Hello,

Just purchased ar -15 and just cleaned and lube it.

If I don't have a magazine installed (with no ammo), I can pull the charging handle back and automatically springs back in place.

If install a magazine (with not ammo), the bolt catch pops open. I pull the charging handle back but it does not auto springs back. I have to push the bolt catch back in for it return in place.

Is this normal? I am newbie.

Thanks,

Yes...normal.

That's standard operation. It's telling you your mag is empty. Put a couple dummy rounds in the mag pull it back and it loads a round. Pull it back again and it will eject the first one and load up he second. Etc. then when it's empty your bolt will lock back.


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Thanks OGDOUBLEJ,

So when live rounds , just need to pull charging once to load the first round, then shoot away? Similar to my S&W M&P 9 mm.

Correct. One pull and you're good to go. You should be able to do all that with the safety on then move to fire and pew pew pew


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The only time the charging handle does not close by itself is when the bolt is locked to the rear after you've used it to open the bolt.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

The charging handle of the AR is non-reciprocating, which means it doesn't move back and forth with the carrier when the rifle is fired.

When the charging handle is pulled back to lock open the BCG, either with an empty mag or by using the bolt hold open, the charging handle must be manually pushed forward to lock it in the closed position.

When I lock back the carrier, sweeping the charging handle forward is second nature. If I'm locking it back on an empty magazine, I hold the grip with my right hand, pinch the charging handle between the forefinger and thumb of my left hand and pull. As soon as the BCG locks back, I sweep the charging handle forward with my thumb.

If I'm locking the BCG back with the BHO, I grip the front of the front of the magwell with my left hand and press the bottom of the BHO with the thumb while resting the butt of the rifle against my hip. I fork the charging handle between my first two finger and pull. As soon as the BCG locks back, I let go of the charging handle then place the side of my forefinger against the charging handle and push it back into place. If a scope is mounted to the AR, it does make this method a little more awkward, but it's still easy

Did you get a manual with your rifle? If not, acquire one and READ IT!

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Pisgah

Thank you all for the response.