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Thecocking handle, also known ascharging handle orbolt handle, is a device on a firearm which, when manipulated, results in thebolt being pulled to the rear, putting thehammer/striker into aspring-loaded ("cocked") "ready and set" position, allowing the operator to open the breech and eject any spent/unwantedcartridge/shell from thechamber, and then load a new round from themagazine orbelt if required. By opening the breech, it also helps the operator to verify that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions; to clear astoppage such as a jam, double-feed, stovepipe or misfire; to facilitate moving the bolt back into battery, acting as aforward assist (but not necessarily); and to release a bolt locked to the rear by a catching mechanism on a firearm equipped with a "last round bolt hold open" (LRBHO) feature.[1]
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These devices vary significantly between firearms but may occur in the form of a small protrusion or hook from the side of thebolt,pump, orlever on manualrepeating firearms. Theslide on a pistol performs a similar action as a cocking handle.[2]
In designing a cocking handle, both durability and ergonomics must be taken into account. When heavily used, repeated motion of the handle can lead tometal fatigue, and to avoid part breakage, designs attempt to increase themean time between failures.[3] Cocking handles must also be easily and comfortably gripped by the hand of a weapon's operator, including when the operator is wearinggloves or otherprotective equipment which may limit their dexterity. An example of this ergonomic design can be seen in the thumb grooves found on the cocking handles of the BritishSA80 family of rifles; these provide extra grip when charging the weapon, preventing the bolt from slipping out of the operator's grip before it is fully pulled back.
Cocking handles may or may not reciprocate along with the action of the firearm. The advantage of a reciprocating handle is that it gives the user complete control over the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier. It enables great force to be used to chamber or extract difficult or ruptured cartridges. However, it adds an extra, fast-moving part on the outside of the gun and may limit the way the gun is handled.[4] Some sources reserve the terms "bolt handle" and "charging handle" for reciprocating and non-reciprocating handles respectively.[5]
A similar device on handguns with single-action triggers such as theH&K P7[6] and the Shevchenko PSh is used as an alternative to double-action triggers to cock the hammer/striker.[7]
