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4/13/2005 1:01:01 PM EDT
I just built my first lower. Tha safty selector will only go to safe with the hammer back! Is this normal, I dont have another to compair it to!
4/13/2005 1:15:25 PM EDT
[#1]
Yes, that is normal for an AR.
4/13/2005 1:26:12 PM EDT
[#2]
Yes, that is pretty typical for any semi-autos designed in the USA with the safety as an integral part of the fire control group and not a simple trigger block.  M1911 is a good example.

For practical purposes, this means you will want to cycle the bolt to the rear and set your selector to safe before inserting a loaded magazine or chambering a round.  In use this is not a big issue because when empty an AR locks open with its hammer cocked.  It will only come to rest if you release the bolt and then dry-fire it.

I am a big believer in dropping the hammer on an empty chamber before I store the rifle for any length of time though.  It's probably silly, but I feel it is good for the hammer spring.

It does pay to be aware of this and get in the habit of cocking the weapon and safe-ing it before loading it if you store it with the hammer de-cocked.
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