Cocking handle

The cocking handle, also known as charging handle or bolt handle, is a device on a firearm which, when operated, results in the hammer or striker being cocked or moved to the ready position. It allows the operator to pull the bolt to the rear. The cocking handle has a number of functions; it facilitates the ejection of a spent shell casing or unfired cartridge from the chamber; it loads a round from the magazine or by hand through the chamber; it clears a stoppage such as a jam, double feed, stovepipe or misfire; it verifies that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions; it moves the bolt in to battery, acting as a forward assist (but not necessarily); it releases a bolt locked to the rear, such as would be the case after firing the last round on a firearm equipped with a last-round-hold-open feature.