ar 15 bolt locking back after every shot,Understanding the AR-15 Bolt Locking Back After Every Shot

Understanding the AR-15 Bolt Locking Back After Every Shot

When you’re handling an AR-15, one common occurrence you might notice is the bolt locking back after every shot. This is a normal function of the firearm, but it’s important to understand why it happens and how it affects your shooting experience. Let’s delve into the details.

What is Bolt Locking Back?

Bolt locking back refers to the position of the bolt when it is fully retracted and locked in the rearward position. This happens after the firearm has fired a round and the bolt has cycled. The bolt locking back is a safety feature designed to prevent the firearm from being loaded with an additional round until it is manually reset.

Why Does the Bolt Lock Back After Every Shot?

The bolt locking back after every shot is a result of the design of the AR-15. Here are a few reasons why this happens:

• Gas System Design: The AR-15 utilizes a gas system to cycle the bolt. After a round is fired, the gas expands and pushes the bolt forward to extract the spent casing, chamber a new round, and lock the bolt into place. Once the bolt reaches the end of its travel, it locks back to indicate that the chamber is empty and that the firearm is ready to be reloaded.

• Safety Mechanism: The bolt locking back is a safety feature that prevents the firearm from being loaded with an additional round until it is manually reset. This is important because it ensures that the firearm is not loaded when it is not being actively used.

• Manual Reset: The bolt locking back also serves as a visual cue that the firearm needs to be manually reset before it can be loaded with another round. This is a critical step in the reloading process and helps to prevent accidental discharges.

How to Reset the Bolt

Resetting the bolt is a simple process that can be done in a few steps:

1. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.

2. Grasp the bolt handle and pull it back until it locks into the rearward position.

3. Release the bolt handle, and the bolt will automatically move forward, chambering a new round and locking into place.

Common Myths About Bolt Locking Back

There are several myths surrounding the bolt locking back after every shot. Here are a few common ones:

• Myth 1: The Bolt Locking Back is a Sign of a Faulty Firearm: This is not true. The bolt locking back is a normal function of the AR-15 and is not indicative of a faulty firearm.

• Myth 2: The Bolt Locking Back is a Sign of Poor Ammunition: This is also not true. The bolt locking back is not caused by poor ammunition quality.

• Myth 3: The Bolt Locking Back is a Sign of a Gas System Issue: While a gas system issue can cause the bolt to lock back, it is not the primary reason for this occurrence.

Table: Comparison of Bolt Locking Back in Different Firearms

Conclusion

Understanding why the bolt locks back after every shot on an AR-15 is important for both safety and proper operation. By knowing the reasons behind this phenomenon and how to reset the bolt,