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The '''cocking handle''' (also known as ''charging handle or bolt handle'') is a device on a firearm which, when operated, results in the [[Hammer (firearm)|hammer]] or [[firing pin|striker]] being cocked or moved to the ready position. It allows the operator to pull the [[Bolt (firearm)|bolt]] to the rear. The cocking handle has a number of functions; it facilitates the ejection of a spent [[shell (projectile)|shell]] casing or unfired [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] from the chamber; it loads a round from the [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] or by hand through the [[Chamber (weaponry)|chamber]]; it clears a stoppage such as a jam, double feed, stovepipe or misfire; it verifies that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions; it moves the bolt in to battery, acting as a [[forward assist]] (but not necessarily); it releases a bolt locked to the rear, such as would be the case after firing the last round on a firearm equipped with a last-round-hold-open feature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://animagraffs.com/how-a-handgun-works-1911-45/ |title=How a Handgun Works: 1911 .45 |author= |date= |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, a [[Pump action|pumped slide]] or [[lever action|lever]]. The [[Pistol slide|slide]] in a pistol performs similar actions as a cocking handle.<ref>{{cite book|author=Patrick Sweeney|title=Gunsmithing - Pistols and Revolvers|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=MDAwpKEietkC&pg=PA104|date=3 December 2009|publisher=Gun Digest Books|isbn=1-4402-0389-X|pages=171-172}}</ref>
There are also additional factors concerning the design of cocking handles, and some of them are especially important if the weapon is for tactical use. One issue is the [[mean time between failures]] due to [[metal fatigue]]. Just like other parts, cocking handles sometimes break when weapons are heavily used. Another issue is whether the cocking handle is sufficiently large for use by someone wearing heavy [[glove]]s and [[protective clothing]]. Some weapons are designed with thumb grooves for extra grip when cocking a weapon to prevent releasing it before it has been pulled back all the way, such as the British [[SA80]] family of rifles.
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