Why should I care about buying a better charging handle?

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g3ops

g3ops

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So I get that some are made with 6061 instead of 7075, but what are the use cases that make you really "NEED" the fancy Radian Raptor or some other expensive alternative to the cheap mil spec ones?

What are your general rules on when you might need to get a gas buster if you don't plan to shoot suppressed?

I've never missed not having an ambi charging handle before or an extra long handle, does that just mean I don't account for any of the weird positions I might need to fire from with my lazy training methods? Maybe I don't shoot often enough to notice?

I still need a new charging handle for a 10.5 pistol build I'm working on and I have little idea which one to choose.
 
I have both a 1st and 2nd gen bcm medium charging handle. The 1st gen was on a rra coyote carbine with a 4-16x scope. The bit of extra length did come in handy because of the tight clearance between a stock charging handle and the scope. They both are also more comfortable than stock.
 
I must mount my scopes further forward than most guys because I've not found a scope to interfere with the spec charge handle.
But because I shoot with my nose up on the CH, I do see some benefit of a gasbuster design sometimes, particularly during prone rapid strings. Usually just mod my own with a little black RTV though.
 
Just buy an extended latch and install on your mil spec charging handle. The extended latch is my bare minimum, as it makes it much easier to charge the rifle with a scope on it. Even a carbine without an optic in the way the extended latch is a nice feature.
 
I went through a few types of handles before I settled on the Radian for most of my scoped ARs. I really like the Strike Industries latchless handle the best, but the size without the ISO tabs is about the same as a Milspec handle. If you buy 2 ISO tabs, it costs about the same as the Radian. I do like using either hand to charge the weapon and don't like trying to "dig it out" from under the scope.
 
I shoot left handed and I used the standard GI charging handle for many years in the Army without issues. I do have to say that having an ambi charging handle is a very nice addition for me just as an ambi safety selector.
 
As with many other modifications such as push pins, bigger bolt stop, stylized trigger guards, ambi safety, etc, enhanced CH is nice but not essential. A replacement latch offers best bang for buck. Ambi latch is handy but probably not $60 handier for most of us. Money saved can be used to make another AR out of that spare pistol grip!
 
Gas busters are a plus if you are shooting suppressed, and they were pretty much standard in my unit on M4's, SPR's, and SR25's. Extended latches are an advantage on your AR of you have a scope mounted that will make it difficult to otherwise operate your CH. Some designs (not the gas buster) are so extended that they MAY engage on body armor or other equipment and actually pull the BCG out of battery when carrying the weapon cross-body, muzzle down (our normal method of carry, on a 2 point sling) so this may or may not be a consideration for you.
 
Gojo03 said:
I went through a few types of handles before I settled on the Radian for most of my scoped ARs. I really like the Strike Industries latchless handle the best, but the size without the ISO tabs is about the same as a Milspec handle. If you buy 2 ISO tabs, it costs about the same as the Radian. I do like using either hand to charge the weapon and don't like trying to "dig it out" from under the scope.
Click to expand...

I almost bought one of the Strike Industries latchless handles, but in the product details from SI they said they were not recommended on AR pistols, I think due to the potential higher gas and potential for blow out? Have you ever heard that or ever had a latchless handle pop out while shooting?


Gojo03 said:
I went through a few types of handles before I settled on the Radian for most of my scoped ARs. I really like the Strike Industries latchless handle the best, but the size without the ISO tabs is about the same as a Milspec handle. If you buy 2 ISO tabs, it costs about the same as the Radian. I do like using either hand to charge the weapon and don't like trying to "dig it out" from under the scope.
Click to expand...

My first AR came with a scope, but I immediately took it off and put on iron sights. Maybe that's why I haven't ever noticed a need for an extended handle? Not sure. This new pistol build I'm trying to decide on a handle for, it's a 10.5 barrel and I have a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot I plan to put on it with mbus popup irons, maybe it won't be a problem, but I'm leaning towards some kind of extended latch at this point just to be sure.

Ifishsum said:
I must mount my scopes further forward than most guys because I've not found a scope to interfere with the spec charge handle.
But because I shoot with my nose up on the CH, I do see some benefit of a gasbuster design sometimes, particularly during prone rapid strings. Usually just mod my own with a little black RTV though.
Click to expand...

As I mentioned, I took off the only scope I had so I don't have any experience with having a problem getting at the handle, however, don't most scopes have pretty short eye relief? I think I read somewhere that the average for a fixed power scope was 3.5 inches, I could see how most people would need the scope mounted pretty far back to have their eye close enough when shooting. I would guess it's different for each shooter where the scope needs to be for optimal viewing and that in your case you probably choke up closer than some of the others who mentioned this issue.

12Bravo20 said:
I shoot left handed and I used the standard GI charging handle for many years in the Army without issues. I do have to say that having an ambi charging handle is a very nice addition for me just as an ambi safety selector.
Click to expand...

I too had most of my experience in the Army and never once gave any thought to the charging handle, but I am a right handed shooter so the latch was in the right place for me at least. I'm still leaning towards ambi just in case I'm ever in strange shooting positions. My first AR I was trying to make as much like my M16A2 as possible just so everything would seem the same to me as what I was used to, but this time around I'm trying to take advantage of all the new ideas and technology created since my original experiences.
 
The above statement is true...however, you certainly do NOT need to spend $75, $80, $100 to have a high quality charging handle. Just make certain it is 7075 Aluminum. Do not buy one of 6061...it’s too soft.
 
With a scoped AR, manually locking back the bolt is facilitated by an ambidextrous charging handle. Left hand supporting the rifle at the magwell, thumb depressing the bottom of the bolt catch, right hand pulling the charger.

If your budget precludes a $75-100 charging handle, then don’t buy one.

For my personal AR’s, I have Raptors or BCM Gunfighters, plus Seekins or old DPMS ambi selectors and Troy ambi mag releases, and never look back.
 
Comfortable, with good purchase is my description of what a charging handle should be. If it rips into your palm, fingers, or chest (while carrying) then it isn’t tactical or enhanced; it’s a PITA.

The PRI was a safety improvement. The BCM was an enhancement. The Raptor and a select few others are near pinnacle. I like the Phase 5 ambi over all others but the Raptor SD is a close second. $55 on sale vs $90+ can add up though. None of mine are scoped but at some point I plan to change that as I like the way I’ve set up LPVOs for my kids.
 
The one thing I hate about the AR-15 is the feeble, microscopic charging handle. All my ARSs have had them replaced with Radians or BCM types which are easier for me to grasp. I'm not particular about brand but ..... if it's "mil-spec" it's a GONER!!!
 
There are a lot of upgrade parts for ARs. Some are worth the money you spend and some are just a waste of money.
When it comes to charging handles you can go both ways, you can buy something worth buying, or waste a lot of money.
Ambidextrous charging handles are nice, but I don’t use them myself. If you are left handed they are a big plus. I have two kids that are left handed. One uses an Ambidextrous and the other uses the Striker latches with an extension tab on the right side.
I prefer an extended latch on my charging handles, but nothing so big that it will get hung up on things.
Here’s a Yankee Hill extended latch that I installed on my Dissipator. I like it, but it’s almost to long.
8F7371EE-3F9A-4E1E-9B78-148ADC2C2DFB.jpeg

My preferred charging handle is the Striker Industry Arch. The handle is a little wider and the latch is not to big. The high top also helps to keep gas out of your face. Depending on the scope you use, they can be a big plus.
56AE47F0-DAB2-4E93-805E-27D6CD35D6C3.jpeg

I have installed the Strike Industry extended latch on some standard charging handles.
FD908F93-5819-4EF6-A4FA-18B0B256D82F.jpeg

I can’t see spending over $50 on a part for charging handle that will not enhance it’s performance or your needs.
If you’re not shooting three gun matches, I would go with the Strike Industry Arch, which will run you around $35.
7B6762A2-9FBC-4AE4-A3B7-82F7F6FC2CA5.jpeg
 
g3ops said:
I almost bought one of the Strike Industries latchless handles, but in the product details from SI they said they were not recommended on AR pistols, I think due to the potential higher gas and potential for blow out? Have you ever heard that or ever had a latchless handle pop out while shooting?
My first AR came with a scope, but I immediately took it off and put on iron sights. Maybe that's why I haven't ever noticed a need for an extended handle? Not sure. This new pistol build I'm trying to decide on a handle for, it's a 10.5 barrel and I have a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot I plan to put on it with mbus popup irons, maybe it won't be a problem, but I'm leaning towards some kind of extended latch at this point just to be sure.
Click to expand...

I haven't had any issues with the SI latchless handles popping out while shooting. I have used them with the Romeo5s and Mbus setup and the size isn't much of an issue
 
A few photos of my ambi handles and an SI Arch. I really like the ambi handles for practicing mortaring with the kids and because dad is a lefty who often comes along to the range to assist. He always charged as taught by Uncle Sam but has come around to the modern convenience.

These builds were going for a look as well as convenience so I can’t argue the money spent was more than necessary but will add I feel it was well spent.



On my latest 10.5”
792C722C-4D4E-41E1-9432-49577E11B162.jpeg

My oldest daughter’s 16”.
768CD63C-ADC1-425B-A1FA-421B99ED120E.jpeg

Middle daughter’s 16”.
B5E1E3EC-99A9-4199-B32F-C282B8792FEC.png

Phase 5 vs milspec.
D6F4D162-8368-4422-AD64-0EF624783226.jpeg

Arch on a 7.5”
DAE96A95-F82C-4684-B540-83C1B76586B2.jpeg

SI Arch vs milspec.
96D6D13D-317B-442C-9A49-5BDEBD644A16.jpeg
 
A lot of guys like them, I think that they're for someone who wants to spend money. If there is an optic in the way or the shooter has a disability, I can see a use .
I leave mine alone. I'm no high speed operator though. I use the charging handle exactly one time in the course of shooting the dreaded poodle shooter. I lock the bolt back, insert magazine and use the bolt hold open button from then on. If you are having malfunctions that require you to use the charging handle often ,fix your rifle . if you're slingshotting the bolt with every magazine you've probably been watching too many movies. For a regular guy , doing normal shooting activities there's no reason to be manipulating the charging handle all the time.

Just my .02, and I'll add that I don't care much for ARs and only have them in case of several 2 legged targets that mean to do me harm and for absolutely no other reason. I'm not hating on the platform, it's just soulless aluminum and plastic that throws tiny projectiles fairly fast, meh.
 
I'm a lefty and I find the standard latch to be ideal for someone charging the rifle with their left hand. I've never felt the need for an ambitious or extended CH. I wouldn't mind a gas buster for suppressed, but as a lefty they are gas enhancers not busters. Unless somebody is selling a LH gas buster?
 
Obturation said:
A lot of guys like them, I think that they're for someone who wants to spend money. If there is an optic in the way or the shooter has a disability, I can see a use .
I leave mine alone. I'm no high speed operator though. I use the charging handle exactly one time in the course of shooting the dreaded poodle shooter. I lock the bolt back, insert magazine and use the bolt hold open button from then on. If you are having malfunctions that require you to use the charging handle often ,fix your rifle . if you're slingshotting the bolt with every magazine you've probably been watching too many movies. For a regular guy , doing normal shooting activities there's no reason to be manipulating the charging handle all the time.

Just my .02, and I'll add that I don't care much for ARs and only have them in case of several 2 legged targets that mean to do me harm and for absolutely no other reason. I'm not hating on the platform, it's just soulless aluminum and plastic that throws tiny projectiles fairly fast, meh.
Click to expand...

Same. I'm not going to sink a bunch of money into something I pull once. If I was going all high-speed I might think differently, but I don't.
 
My 9mm made me consider a gas sealed unit. For 22lr maybe the solid type, but I use a standard one in both applications. Back when steel case .223 ran 55gr@2500 FPS and the chambers didn't seal, the case would glue itself in the chamber. Kicking the bolt open on an AR too many times will eventually bend the handle. Maybe a 'better than milspec" handle will hold up to more than a few dozen kicks, but the standard type just reached a point where you needed to push it back in and use the bolt release. It was easy enough to hammer back to shape, and is still in use a decade later.
I also shoot almost entirely left handed. Some of the latchless types look interesting, but not enough to try.
Scope clearence is the best reason I can think of. For people used to right hand charging, a left handed/ambidexterous handle may make the AR more appealing... for those used to left hand charging/left handed people the AR's standard handle is on the correct side.
 
Oh yea, a lot of people, a whole lot of people are convinced their AR's are going to jam.... and they think a special charging handle with make that jam easier to clear. Maybe it will. As I mentioned above, I have kicked open an AR bolt several times with the old steel case (new production does not seem to do this) and while it held up fine, and even when it finally bent, it still worked, it was a small target to kick. I imagine a bigger handle, especially a latchless handle would be a far easier target.

In the last 15 years I have seen only one AR jam with something other than a ammo induced failure either low pressure steel, or incorrectly sized reloads. A better charging handle would not have fixed it any faster.
 
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