
Originally Posted by
toddackerman
While I think Bill has (as always) made some excellent points, I tend to agree with those who believe there is way to much "Chamber Checking" occurring. Once you have charged your weapon, and have confirmed it is in battery, and the top round has been stripped into the chamber...replace the Mag. with a "Push/ Pull", and leave it alone. You should not have to remind yourself of the condition of the weapon IF you have engaged the safety. If the Safety is on...the weapon is GTG.
Clint Smith has said..."The Charging Handle, and Forward Assist are not your friends, and the less you use them...the better". (Paraphrase)
I tend to agree. Every time you operate the charging handle (with a load in the chamber), you take the round out of battery, and chance that it won't return to battery. With a properly maintained and lubed rifle, it WILL go into battery 100% of the time from a Bolt Open condition either by hitting the Bolt Catch, or by "sling shotting" the charging handle...which is one of the fragile parts of the system, and they do break.
Regarding Forward Assists...I've never had to use one after ~7,000 rounds on my current MRP upper. Again, I think proper maintenance is key here.
As always, I respect others opinions and YMMV.
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