Ah, yes, 1) is a rule for self-loading rifles with reciprocating charging handles, starting in the US I suppose with the &#x27;30s M1 Garand.  On the off chance the gun will fire while you&#x27;re manipulating the handle, make sure your thumb is out of the way so at worst your palm will be beat up a bit.<p>The AR-15&#x2F;M16&#x2F;M4 which follows that family (M1 and &#x27;50s M14) lacks that &quot;feature&quot;, replacing the lost functionality with a separate forward bolt assist.  In other major rifles of that general era, the AK-47 etc. and SIG SG 55x and I think it&#x27;s 510 predecessor reciprocates, this in fact goes back to the original Nazi StG 44 &quot;storm rifle&quot;, the FAL and G3 don&#x27;t.