Cocking handle: Difference between revisions

[[File:CLB-24 weapons fire 110917-M-PO905-126.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Charging handle being pulled on an [[M2 Browning|M2]] machine gun]]

The '''cocking handle''', also known as '''charging handle''' or '''bolt handle''', is a device on a firearm which, when manipulated, results in the [[bolt (firearms)|bolt]] being pulled to the rear, putting the [[hammer (firearms)|hammer]] or /[[firing pin|striker]] being put into a [[spring (device)|spring]]-loaded ("cocked") "ready and set" position, allowing the operator to open the breech and eject any spent/unwanted [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]/[[shotgun shell|shell]] from the [[chamber (firearms)|chamber]], and then load a new round from the [[magazine (firearms)|magazine]] or [[ammunition belt|belt]] if required. By opening the breech, it also helps the operator to verify that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions; to clear a [[firearm malfunction|stoppage]] such as a jam, double-feed, stovepipe or misfire; to facilitate moving the bolt back into battery, acting as a [[forward assist]] (but not necessarily); and to release a bolt locked to the rear by a catching mechanism on a firearm equipped with a "last round bolt hold open" (LRBHO) feature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://animagraffs.com/how-a-handgun-works-1911-45/ |title=How a Handgun Works: 1911 .45 |author= |date= 14 December 2013|work=AnimaGraffs |publisher= |accessdate=2015-08-06}}</ref>

These devices vary significantly between firearms but may occur in the form of a small protrusion or hook from the side of the [[Bolt action|bolt]], a [[Pump action|pumped slidepump]], or [[leverLever action|lever]] on manual [[repeating firearm]]s. The [[Pistol slide|slide]] inon a pistol performs a similar action as a cocking handle.<ref>{{cite book|author=Patrick Sweeney|title=Gunsmithing - Pistols and Revolvers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MDAwpKEietkC&pg=PA104|date=3 December 2009|publisher=Gun Digest Books|isbn=978-1-4402-0389-X3|pages=171–172}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

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