AR-15 charging handle

[Echo9]

Why doesn't the charging handle on an AR-15 move when the bolt comes back? Obviously it would smack you in the face if it did, so I know why it was designed that way, but how is it implemented?

 

[Quentin]

The bolt carrier key just slides in the charging handle's groove, no physical connection unless you pull the handle back manually. Also the CH locks to the receiver to stay in place just in case.

 

[PT1911]

What he said.. simply put, the bolt moves back with the charging handle but the charging handle does not move back with the bolt...

small illustration... hook your fingers together, one hand above and one below, fingers making hooks... when you pull back on the top hand, your bottom hand moves with it, if you keep your top hand in place and push your bottom hand in that same direction, your hands come unhooked and the top hand is not forced to move...

Makes sense to me.. LOL

 

[Varob]

Here is a youtube illustration that might help explain things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSqYvWib1og&feature=related

 

[Echo9]

What he said.. simply put, the bolt moves back with the charging handle but the charging handle does not move back with the bolt...

small illustration... hook your fingers together, one hand above and one below, fingers making hooks... when you pull back on the top hand, your bottom hand moves with it, if you keep your top hand in place and push your bottom hand in that same direction, your hands come unhooked and the top hand is not forced to move...

Makes sense to me.. LOL

Ha, that was actually very helpful, thank you.

 

[PT1911]

Ha, that was actually very helpful, thank you.

That may be the most elementary illustration I have ever come up with.. but if it works...