling the handle with the support hand, its repositioned on the handguard. And, as it is with any piece of precision machinery, its up to you to learn it well. Some handles have snazzy grip attachments to give you more leverage; others are smooth as silk when you pull back the hammer and let it rip. If you were to feed another live cartridge you could create a catastrophic explosion. When the takedown pin is engaged it forces the upper and lower a faction apart (i can see the gap on mine) and the charging handle cannot be pulled back because the bolt is hitting the (top of) lower receiver/buffer tube. There are a number of things that can contribute to failure to feed/chamber malfunctions. Most AR-15 charging handles will fit an AR-9 and are generally considered interchangeable. I just finished building my first AR-15. Where 30 round magazines are involved in repeated stoppages and feeding malfunctions its not uncommon to find a specific problem: There isnt enough room at the top of a fully loaded 30-round magazine for the magazine catch to take hold of it and the spring is already depressed so far that there is no give. I did swap that entire BCG with another SA BCG on another AR. How to Fix Common AR-15 Malfunctions and Stoppages, Defective Rounds / Ammunition Borne Feed Malfunction, AR-10 / LR-308 Complete Upper Receiver Assemblies, AR-10/LR-308 Buffers, Buffer Tubes, and Kits, Shop All AR-15 Complete Upper Receiver Assemblies, Shop All AR-10 / LR-308 Complete Upper Receiver Assemblies, Shop All AR-10 / LR-308 Upper Receiver Parts, Shop All AR-10 / LR-308 Lower Receiver Parts, Shop All Handgun Barrels & Muzzle Devices, Shop All Bipods / Monopods & Accessories, Tap your magazine to be sure it is properly seated. Nous partageons galement des informations sur votre usage de notre site avec nos rseaux sociaux, publicitaires et partenaires d'analyse. Short Recoil see the section above on short stroke due to dirt, debris, and fouling. Then, using the elbow (not the shoulder), cycle the handle aggressively . Reassess This replaces the Bang part of the cycle many veterans were taught. The first attempt to remedy any stoppage of an AR-15 should be what those in the know call Immediate Action: Tap, Rack, and Reassess.. Pull the bolt all the way back and lock it in place. Using pliers or a rubber mallet is your best option if there has been severe damage, do what you need to but be careful not to damage any other pieces. If it is: There are several causes that may be identified for extraction failures: The end of cycle malfunction. AR-15s are dependable, and if there is a charging handle problem, it is significant. Thats almost certain to cause the kind of injury that could end your shooting career. When the charging handle is pulled completely to the rear, it is under spring tension of the buffer spring pushing against the bolt carrier. If the failure to eject malfunction is a recurring problem and it is not resolved by giving your weapon a good cleaning and proper lubrication treatment, it is best to just go ahead and replace the ejector and extractor springs as well as the extractor. Yes, prevention is the key to this one. Dirt, debris, and soot are an invitation for failure to feed malfunctions. If the primer is unmarked or the indentation is significantly shallower than normal, there is a problem with the function of the firing pin. "Rack" pull the charging handle of your AR-15 back swiftly with ample force and release it . If this doesnt solve your problem, you may have a more complex stoppage such as the stovepipe jam. If you have a collapsible type stock, then check to see that the stock is in proper alignment, as some of the collapsible type stocks (M4, CAR, etc) have a flat spot on the top front area that the charging handle needs to go over as you manually cycle the action. There are parts out there, and all it will take to get them is a little more time and effort. Then, using the elbow (not the shoulder), cycle the handle aggressively, pulling it straight to the rear. If the malfunction recurs, you will need to complete troubleshooting and address the problem. If it is dented or bulged, the magazine may not allow ammunition to move properly into the rifle. How's MT doing? The charging handle and bolt catch are critical components of the AR. Now, the bolt isnt far enough along to use the forward assist to complete the cycle so what do you do? The standard mil-spec charging handle can be easily found in most gun stores and online. I lived in Great Falls and married my wife from Chinook. There is a school of thought that believes the proper loading of a magazine is an art of sorts. Prevention? The easiest solution is an extended latch type of charging handle. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win. The name charging handles comes from the fact that its the handle used to charge or load the rifle. Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in north Alabama, and author of The Book of Two Guns. AR-15 Wont Load Next Round: Common Cycling Issues and How to Fix, Are Ar-15 Magazines Interchangeable? Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. Immediate Action: " Tap, Rack, and Reassess ". Dont sweat it! If you guys know what probably happened or . If In doubt, rip it out and replace it with another fresh magazine. The fix for this is the same as the magazine-bred double-feed. When the bullet has been forced back into a cartridge, its likely to hang up on its way forward or go any way but straight causing a jam. Up for a few 29-round mags, anyone? ATTN: Here is the link to a new higher quality and more informative video I made showing this technique and explaining what I think causes it, and how to kee. G43X And G48: Solidifying The Glock 9mm Slimline Series, Best AR-15 Accessories And Upgrades (2023). A quality charging handle can help increase the aesthetic of your firearm, allow you to grip and operate the weapon easier, and also increase the users proficiency. Like many other AR-15 malfunctions, failure to fire malfunctions that are due to a firing pin malfunction are frequently caused by a buildup of by-product from the combustion of propellant, or fouling. You wouldnt be the first person if you bought the wrong size charging handle for your new AR build. Can You Use an AR-15 Charging Handle In an AR-10? As the bolt carrier is pulled back, it also pulls the bolt located inside the carrier with it, which extracts any spent casings in the chamber of the barrel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This creates a stoppage, requiring additional manipulations. After a difficult episode with a piece of damaged ammunition, be sure to check for safe function of your firearm before resuming operation. 3) You fired all of the ammunition and the bolt catch / bolt release mechanism engaged automatically once your . i swapped the bolt for a Spike Tactical BCG and the rifle cycles fine with the upper closed and pinned. Right-handed shooters use their snake fangs to grasp the handle; left-handers use the right-hand technique described above. Learn how your comment data is processed. Without a charging handle the user cant load a round into the chamber to fire the weapon. The biggest trick to installing the charging handle is that the bolt must be pulled forward on the bolt carrier group (BCG) in order for them to slide freely into the upper. From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm. The handle and bolt catch are used together to manually lock the bolt open. But it can also make the user more efficient when loading, unloading, or charging the firearm. Simply put, a stoppage is any situation where your AR-15 fails to complete a cycle of operation. Most of the stoppages that are cleared in this manner would be considered type 1, simple stoppages that may not have a specific known source. 8 Common AR-15 Failures. Neckbone Armory is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Charging Handle Will Not Pull Back! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!! Stopping Power and Caliber. The latch and spring simply keep the charging handle locked to the upper receiver while the weapon is being used. Some benefits of a side charging handle include, a better look to some shooters, a more ergonomic feel, easier to use, and they dont interfere with some optics like the rear charging handles sometimes do. To resolve a stovepipe jam that you have visually identified, you may simply be able to sweep across the ejection port and dislodge the offending empty with a simple hand motion. When the handle is warped, it will grind against the other metal pieces of the rifle and create friction. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. This site will have something for everybody! The handle is right on the surface of the rifle and easily removed once the upper is opened. As far as the bolt being exposed is concerned, you are probably riding the charging handle instead of letting the BCG slam home freely. AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own. As mentioned earlier, the charging handle is used to check the condition of the chamber. It is more efficient to use the tap, rack and reassess method, but with the rifle angled with the ejection port down so that you can get a little help from Newtons friend, gravity. Either of which will inevitably cause AR-15 jamming. This is a double-feed. How to Fix, Why Does My Glock Rattle? I think you need to read up on how an AR works. All Rights Reserved. Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited. AR-15s are dependable, and if there is a charging handle . "Tap" your magazine to be sure it is properly seated. However, it can be a bit tricky if you arent aware of the l process. The bolt carrier doesnt slide as smoothly as it should. With the Ejection Port Cover open, the bolt is exposed about 1/4". The extra few bucks for an upgraded charging handle will seem like a no brainer in that moment. Once those conditions are established, feel free to give the bang portion a try. This site will have something for everybody! Check the function of the magazine spring. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. When the charging handle is released the bolt strips a round from the magazine and loads it into the chamber. If there is nothing obviously wrong with the magazine, there are a couple of other problems that are commonly experienced with larger volume magazines. The appearance of a stovepipe jam is the source of its moniker. I'm outted. There are a lot questions surrounding the charging handle that I am going to answer here. Normally, the strong hand maintains its grip on the AR, and the support hand is used to operate the charging handle, which is a three-step process: First, position the thumb of the support hand on the back of the handle in its center. Save my name and email to use for future comments. When the takedown pin is pulled, the upper and lower fit together tighter and the changing handle and bolt can be pulled back. While we consider the double-feed a simple stoppage, magazine function often contributes to this type of stoppage. From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm. I use either Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, or Optics Planet to buy parts, that way I always know what Im getting and that it will actually show up. If you have ever failed to chamber the first round and pulled the trigger with no results, you have experienced a stoppage caused by human error. Other common reasons include the weapon being dirty, charging handle coating, and after market parts. Im having the same issue with my new SA piston kit rifle length on the Falkor Defense Receiver set. All you can do for this one is head back to the bench, brake the rifle down, and replace that spring with a quality replacement buffer spring like the one offered in Spikes Tactical AR-15 Buffer Tube Assembly Kit. A failure to feed is a malfunction that can happen as you initially load your rifle or during a firing cycle. The proper use of gas operated weapons like the AR-15 is a bit more complicated than that of your average hunting rifle or handgun. Other common reasons include the weapon being dirty, charging handle coating, and after market parts. Apply steady pressure. The charging handle is what cocks back the bolt mechanism in the rifle. The most common issue I see with the AR is students letting their support hand impede the handle and bolt groups forward movement. A charging handle on an AR-15 charges or loads the weapon. [ARCHIVED THREAD] - Can't pull back charging handle with upper and lower receiver together. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Knowing when and how to use the charging handle and bolt catch in harmony is key to operating the AR efficiently. For more info about charging handles check out: What Is an AR-15 Charging Handle? The charging handle not pulling back on your rifle could signify significant problems on the inside. Failure to Feed. These are malfunctions of your AR system. Which Ones Are. Imagine a scenario where youre butt naked trying to clear a malfunction in the middle of the night in the pitch dark to save your loved ones. This friction could be the cause of your pulling issues. The thumb should follow the center line of the stock as it moves rearward, maintaining alignment between the handle and its channel in the upper receiver. The best overall charging handle that Ive had the pleasure of using is the Geissele Super Charging Handle Found Here because of its ease of use and quality of build. What's really annoying is that it can happen at any time. A few reasons why your AR-15 charging handle wont pull back are: The reasons that the charging handle doesnt go back are easy to diagnose and sometimes easier to fix. Obviously, if you do find damage to the firing pin, it will require replacement. The BCG stays back and will not go forward until the bolt catch is depressed, and then the BCG goes forward. McKee can be reached at www.shootrite.org. The reason for the non-Milspec items is that the gas system is an Osprey Gas Piston system (mid-length). If there are massive problems with the rifles frame, it could need more help. Charging handle would not pull back. All Rights Reserved. Success with the modified version of tap, rack and reassess is easily in the 90 percent range. Incorrect technique could also break the latch, allowing the charging handle to follow the bolt back, thereby impacting your head. Thanks for having more tolerance than some others. In addition, the charging handle is used to manually cycle the bolt group. Complete Guide. If you can see that the barrel is obstructed your rifle will need to spend some time on the bench, this isnt a field serviceable malfunction. Moral of the story, clean, properly maintained rifles rarely short cycle. If you spend enough time around tactical guys, youll find out that the average buffer spring in an AR-15 isnt as strong as you might think. When the charging handle is released the bolt strips a round from the magazine and loads it into the chamber. It sounds simple, right? Be calm and work the problem. First, lets look at what makes up a charging handle. Sorry for my stupidityand my poor sentence structure. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. As far as parts go, I have installed the following in my build: Magpul CTR buttstock, Spikes S2-T2 buffer, POF anti-tilt buffer tube, and a Tubb Flat Wire AR-15 Buffer Spring. If you have frequent double-feeds and youre a fan of 30-round mags, you just might be creating your own malfunction. Pull the bolt to the rear position and the round should fall away.