TexasCHLforum.com

Is there any long term problem associated with inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt on an AR or is it preferable to do so on an open bolt?

Or, does it make no difference whatsoever?

Thanks!

Mechanically, it doesn't matter. You gotta charge the AR either way. Open bolt means you need to lock the bolt back first, and then close it, which introduces an extra step or two. On my gun, the extra steps aren't a big deal because I have a BAD lever.

On the flip side, inserting a fully-loaded mag on a closed bolt will take a little extra force to get it to seat. Failure to seat the magazine adequately will result in an empty chamber and magazine well. Your magazine will drop. You could de-load your magazine 2-3 rounds to make it easier to seat.

So, it's really your preference. Which do you think would be easier to do under stress? That's the way you should do it. Every time.

Abraham wrote:Is there any long term problem associated with inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt on an AR or is it preferable to do so on an open bolt?

Or, does it make no difference whatsoever?

Thanks!

If you insert on an open bolt, then simply hit the bolt release and go to work. If you insert on a closed bolt, after racking the charging handle perform a press check and then hit the forward assist. If you do not have a forward assist, then

Bitter Clinger wrote:

Abraham wrote:Is there any long term problem associated with inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt on an AR or is it preferable to do so on an open bolt?

Or, does it make no difference whatsoever?

Thanks!

If you insert on an open bolt, then simply hit the bolt release and go to work. If you insert on a closed bolt, after racking the charging handle perform a press check and then hit the forward assist. If you do not have a forward assist, then

Why do you need to hit the forward assist after using the charging handle? I don't think that I have ever used the FA other than just out of curiosity to watch the prawl work on the bolt serrations.

Edited: Did not see the press check. If it is time to go to work, I'd forego the press check and do a trigger check. The press check would be the same for a open bolt or closed bolt if you were fearing feeding issues?

All of the above posts are assuming that you are inserting a new mag on a closed bolt and empty chamber.

And why do a press check when you insert on a closed bolt? Certainly not required, and if you don't ride the charging handle, not necessary either.

cyphertext wrote:All of the above posts are assuming that you are inserting a new mag on a closed bolt and empty chamber.

I didn't. :-) I suggested a "trigger check" if it was time to go to work.

cyphertext wrote:And why do a press check when you insert on a closed bolt? Certainly not required, and if you don't ride the charging handle, not necessary either.

Agreed completely.

I load all of my USGI mags to 28 rounds to better insert on a closed bolt.

Pmags are OK with the full 30, but after missing a few catches, I found 29 rounds in a Pmag works better.

I figured this was another reason you always give an extra slap to the bottom of the magazine to insure it is seated.

I hear people talk about needing the forward assist, but in my experience, all it has done is get the bolt jammed further. If the bolt don't close, there is usually a reason and you really need to just pull it back again. I had that trouble sometimes with an Armalite that I no longer have. Never had an issue since then. The cheap mags I was using then probably contributed. It was a lesson learned.

Thanks all for the helpful tips.

goose wrote:

cyphertext wrote:All of the above posts are assuming that you are inserting a new mag on a closed bolt and empty chamber.

I didn't. :-) I suggested a "trigger check" if it was time to go to work.

cyphertext wrote:And why do a press check when you insert on a closed bolt? Certainly not required, and if you don't ride the charging handle, not necessary either.

Agreed completely.

I have seen plenty of FTF's under stress when attempting to insert a fresh mag against an empty chamber / closed bolt. You will likely not see that at anywhere near the same frequency however, under more controlled conditions. It's up to you whether or not you choose to trust, then verify or not. But if you have the training / presence of mind and time to press check, it's beats failing the "trigger check". Just sayin'.

Bitter Clinger wrote:

goose wrote:

cyphertext wrote:All of the above posts are assuming that you are inserting a new mag on a closed bolt and empty chamber.

I didn't. :-) I suggested a "trigger check" if it was time to go to work.

cyphertext wrote:And why do a press check when you insert on a closed bolt? Certainly not required, and if you don't ride the charging handle, not necessary either.

Agreed completely.

I have seen plenty of FTF's under stress when attempting to insert a fresh mag against an empty chamber / closed bolt. You will likely not see that at anywhere near the same frequency however, under more controlled conditions. It's up to you whether or not you choose to trust, then verify or not. But if you have the training / presence of mind and time to press check, it's beats failing the "trigger check". Just sayin'.

If it is time to get to work especially if I am fearing for my life, I bet I can trigger check and then hit the charging handle faster than I can press check and hit the charging handle. And the trigger check would not require me to take my eyes off the field.

If it is down time, in a hog blind or something similar, sure I might press check. God forbid I were in a firefight, if I were behind cover in a lull of some sort, I might press check then as well.

I think that there is room for both methods. But if speed is of the essence, I'll take the trigger check.

mr1337 wrote:
On the flip side, inserting a fully-loaded mag on a closed bolt will take a little extra force to get it to seat. Failure to seat the magazine adequately will result in an empty chamber and magazine well. Your magazine will drop. You could de-load your magazine 2-3 rounds to make it easier to seat.

It is a good practice to firmly insert and then give a pull down on a magazine to make sure it is fully locked in before charging.

Actually, most of the responses don't address what I am seeking to know.

Here's my original question: Is there any long term problem associated with inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt on an AR or is it preferable to do so on an open bolt?

Or, does it make no difference whatsoever?

The responses, while providing useful information, don't really address my questions.

My questions came about due to the difficulty of getting a magazine to easily insert on a closed bolt, so I thought over time inserting on a closed bolt might create some sort of wear and tear that could be avoided if I always inserted on an open bolt...

Abraham wrote:Actually, most of the responses don't address what I am seeking to know.

Here's my original question: Is there any long term problem associated with inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt on an AR or is it preferable to do so on an open bolt?

Or, does it make no difference whatsoever?

The responses, while providing useful information, don't really address my questions.

My questions came about due to the difficulty of getting a magazine to easily insert on a closed bolt, so I thought over time inserting on a closed bolt might create some sort of wear and tear that could be avoided if I always inserted on an open bolt...

Ha! :-) We're all here to help. Or not, as the case may be.

I think that all of the pressure when inserting a loaded magazine on a closed bolt, or slide on a pistol, is just compression of the spring inside the magazine by the top round being slightly depressed. If the magazine is full, the back pressure of the spring can be fairly high. (I know that you know the above, I am just being thorough.) The frame of the magazine shouldn't be experiencing any extra contact with the bolt. I would think on an AR the bottom of the magazine catch should keep it from being inserted too far? Granted I am not a 'smith.

It makes no difference in terms of safety or harm to the gun or magazine. It WILL slow down your reloads, and it MAY cause a magazine to not seat properly.