normaly bolt closed on an empty chamber, 1 loaded mag on shelf close by another in pouch on stock. Right next to the AR there's a cruizer ready 1897 Chinchester full of g00dness. However right now my AR is locked up waiting for a trip to the range to sight in the new EO-Tech and my M1 carbine is standing guard 1-15 round mag on shelf 2 more in stock pouch.