I know this is most likely a silly question, but does the charging handle of the AR-15 slam back and fourth as you shoot? I've been thinking about getting one, but don't want it if it does that. I've never shot one before, obviously.
I dont think an unlocked charging handle can cause any harm at all to your face, especially since the handle rides freely on top of the bolt carrier. Over the years Ive seen a few unlocked handles on other peoples ARs move a bit rearward, but nothing that really catches your attention when it happens.
Someone recently posted about their charging handle coming unlocked while firing, after they would fire a magazine full they would see the handle had been unlocked and just sitting back a bit closer to their face.
The ONLY time to let the charging handle slam forward is in the heat of combat where ever second counts.
In ref. to ULTRADOC's post. Something else contributed to the black eye as what he describes is in fact impossible.