June 4th, 2020
4:28 runtime
Welcome to the big wide world of ARs.
The Bare Bones Basics
The AR is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic, gas-operated weapon.
Lets break down what that means, exactly.
While an AR like this SAINT Victor 5.56mm may at first seem complicated, they can be quite simple to operate safely.
Semi-automatic means that the weapon fires one shot per pull of the trigger.
When you pull the trigger, the gun will fire a single round.
For the weapon to fire again, you have to release the trigger and pull it once again.
This particular SAINT is fitted out with an optic on its upper receiver.
Gas operated is how the weapon functions.
The gas is sent back into the receiver.
From here, the weapon is once again ready to fire.
The modular design of the AR like this SAINT allows you to reconfigure it easily to fit your exact needs.
The ARs simple design also makes it incredibly modular.
The first control you should know is the safety.
The safety is a lever that allows you to switch the weapon between safe and fire.
Loading an AR is simple and straightforward once you learn the basics.
Forward of the safety on the left side of the lower receiver is the bolt lock/release lever.
When you run a magazine empty, the gun will automatically lock the action open.
To release the bolt, push the grooved section inward.
The safety lever of the AR is simple to use. With the lever rotated back and the safety “pointer” pointing forward, the AR is now on “safe”.
On the opposite side of the lower receiver is a button that releases your magazine.
The magazine release button is straightforward.
Push it, and the magazine drops.
The bolt lock/release lever allows you to release a locked open bolt to close the action, or lock it open to clear or show empty.
You do not need to press the button to insert a magazine, just to remove it.
At the top, rear of the upper receiver is a T-shaped part called the charging handle.
This is used to place a round into the chamber.
Once you have a loaded magazine in and want to load the chamber, pull back on the “charging handle” to run the action.
Pulling it to the rear and releasing it will load the weapon if a loaded magazine is inserted.
To practice, it’s possible for you to use dummy ammunition, commonly known as Snap Caps.
To load an AR, you must first load the magazine.
The T-shaped charging handle is located in the upper rear section of the upper receiver. You pull it to the rear to run the action.
Loading the magazine is very simple.
Align one round over the top and press it downward.
Repeat until the magazine is full.
The magazine holds the rifle’s ammunition and is released by pushing the button located on the right side of the lower receiver, forward of the trigger.
Insert the loaded magazine into the rifle.
Ensure the magazine is seated correctly by giving it a slight tug downward to check.
Once the magazine is seated correctly, retract the charging handle to the rear and just release it.
Do not hold the charging handle as it moves forward; just let it go.
If you slowly ride the bolt forward, the round may not properly seat in chamber inside the barrel.
At this point, you have a round in the chamber and are ready to fire.
Thats all there is to it.
Obviously, ensure you are always following the four safety rules.
Now, the most important thing for you to know is how to unload and dump the weapon.
Clear means you have ensured the gun is unloaded.
Although, just because the gun is clear doesnt mean you treat it any differently.
Your AR should always be treated as if it were loaded.
While orientating the weapon downrange, ensure the weapon is on safe.
Then,retract the charging handleto eject the round from the chamber.
Lock the bolt the rear using the bolt lock.
Next, look into the chamber and ensure nothing is in the chamber.
If possible, use your finger to physically ensure the weapon is clear.
The Basics
This is the bare bones basics of an AR.
This is literally day one stuff with your rifle.
If you have any questions, just go to our forum and ask away.
Well be happy to help and answer all the questions we can.
Go to forum thread
