Why is bolt hold open feature so important?

[joker70]

Particularly when comparing AR 22lr platforms- CMMG do not come standard with a BHOA vs. S&W MP15-22. But why is the bolt hold feature so important? Even with all my other firearms that hold the bolt back when empty, I don't realize it until I pull the trigger and don't get a bang. Then I'll notice the bolt/slide is held back. I'm usually too focused on my target and sights.

[secret.asian.man]

when the bolt is held back in the open position, it...

- lets you know you are out
- allows you to properly insert the magazine easier
- allows you to put the bullet into battery if you are only using one hand
-

when i think of more reasons i'll add to the list.

[Grey1one]

- lets you know there isn't a dud round in the chamber

[joker70]

- allows you to put the bullet into battery if you are only using one hand

So for a bullet button-less AR you'd just:

1- drop the mag
2- insert fresh mag
3- activate the bolt release

and you are GTG with no pulling the charging handle needed?

[G-forceJunkie]

So for a bullet button-less AR you'd just:

1- drop the mag
2- insert fresh mag
3- activate the bolt release

and you are GTG with no pulling the charging handle needed?

Yes.

[dtp]

Also prevents a dry-fire.

[MiddleKingdom]

Also prevents a dry-fire.

+1, with rimfire that may damage the firing pin. Perhaps with newer rifles that may not be too much of an issue, but I don't like to dry fire.

[The Right to Bear Arms]

Let's see what hasn't anyone said yet?....

Bolt hold open definitely has a " cool "factor wherein 22LR guns are concerned. Plus, it prepares you for similar guns that have that feature when shooting bigger calibers.

it's just... cool.

Middle Kingdom: Great Signature !! How did you like the epic duel with the guards?

[NorCalDustin]

Most important reason IMHO... Most of the ranges I go to REQUIRE that firearms have some kind of BHO feature without needing a magazine in the gun.

[pennys dad]

Safety: An open bolt held open after the last shoot makes it easier to make sure you are unload and clear.

[vincewarde]

Bolt hold open can be accomplished 2 ways:

1) A hold open lock activated by the magazine follower, which holds the bolt open after it is removed.

2) A "hold open" magazine follower that block the bolt until the magazine is removed.

On an AR 22LR firearm or upper, it is nice to have all the controls identical to the centerfire version - but there are other concerns as well. The M&P 15-22 has all the controls of the centerfire versions BUT it is a lot lighter and therefore handles very differently. It also - according to all the reviews I have read - tends to flex, making it unsuitable for use with many sling configurations (like "hasty").

All in all, my advice for what it is worth, is to start with one of the "drop in" conversion kits. Buy Black Dog magazines. You may find - as I did - that it is plenty accurate. In my 16" barreled carbine, I get 1" groups at 50 yards. YMMV. With the Black Dog mags you can choose "hold open" or "non-hold open" followers.

If you don't get good results you can then move up to a dedicated .22LR upper that uses the same Black Dog mags. You can always sell the adapter to help buy the upper.

The nice thing about both of these options is that you maintain the same grip, butt stock, approximate weight and trigger. In the case of a drop in kit, you are even using the same sights.

And it is nice that a drop in kit is a lot cheaper

[vincewarde]

Most important reason IMHO... Most of the ranges I go to REQUIRE that firearms have some kind of BHO feature without needing a magazine in the gun.

True, but this can be accomplished with a chamber flag, which is required at Sac Valley.

[Mail Clerk]

+1, with rimfire that may damage the firing pin. Perhaps with newer rifles that may not be too much of an issue, but I don't like to dry fire.

MiddleKingdom,

I totally concure with what you stated. Although modern rimfires incorporate a safety feature to guard against firing pin damage it's always best to ride on the side of caution.

My general rule at the range is never or try not to ever dry fire any rimfire. I usually put in a snap cap first in the mag OR use a fired cartridge and just shoot 9 rounds. That way the last round will jam open the bolt and you have to manually eject the spend cartridge.

Mail Clerk

[shadow65]

Also prevents a dry-fire.

This and the other reasons listed above.

The forward assist and BHOA were developed for military and L.E. training.
These features were required for both applications.

The India kit with the locking lug was developed for the same reason. Uncle Sam deemed it as required so recruits would not drop the bolt out of the upper when opened.

Most of what you see along these lines were for those applications. These were not developed for civilian use. Just ended up that way.
Dave N