of the flexible rod. The Steyr AUG styled iron sights were replaced with stockier, hardier ones. The Kevlar plating on the left side of the weapon butt (where a right-handed user's face would typically be) is effective in protecting the user from any internal chamber explosion by directing the resulting force to the right. However, that resultant force would also seriously injure anyone unfortunate enough to be on the right side of the weapon. In the case of a user firing from their left shoulder, this could cause severe injury to their face. As a result, all left-handed SAF soldiers are taught to fire from their right shoulder as a safety measure. The SAR 21 was designed with a small built-in brass deflector to eject spent bullet casings forward, thus reducing the chances of the spent casings hitting a left-handed user's face. The rifle is not completely ambidextrous but may, in a pinch, be fired from the left shoulder. Operation Like the M16 rifle, the bolt locks open on an empty magazine. When the magazine is exhausted, it is removed by depressing the AK-style lever. Clearing the weapon is accomplished by removing the magazine, pulling the charging handle to the rear, and observing the chamber. After loading a magazine into the housing, the weapon is made "ready" by cocking the weapon, and engaging the FN MAG-type safety button forward of the trigger guard. The position of the fire selector button (SEMI or AUTO) on the stock may also be adjusted. The on/off switch for the laser aiming device is located on the left handguard; when holding the weapon at ready, the left thumb rests naturally on it. With sluggish operation due to fouling, the gas regulator setting may be adjusted by turning it with a coin, screwdriver, or any other thin flat object. Alternatively, the gas regulator can be unlatched and turned by hand with aid of its knurled surface. Variants SAR 21 Light Machine Gun (LMG) Fitted with an open bolt, it has a heavy barrel with an integral folding bipod and foregrip. SAR 21 Sharpshooter A standard SAR 21 with a 3.0x optical sight. The sight picture is composed of luminous black paint, allowing easier target engagement at night without the use of the LAD. SAR 21 Grenade Launcher (GL) Attached with a CIS 40 GL or M203 grenade launcher. Several sub-variants/prototypes incorporate different targeting modules (or mounted