Cocking handle

The cocking handle (also known as charging handle) is a device on a firearm which, when operated, results in the hammer being cocked. It allows the operator to pull the bolt to the rear, facilitating any number of the following:

• Ejecting a spent shell casing in order to load a fresh cartridge (in the case of bolt-action weapons).
• Priming the weapon for use by loading the first round from a magazine.
• Clearing a stoppage.
• Verification that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions.
• Sending a round into the chamber of the weapon.

These devices vary vastly from weapon to weapon. On most weapons, it consists of a small protrusion or hook from the side of the bolt, but may take the form of a pumped slide or lever.

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