How To Keep Yourself and Your AR-15 Ready Through Function Checks

Why Function Checks Are Critical for AR-15 Owners

Function checks are an essential practice for AR-15 owners to ensure their firearm is safe and reliable at all times. These checks serve several crucial purposes:

• Ensuring Reliability: Regular function checks help verify that all mechanical components of the AR-15 are operating correctly. This is vital for ensuring the firearm functions properly when needed, especially in self-defense scenarios where failure could have dire consequences and it’s imperative that the gun go “bang” when you expect it to.
• Identifying Issues Early: By conducting these checks, owners can identify and address potential problems before they lead to malfunction during use. This preventive approach saves time and money and can extend the life of the firearm. 
• Increasing Familiarity with the Firearm: Regular handling and checking of the AR-15 build an owner’s familiarity and proficiency with their firearm. This practice enhances muscle memory and confidence in managing, manipulating, and operating the firearm effectively and safely.

Understanding the AR-15: Key Components and Their Functions

The AR-15 is a versatile and complex firearm with various components that each play a specific role in its operation:

• Upper Receiver: Houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and charging handle and is critical for the cycling process.
• Lower Receiver: Contains the fire control group (trigger, hammer, and safety), magazine well, and stock attachment, forming the core framework of the firearm.
• Barrel: Responsible for bullet trajectory and overall accuracy. Its interior, known as the bore, has rifling that imparts a spin to the bullet, stabilizing it in flight.
• Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): Ensures the loading, locking, firing, extraction, and ejection of cartridges. It includes the bolt, bolt carrier, gas key, and cam pin.
• Gas System: Utilizes gas from a fired cartridge to cycle the action and prepare the firearm for the next shot, which involves the gas block and gas tube.

Understanding these components helps owners perform more effective function checks, as they can better diagnose issues and understand how each part contributes to the firearm’s overall operation.

Preparing for Your Function Check: Safety Protocols

Safety is paramount when performing any function check on any gun. Following these protocols ensures that the check is conducted without risking harm:

• Engage the Safety: Engage the firearm’s safety to prevent accidental discharge.
• Ensure the Firearm is Unloaded: Before beginning the function check, visually and physically verify that the firearm is unloaded. If the magazine is inserted, remove the magazine, rack the weapon several times, then visually check the chamber to ensure no ammunition is present. You can even go the extra mile and stick your finger into the chamber to physically verify there is no ammunition. Most gun owners find this to be redundant, but going overboard on safety is a great way to ensure you don’t make potentially lethal mistakes.
• Control the Muzzle Direction: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, even when the firearm is confirmed unloaded. 
• Use Appropriate Tools and Handling: When disassembling or reassembling the firearm, use proper tools and handle each component with care to avoid damage.
• Eliminating Possible Mistakes: Immediately after verifying that the weapon is unloaded, we advise moving to a new room with no ammunition in it. Even if you are sick, low on sleep, or suffering from the 1,001+ other things that can hinder cognitive function, there is no way for you to have an accidental discharge if you can’t physically access ammunition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an AR-15 Function Check

1. Check the Bolt Function:
   • Close the bolt to ensure it locks correctly.
   • Verify bolt lock-up by attempting to manually move the bolt after it is supposed to be locked in place.
2. Check Trigger Functionality:
   • Dry fire the rifle to ensure the trigger mechanism releases the hammer properly.
   • Hold the trigger down, cycle the bolt to reset the hammer, and then release the trigger to hear the reset click.
3. Inspect the Safety: Engage the safety and try to fire the rifle. The safety should prevent the trigger from being pulled.
4. Check Accessory Function:
   • Ensure all optics and mounts are secure.
   • Check that lights, lasers, and other accessories function properly and are securely attached.
5. Magazine Insertion and Locking:
   • Insert an unloaded magazine into the AR-15’s magazine well.
   • Ensure it clicks or locks into place securely.
   • Tug on the magazine to confirm it is firmly seated and will not dislodge under normal conditions.
6. Magazine Release and Removal:
   • Press the magazine release button.
   • Ensure the magazine drops freely from the magazine well, indicating the release mechanism is functioning correctly.
7. Simulated Press Check:
   • Load the magazine with at least two dummy rounds (ensure no live rounds are used).
   • Insert the magazine and manually cycle the bolt to chamber a round.
   • Remove the magazine to check if the top round has moved to confirm a round has been chambered.
8. Check Stock Functionality:
   • If the stock is telescoping or folding, adjust it to various positions to check for proper movement.
   • Confirm the stock locks securely in each position and remains stable.

Routine Is King

Conducting your function checks in the same order every time is crucial for several reasons. First, it establishes a consistent routine that ensures no component is overlooked. Each part of the AR-15 plays a critical role in its overall functionality, and missing even one aspect of the check can lead to critical failures when the firearm is needed.

Consistency in the order of checks also aids in developing muscle memory. By repeatedly performing the function checks in the same sequence, you train your body and mind to operate the firearm instinctively. This training is invaluable, especially under stress, where there is little room for error, and every second counts. Furthermore, a systematic approach helps in quickly identifying any irregularities or changes in the firearm’s behavior over time, enabling timely adjustments or repairs.

Additionally, following a fixed order ensures thoroughness and efficiency, reducing the chance of accidentally skipping crucial steps. This methodical approach not only enhances the safety and reliability of your AR-15 but also instills a disciplined habit that flows into other areas of firearm handling and maintenance.

Troubleshooting Some Possible Issues Found During Function Checks

1. Failure to Feed: Ensure the magazines are in good condition and the feeder lips are not bent or damaged. Examine the interior of the magazine well for obstructions or debris.
2. Misfires: Check the firing pin for damage or dirt buildup. Ensure the hammer spring is properly tensioned and not broken.
3. Sticking Bolt: Clean the bolt carrier group thoroughly. Inspect the gas tube for alignment and ensure it is free of obstructions.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance Beyond Function Checks

Regular maintenance extends beyond basic function checks and includes detailed cleaning, lubrication, and occasional replacement of worn parts. This routine helps:

• Enhance Reliability: Regular cleaning removes build-up that can affect performance.
• Increase Longevity: By replacing worn parts, you can extend the life of your AR-15.
• Improve Safety: Regular maintenance ensures that all parts function as expected, reducing the risk of accidental malfunctions.

Proper maintenance involves using quality cleaning solutions and tools designed for AR-15s, ensuring that the firearm remains in top working condition and ready for use whenever necessary. Regular check-ups and maintenance not only keep the firearm performing optimally but also familiarize the owner with the intricacies of their weapon, contributing to safer and more effective handling.

Function Checks as a Training Opportunity

Function checks are not just maintenance routines; they are also valuable training opportunities. Each check allows you to handle your firearm, familiarizing yourself with its operations and controls under non-stressful conditions. This regular handling can improve your muscle memory, making you more proficient and confident in manipulating your rifle during dynamic situations and reducing the odds that you will make a mistake when it matters most. Use these moments of handling your firearm to position your fingers properly on the trigger and engage and disengage the safety. Over time, these practices will enhance your ability to operate your AR-15 smoothly and safely.

Empowering Responsible AR-15 Ownership

Regular function checks ensure your firearm is safe, reliable, and ready at all times, which is especially critical for those using their AR-15s for self-defense. By adhering to a maintenance and inspection routine, owners can prevent malfunctions, enhance safety, and improve the longevity of their firearms. Embrace these practices to not only maintain your equipment but also to bolster your capabilities.

Choose Red Arrow Weapons for Top-Quality Firearms

For those looking to invest in a reliable, high-performance AR-15, Red Arrow Weapons offers superior-quality firearms that meet rigorous standards. Our AR-15s are designed with the enthusiast in mind, providing exceptional precision and durability. Equip yourself with a Red Arrow Weapon to ensure that when it matters most, your firearm won’t let you down. Visit Red Arrow Weapons today to explore our collection and find the perfect AR-15 for your needs. Be prepared and be proficient with Red Arrow Weapons.