Any problem with keeping the bolt open for extended periods?

[jgalt]

I finally got my m4gery set up to be my 'bedside' gun. I read a thread here a few days ago (sorry, can't find it right now) that discussed the pros & cons of keeping a round chambered at all times, and there were plenty of folks on both sides of the issue. When thinking about this myself, I came up with the following solution - keep the chamber empty, but with the bolt back, so all I need to do is release the bolt to be 'good to go'.

Now that I've thought about this some more, I'm guessing there is some problem with this solution that I don't know about, since even though it seems like an almost ideal resolution to the problem, no one in that thread mentioned it. Is it possible that there is a problem with basically storing an AR in that condition, i.e. with the bolt locked back? I'm definitely a newbie, so if this is somehow common knowledge, please don't jump on me!

Thanks for any & all help!

[Spooky130]

Shouldn't have issues with the spring because I've read it is cycling springs that wears them out. I also read today of a rifle that would let the bolt fly forward with only a slight bump to any place on the rifle...

Spooky

[jaydoc1]

My M&P 15T manual states that the bolt open position is the proper storage position.

[Iraqgunz]

All of the 500 or so carbines in my armory are stored with the chamber empty, bolt forward and weapon on fire. My carbines at home are kept with an empty chamber, weapon on safe, with a fully loaded magazine in place. Works for me and I see no need to do it any other way. Personally if you leave the bolt locked back, with a mag in place then you are waiting for an accident to happen. YMMV.

[UPSguy]

Personally if you leave the bolt locked back, with a mag in place then you are waiting for an accident to happen. YMMV.

not if the gun is on safe and you don't have your finger on the trigger.

[Lagadelphia]

Shouldn't have issues with the spring because I've read it is cycling springs that wears them out. I also read today of a rifle that would let the bolt fly forward with only a slight bump to any place on the rifle...

Spooky

It will. Lock your bolt back on an empty rifle and try it. Doesn't take much of a bump to release the bolt.

[Lagadelphia]

not if the gun is on safe and you don't have your finger on the trigger.

I believe the potential of a slamfire is what Iraqgunz is referring to.

[Iraqgunz]

Uh, yes you are. Unless you are the absolute only one in the residence at any and all times. But, hey we live in the USA so do what you feel is responsible.

not if the gun is on safe and you don't have your finger on the trigger.

[akviper]

We all know sears and safeties never fail, right? Just ask my friend Bob, the guy with a fist sized crater in his thigh after his hunting partner tossed his on safety, chamber loaded rifle in the back seat when Bob was on the other side of the car.

If you have time to retrieve your long gun you will probably have time to run the bolt.