At a carbine class covered by Gun Websites, several students and one instructor ran FN SCAR rifles. The footage captured one of the most common SCAR changes made mid-class: moving the charging handle to the other side.
Why move it
- The SCAR’s charging handle reciprocates with the bolt every time the rifle fires.
- On the default side, a support hand placed too far back can get hit, and shooters can cause their own malfunctions.
- One student moved it to the weak side at the instructors’ suggestion, after the handle had already caught his hand.
How it is done
- Separate the lower from the upper and remove the stock assembly.
- Pull the bolt carrier back, remove the recoil spring, flip the charging handle to the other side, then reassemble.
- The class kept muzzle discipline throughout, with an instructor reminding the student to keep the muzzle pointed safely while working on the rifle.
- Practiced, it takes seconds. The first time, mid-class, it takes much longer.
Lessons
- Set up and learn your rifle before class, not halfway through it.
- Watch your hand placement on any rifle with a reciprocating charging handle.
- Class is where equipment problems show up. Write them down in your Training Log.
More
- See Modern Rifle Shooting Positions and Practice Drills.
Based on a video from the Gun Websites YouTube channel. Took a class recently? Write your After Action Report and add it to the Training Log.
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