The roll pin on the charging handle on my AR came out on me and buggered up my receiver a bit, and I'm looking at whether I should just replace the pin or upgrade from the standard mil spec charging handle. Some of them are pretty expensive for what seems like a simple part but what's the consensus on upgrading them? I'm a right hander but my oldest daughter who also shoots the rifle with me is a lefty if that matters, I'm wondering if it would be worth getting something ambi.
Charging Handles
- Thread starter IdaD
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troy fairweather
Member
Bcm gun fighter
wiscoaster
Member
I like the charging handle that's ambi and also gives you a little more leverage. They're really not all that expensive. I've got a couple of the BCM Gunfighter charging handles and wouldn't go back to the mil-spec for anything:
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/bolt-parts/charging-handle-parts/charging-handles/ar-15-bcmgunfighter-charging-handle-gen-2-black-ambidextrous-prod116403.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=bravo+company
(Out of stock, unfortunately)
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/bolt-parts/charging-handle-parts/charging-handles/ar-15-bcmgunfighter-charging-handle-gen-2-black-ambidextrous-prod116403.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=bravo+company
(Out of stock, unfortunately)
jonnyc
Member
Of 6 ARs, only one of mine has an ambi and I never notice or think about it. I shoot righty and rack the rifles with my left hand, so my single amby isn't even a factor.
gotboostvr
Member
BCM Gunfighter was my go-to. I like the medium sized one personally.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
BCM gunfighter x2
Tommygunn
Member
BCM is good and I have some on my AR rifles. Also, Radian makes good ones too. I'm like Bfh_auto, I hate the mil spec version. I replace them because of that, I don't wait until they break.
I planned to recommend replacement of the latch with an extended version, but most of those are priced higher than $20, so the aftermarket charge handle makes more sense. Just find one that works the way you want it.
mcb
Member
Mortar that rifle if the case is stuck. Will save your fingers and your charging handle no matter which charging handle you use.
wiscoaster
Member
Amazing how much force those AR's need from time to time. When I changed out my barrel nut to put on a new handguard I couldn't believe how hard I had to whack the wrench to get it loose. I thought for sure I was going to destroy my rifle. But it turned out OK.
Skylerbone
Member
My favorites are the Phase5 Ambi Battle Latch and the Radian Raptors. Have them on all mine with one exception that wears a Strike Extended.
mcb
Member
The top charging handle, why does it have teeth and more importantly why the holes. Seem like a bad place to drill a hole. So many stress concentrators...
BreechFace
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the advice above is all good, I have nothing much to add other than I like the milspec handles and shoot mostly left handed.
I only commented to add that the cost is because they make them in the most expensive way possible in most cases. While a stamped sheetmetal process would work, and looks like what used, the good ones are milled, and go through a lot of metal, and machine time, and thats what you pay for.
I only commented to add that the cost is because they make them in the most expensive way possible in most cases. While a stamped sheetmetal process would work, and looks like what used, the good ones are milled, and go through a lot of metal, and machine time, and thats what you pay for.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
At this point, I like the Radian more than the BCM.
mcb
Member
Mil-spec charging handles are machined from a forging of 7075 aluminum. A lot of the fancier charging handles are machined from billets of 7075-T6(51), hence the extra cost due to all the extra machining required. Cheap charging handles are made from forged or billet 6061 aluminum.
Charlie98
Member
I thought it was BS Tacticool nonsense, but I needed a new CH and this was on sale... but after using it, I'm sold 100%.
BreechFace
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Just changing the latches on a mil spec charging handle for $8.95 makes a big difference.
https://www.primaryarms.com/strike-industries-extended-charging-handle-latch-si-ar-latch
https://www.primaryarms.com/strike-industries-extended-charging-handle-latch-si-ar-latch
As a southpaw, I really like the Radian Raptor and am migrating all my ARs to them as funds allow.
They work well from either side and even though the right side lever is slightly longer to clear the forward assist, it won't dig into you when slung as some of the other extended charging handles do.
The only downside I have found with the Raptor is the cost which at ~$80 is very steep for a charging handle, but it is worth it to me.
They work well from either side and even though the right side lever is slightly longer to clear the forward assist, it won't dig into you when slung as some of the other extended charging handles do.
The only downside I have found with the Raptor is the cost which at ~$80 is very steep for a charging handle, but it is worth it to me.
I like those also, have them on 2 rifles.
I believe those were made by Vltor for BCM.
Recently bought the newer model they offer.
Prefer the one made by Vltor
DustyGmt
Member
BCM or Radian. I think PRI is supposed to be top notch too but idk about availability, I know the PRI is pricey.
The BCM is basically my boring standby CH, it's only a lil bit fancier than the Mil spec and you can feel the quality/ergo difference right away. It's also nice to have size option too. I have a few mediums and a large. I recommend the large for a scoped rifle, medium for RDS, Irons, etc...
The BCM is like $50. The radian feels great too, if I didnt go the BCM route the radian would probably be my brand.
The BCM is basically my boring standby CH, it's only a lil bit fancier than the Mil spec and you can feel the quality/ergo difference right away. It's also nice to have size option too. I have a few mediums and a large. I recommend the large for a scoped rifle, medium for RDS, Irons, etc...
The BCM is like $50. The radian feels great too, if I didnt go the BCM route the radian would probably be my brand.
Skylerbone
Member
@BreechFace already answered the why, that’s the Radian SD (side discharge) thus the holes. That one is gone to a new home as I sold the pistol but future plan is to suppress one and purchase another SD for it.
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