Comments requested on a "theoretical" situation

[RodE]

Let's assume ... hummmm that someone (who will not be named) owned a spanking new unfired EVO. The EVO had a very tight charging handle!!!!!  This anonymous person installed a charging handle on both sides of the gun. 

Let us further assume that this person would cock and then fire their empty EVO several times a day trying to loosen things up.  He alternated using the charging handles (one at a time).    Then...... this said person (for no sane reason) inserted an empty magazine and pulled both handles at the same time.  The d--- gun jammed... top and bottom were stuck together.... gun would not fire.....handles hung loosely ......the magazine would not drop.    The bottom and top were finally forced apart (sigh).... magazine dropped ....the handles came alive....the gun fired....and now all seems well (at least this dumb a-- person thinks so).

Has anyone ever experienced this fiasco and is the lesson simply not to ever charge the gun by pulling both handles at the same time especially with an empty magazine in place. ??

RodE (A very close personal friend of mine asked I pose this situation for him.  I will never reveal to his identity)

[George16]

Dude, what?s so hard in admitting it was you whom you are talking about? All your previous posts regarding what you installed in your Evo (charging handle) your problems cocking the charging handle etc, etc.... points to me that this theoretical situation you?re talking about is what actually happened to you and your evo.

Anyway, to answer your question, you shouldn?t  have any problems charging it at the same time as long as they are synchronized in movement.  Just make sure you put some grease on the sliding parts of the charging handles to lubricate and reduce friction.

[00goobs]

With an empty mag in, the bolt hold open engaged and held the bolt open. There aren't any springs to push the charging handles back....

[motorolanut]

If you dry fire any gun I strongly suggest some sort of snap caps.  Just a thought for you UN-named theoretical friend.

[jmstallard]

When you say the gun jammed, could you be referring to the bolt being locked by the bolt release? If it only happened after you inserted an empty magazine, that sounds like the obvious answer. I think we need a better description of "jammed."

Also, when you say both halves were stuck together, do you mean that you couldn't remove the takedown pin? If yes, then that's because the bolt release, whether intentionally or not, is acting as a takedown pin retainer in the presence of an empty magazine. Again, I think we need a better description of "stuck together."

Finally, you say you finally got it apart. How did that happen?

[1000RR]

If you dry fire any gun I strongly suggest some sort of snap caps...

I've used snap caps in the past... but always wondered - why?!  Seems every where I read or if I talk to anyone at the LGS's, and I ask, can I dry fire the gun (firing pin/center fire style) - the answer is always 'yes'.  This is without snap caps.

So 'why' the strong suggestion?  Damage to a firing pin?  Do they over extend? 

For those that are thinking the "anonymous" person was actually him - No $hit!!  LOL... he was trying to be funny.

[RodE]

The bolt was locked oen and the bolt release was frozen. At first I could not get the empty magazine out.  I could pull the take down pin out but the upper and lower would separate only slightly.  Finally I (my friend  ) was able to pull the magazine out and the upper and lower were freed and separated.  All is well now.......... I THINK!!

Yes, I was trying in my original posting to make a very upsetting situation into a funny one to help calm me down.  Needless to say I was very shocked, confused  and very frustrated.   

Now a second situation .........................................DO I NEED SNAP CAPS TO DRY FIRE?

[jmstallard]

I suspect the snap cap deal is, like so many other internet things, based on actual truth that applied to very rare, specific, or outdated circumstances, but has been extrapolated to apply to everything, in every situation, into perpetuity.

[motorolanut]

Some weapons dry firing is not an issue but some it is.  Personally I would spend $15 to 20 on some sort of snap caps as a cheap insurance vs screwing up my guns firing pin.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/dry-fire-guide-training-home/

[1000RR]

Some weapons dry firing is not an issue but some it is.  Personally I would spend $15 to 20 on some sort of snap caps as a cheap insurance vs screwing up my guns firing pin.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/dry-fire-guide-training-home/

Thanks for sharing the article... as suggested above, it does point to some potential for issue - mainly rimfire, older guns, etc.  CZ Scorpion will be fine, modern semi-autos would be fine, etc. 

But if you want to spend the extra money and be a little safer yet - snap caps as mentioned.

[RodE]

Thank you John A for your most helpful advice!

[RodE]

I think I know what your middle initial "A" stands for!

[00goobs]

John "Awesome At the Art of Supression" Adams

[HollowDawg]

Hey don't feel bad! I loaned "RodE" my FAL once and "he" managed to jam it up to much the same point. It took me....errr I mean "RodE" a week to get the dang thing apart! Anyone who owns a firearm and hasn't managed some such feat is new to the sport IMHO. Could probably post the longest running thread ever on DOH! moments we've all had!!

[Hemiscorpius lepturus]

I have 2 charging handles, and I have pulled them both (because it is easier) many times, with and without mags. I have never had anything jam up, I have no idea why the magazine would get stuck.