does the charging handle move when firing
As stated, the charging handle stays forward.. Its only movement is a manual one to load the first round from a closed bolt. Once you are used to it, the placement is quite convenient and allows you to support the gun with your strong hand (pistol grip) and charge the gun with your weak hand for the initial load...Ooooooooooo if you want to treat your AR with a little respect & TLC do it the right way unless your in some kind of shoot out or don't mind spending money to replace the the charging handle. Troops are hard on equipment because Uncle Sam is paying for the parts.