Function Check Your AR After Construction or Cleaning
A dry-fire function check sequence is a great way to make sure that everything is moving the way it should (or should not). As always with any assembled firearm, make sure the firearm is unloaded and clear before proceeding (especially since you WILL be pulling the trigger).
- Begin with your assembled AR, minus a magazine. Close the ejection port dust cover (if not already closed). Switch the safety selector switch to the “Safe” position.
- Cycle the charging handle to the full-rear position. The bolt carrier group should be pulled to the rear position and the dust cover should spring open.
- Release the charging handle. The bolt carrier group should spring to the full closed position.
- With the safety selector switch in the “Safe” position (horizontal), press the trigger. The hammer should not fall.
- Switch the safety selector switch to the “Fire” position (not horizontal). Press the trigger. The hammer should fall.
- Insert an EMPTY (we cannot emphasize this enough…) magazine into the lower receiver. The magazine should lock into place. You should NOT be able to pull the magazine out of the magazine well.
- Cycle the charging handle to the full-rear position and release. The bolt carrier group should lock back.
- Press the paddle (top portion) of the bolt catch. The bolt carrier group and charging handle should spring forward into the full closed position.
- Press the magazine release button. The magazine should be released and you should be able to remove it (if it does not fall free).
- Switch the safety selector to the “Safe” position.
If all went to plan, you should be ready to go. Head to the field and put some lead down range.
If anything DIDN’T function properly, its time to Troubleshoot.