Reloading an AR-15..., how it is done and differences in techniques... Options

[STALKERGB]

Being from good old England i only really know the proper operation of the SA80 series of weapons (and a couple others), so if anybody knows, what is the proper way to reload an AR-15 rifle? are there also a number of differences in how it can be done (like with the charging handle or the bolt release)? And do you tap the forward assist once you have reloaded? (if it is even needed).

Anyway cheers

[Space]

Going from No mag, No ammo to Mag with ammo: Insert the magazine, slap upwards on the magazine to make sure it's seated right(prevent double feeds and jams), orient weapon 90 degrees(making sure there is no one infront of me) let weapon fall with gravity, meanwhile move left hand to the charging handle, pull back quickly and let go(release), drop to a little bit lower than ready position and then turn the weapon sideways a bit to where you can reach the forward assist with your left hand and then back up into whatever stance I need for the situation.

Personally that's the way I do it. When I'm only with my squad, when higher or anyone else is around do it the quick way, insert magazine, with nonfiring hand reach for charging handle, pull charging handle back and release.(all while aiming at the ground)

It looks pretty cool, and it works so fluently. That's just the way I do it though. Pretty much they've brainwashed us into using the forward assist each time we reload and slapping up on the magazine.

This post has been edited by Space: Nov 20 2008, 06:39

[STALKERGB]

Cheers, so what exactly does the forward assist do? on youtube some guy was saying he never touches the forward assist when he reloads so i don't really understand what it does (from where it is located it looks like something that would make sure the bolt is fully forward or something along those lines but i really am not sure).

oh and do you still use the charging handle when the bolt is locked back after you have expended a magazine?

[JdB]

Cheers, so what exactly does the forward assist do?

The forward assist on a rifle is a button, found commonly on M16 and AR-15 styled rifles, usually located near the bolt closure, that when hit will push the bolt carrier forward, ensuring that the bolt is locked (closed).

It prevents jams due to environmental conditions (mud, sand, dust etc). The usefulness of the forward assist, and the emphasis put on it in training is questioned, since generally only a badly designed weapon (early M16s, SA80A1) combined with lousy maintenance causes problems.

[STALKERGB]

Thanks for that, as for the training of the use of the forward assist am i right in thinking US Marines are trained to tap it but not the US Army (standard infantry)?

[Space]

Cheers, so what exactly does the forward assist do? on youtube some guy was saying he never touches the forward assist when he reloads so i don't really understand what it does (from where it is located it looks like something that would make sure the bolt is fully forward or something along those lines but i really am not sure).

oh and do you still use the charging handle when the bolt is locked back after you have expended a magazine?

Nah, then you just change magazine and push down on the bolt catch release.

[GeneralCarver]

Well, usually when I reload my AR15, I just take out the empty mag and put a new one in. If thats too hard, maybe you should be in a State Mental Hospital. LOL (j/k)

[Gunslinger]

From empty mag to full mag
M-16A4
ready new mag and hit the mag release with the new mag. slam new mag in mag well. pull charging handle. the trick is to keep the business end pointed at the enemy and not friends. not hard

[Hornet85]

another metod is to

Pull charging handle
Safty weapon
put mag in
Pull charging handle
weapon is now loaded

Forward assist is something i have never used, the weapon needs to be realy dirty for that.

When making weapon ready for combat i put on the extra stuf i need for the weapon aka another sight or a laser/lamp or what ever i need.
And ofcorse make sure the weapon works so on single fire 4 rounds and then a 4-5 round burst on auto.

My C8a2 (M4ish XD)



This post has been edited by Hornet85: Dec 28 2008, 19:16

[wipman]

Hi, on the IDM i touched a M16A2 once (didn't fired it) but what they order us to do, was to:

*Put weapon on Safe.
*Replace the magazine.
*Aim the weapon down while putting the weapon on Fire.
*Pull the changing handle and aim to the front.
*Repeat the whole operation to gain speed.

They also told us to don't touch the Forward Assit buton if we didn't had a jamm, but they told us to do it if we have to load the weapon, when exiting from
the water, thing this that we never had a chance to do with those aparently new (in the 97') M16A2s or the chinesse AK-74s that they trained us to operate.
Let's C ya

[Toadball]

Doesn't the forum have rules on necro posting...I mean it's been upwards of 6 months...

[Blackbuck]

Congrats for the necro post.