1) the charging handle is held into the receiver in it's closed position by a small spring-loaded catch which engages a mating recess. then the charging handle is manually drawn rearward to pull the bolt and bolt carrier assembly back, a cartridge pops into place, and it is then released which allows the big spring to push the cartridge into the chamber and lock the bolt into battery. you are all with me so far, right? BUT what happens if the small spring-loaded catch on the charging handle does not engage the receiver recess, you sight the rifle using normal "nose to charging handle" practice, and then you fire the weapon? will the unlocked charging handle be pushed rearward (ostensbily into your face) by the drag of the bolt carrier assembly on the charging handle?
2) how do the pros "silently" charge their weapon? if, by surprise or stupidity, you are caught without a cartridge in the chamber, how would you get your rifle into "stand to" mode with the least amount of noise?
A) would you slowly draw the charging handle back, lock the bolt back, gently click the charging handle forward into it's locked position, and then wait to hit the bolt release immediately prior to firing? (risky, i know -- if the rifle fails to feed the first round from the mag you're gonna need your sidearm in a big God damn hurry!)
==OR==
B) would you draw the charging handle back, then ease the charging handle forward by resisting the pressure of the big spring, avoiding the "slap" of the normal "let go of the charging handle" method, and then use the forward assist to ensure that the round is seated and the bolt is locked in place? (risky twice over -- if the first round doesn't strip off the full magazine easily OR if the bolt is not fully locked into battery you're again gonna need your sidearm in a big God damn hurry!)
==OR==
C) (your solution goes here)
thanks for any thoughts on my two questions!
ar-jedi