SmythBusters: Dropping The Hammer On An AR15 Lower

In this episode of Smith Busters, we tackle a common question: Is dropping the hammer on an empty chamber bad for your AR-15? We dive into the details, myths, and realities of this practice, exploring whether it can damage your firearm and sharing insights from our own experiences.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - User-Requested Topic: Dropping the Hammer on an Empty Chamber
1:00 - Demonstration with a Cutaway AR-15
1:31 - Potential Damage to Bolt Catch and Receiver
2:00 - Common Myths About Dropping the Hammer
2:36 - Military Practices and Real-World Experience
3:02 - Milspec Components vs. Commercial Parts
4:00 - Demonstration with High-Quality Components
4:50 - Conclusion: Good Practice vs. Actual Damage
5:10 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations


What You'll Learn:
The potential risks of dropping the hammer on a lower
Real-world experiences and practical insights
Why it's generally considered bad practice and how to avoid it

Key Takeaways:
Dropping the hammer on an empty chamber is generally bad practice but unlikely to cause significant damage with quality components.
Milspec components can handle more abuse, but not all commercial parts are created equal.
Always strive to avoid unnecessary stress on your firearm to ensure longevity and reliability.