The charging handle is a critical component of the AR rifle. Knowing how to use it properly is essential to operating the AR. And, while in theory it seems simple, like most aspects to gun handling there's a lot more to it than most people realize. With all weapon manipulations consistency is the key to safety and efficiency. So, when cycling the handle the right-handed shooter uses the left hand. To perform a chamber check or lock the bolt to the rear the right hand works the handle. Administrative manipulations with the AR - loading, unloading or checking the status of the weapon - occur in the low-ready position with the stock in your shoulder, trigger finger straight, safety on and muzzle down. Combative or functional manipulations such as reloading or clearing malfunctions are run with the muzzle on target. (The AR has a free-floating firing pin, which means with a defective round a slam-fire can occur. Keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction, safe being dictated by the environment and situation.) Cycling the charging handle is a three-step process. Step 1: Position your thumb on the back of the handle, with your thumbnail in the center of the handle's rear. Step 2: Unlatch the handle with your first finger. Step 3: Cycle the handle aggressively by drawing your thumb straight to the rear, keeping it in line with the top centerline of the stock. Pull to the rear until the handle strips from your grasp and flies forward. Do not let your hand ride the handle forward! This will cause problems. This sequence provides a positive grip on the handle, ensures you actually unlatch it prior to pulling, and completes a full cycle, allowing the bolt group to come all the way to the rear then slam forward with full spring pressure. The movement to cycle the handle, drawing your thumb back along the centerline of the stock, should occur in the elbow, not the shoulder. This prevents you from pulling the handle up as it's pulled rearward, which is the way our body tends to move when using shoulder muscles. Pulling up or twisting the handle as you cycle it creates more friction. This makes it more difficult to cycle, leads to premature wear on the handle, can twist or torque the handle out of shape - locking up the bolt group - and can actually break the handle, again taking the rifle out of the fight. To press check the chamber, or lock the bolt to the rear, use the right hand. Anytime you're using the left hand that means you're cycling the handle aggressively. Remember, consistency is mandatory. During a press-check you only want to pull the bolt slightly to the rear, far enough to physically or visually check the chamber. This action is a lot easier if you support the rifle with the left hand on the handquard and use your snake fangs of the right hand to pull the handle to the rear. To lock the bolt open the right hand has to pull the handle back so the left hand can engage the bolt catch. Learning how to operate the charging handle properly means you don't create a problem. You'll have enough to worry about without causing more trouble. Dry practice, as with most things, is the best way to learn this fundamental skill. Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns," writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 -http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shootrite-Firearms-Academy/156608611038230?ref=ts