Sorry for the new guy question, but I gotta make sure. Just put a lower together (first one) and I am not exactly as familiar with AR's as I would like to be and since this is a general question I thought it fit here better than the build it yourself section. my question is about the safety, is the safety suppose to be able to be engaged while the hammer is not cocked back on an AR15? or only when the hammer is back?

Thanks any responses are greatly appreciated.

Push

Only when the rifle is cocked can the safety be engaged.

The safety can not be placed on SAFE unless the hammer is cocked.

ETA: If your unsure about the operation of your new rifle, go to the link below and down load an Operators Manual.

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=7&t=349784

It depends on what trigger you put in....factory mil spec parts no...I have a JARD two stage in my midrange rig...you can put the rig on safe with hammer down but the bolt will not cycle all the way thus cocking the hammer. I have to put it on fire then run as normal.

Thanks for the responses guys, this is my first AR and I am putting it together myself and just wanted to make sure, answers are appreciated.

Push

Do yourself a favor....take the upper off, manually cock the trigger and watch how the parts move / work. Switch the safety to "safe".....again watch the cam rotate and see what happens. Get to understand how the parts work, and what they actually do when you move them.

A solid comprehensive understanding of how the machine works will make you more efficient with it.

Also....dont dryfire the lower without the upper and BCG all connected.

What you observed is perfectly normal...welcome to the black rifle!