Identifying the Chamber Status
Determining whether your AK has a round chambered is crucial before unloading it safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visual Inspection
1. Look through the ejection port: If you see a cartridge, the chamber is loaded.
2. Observe the bolt: When the bolt is in the “forward” position, it indicates a chambered round.
Manual Check
1. Point the rifle in a safe direction and ensure the muzzle is clear of obstructions.
2. Engage the safety lever to prevent accidental firing.
3. Hold the rifle firmly with one hand while pulling back the charging handle with the other.
If a cartridge is chambered, it will extract and eject from the rifle. If the chamber is empty, no cartridge will be extracted.
Additional Checks
If you’re unsure after the visual and manual checks, you can perform additional checks to confirm:
1. Insert a finger through the ejection port: If you feel a cartridge, the chamber is loaded.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Look through the ejection port and observe the bolt. |
| Manual Check | Pull back the charging handle and observe if a cartridge is extracted. |
| Finger Test | Insert a finger through the ejection port and feel for a cartridge. |
Engaging the Safety Catch
The safety catch on your AK-47 prevents the trigger from being depressed accidentally, which can cause an unintentional discharge. To engage the safety catch, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction. This means away from people, animals, and property.
2.
Rotate the safety selector lever to the “safe” position. The safety selector lever is located on the right side of the receiver, above the pistol grip. When the safety selector is in the “safe” position, the red dot will be visible.
3.
Confirm that the safety catch is engaged. You can do this by trying to depress the trigger. If the trigger cannot be depressed, the safety catch is engaged.
The safety catch is a critical safety feature on your AK-47. Always engage the safety catch when you are not firing the rifle.
| Safety Selector Lever Positions |
|---|
|
Verifying the Ejection
### 1. Check the Ejection Port
After releasing the magazine, pull back the charging handle fully to eject the live round from the chamber. Observe the ejection port to ensure that the round has been successfully ejected.
### 2. Visual Inspection
Examine the ejected round closely. If it has a primer dent but no bullet hole, the round has not been fired and can be safely unloaded. If it has a bullet hole, it has been fired and should be handled with extreme caution.
### 3. Ejection Test
Point the unloaded rifle in a safe direction and gently shake it. If there are any additional live rounds in the chamber or magazine, they will usually fall out due to gravity.
### 4. Magazine Inspection
Remove the magazine from the rifle and inspect it for any remaining cartridges. Empty the magazine completely to ensure that no live rounds are left inside.
### 5. Chamber Inspection
With the magazine removed, carefully inspect the chamber of the rifle. Use a flashlight to illuminate the chamber and check for any obstructions or remaining live rounds.
### 6. Retract Bolt Carrier
If you cannot visually confirm that the chamber is empty, retract the bolt carrier group (BCG) fully to eject any concealed cartridges. Hold the rifle steady and maintain a safe grip on the BCG.
### 7. Drop Test
Finally, holding the rifle in an inverted position, gently drop it a few inches onto a padded surface. This will allow any remaining cartridges to dislodge and fall out of the chamber or ejection port. Repeat the drop test several times to ensure complete unloading.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check Ejection Port |
| 2 | Visual Inspection |
| 3 | Ejection Test |
| 4 | Magazine Inspection |
| 5 | Chamber Inspection |
| 6 | Retract Bolt Carrier |
| 7 | Drop Test |
Storage and Disposal Considerations
Safe Storage:
* Store firearms in a secure location, such as a gun safe, with the safety on and the chamber empty.
* Keep firearms away from children and unauthorized individuals.
* Follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm storage.
Proper Disposal:
* Contact a local law enforcement agency or gunsmith to inquire about safe disposal options.
* Never dispose of firearms in trash cans or public areas.
* Adhere to local regulations for the disposal of firearms and ammunition.
Environmental Considerations:
* Lead and other toxic materials are present in firearms and ammunition.
* Dispose of firearms and ammunition according to environmental regulations to minimize potential harm to the environment.
* Follow disposal guidelines provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant agencies.
Recycling and Donation:
* Consider donating unwanted firearms to organizations that recycle or support firearm safety programs.
* Some gun shops and firearm manufacturers offer recycling programs for old or unused firearms.
* Ensure that firearms are unloaded, safe, and in working order before donating them.
