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, press the trigger HARD. The hammer should not fall.
- Switch the safety selector switch to the “Fire” position. Press and hold the trigger to the rear. The hammer should fall.
- While still holding the trigger to the rear, reset the hammer by cycling the charging handle.
- Release the trigger as slowly as you can until the hammer resets on the trigger sear. You should hear/feel a distinct “click” as it resets. If the hammer does not reset, you probably have a minor problem. If your hammer drops, you may have a big problem.
- Repeat steps 5-7 three additional times, but increase the speed of the trigger release. The hammer must reset every time and must NOT drop when the trigger is released.
- 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. Gently return the charging handle to the closed position.
- Press the paddle (top portion) of the bolt catch. The bolt carrier group 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.