Sidechaging AR Builds?

I built a side charger AR-15, a 26" varminter, to see what is like. It works fine but I prefer the no reciprocating T handle.

Too many nusiances out way the minor positives. A big nusiance is I cannot hang a brass catcher on the rifle. Remember, this is a 12 pound, "crew served", AR-15.

The only problem with right-side charging that I see is that you have to use your right hand to charge the gun, which is against modern carbine technique where your right hand is always in control of the pistol grip.

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Use the AK method of left hand under so right hand stays where it is, ~60 degree rotation to the right helps.

Yeah... let's follow the AK model that was a point of main-complaint for decades instead of emulating the FAL, G-3, and Galil, which were all held up as points of positive contrast to the AK for decades...

Why in the world would anyone do this unless you are left handed?

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Matches my sentiments. I don't have any issues with the standard charging handle.

To the OP: show pics when you're done. I didn't want to come off as the cranky old guy before, I still question the utility of the modification and don't particularly think that a right side handle is best for a right handed shooter, but let's be honest: for most of us these are toys, and what makes us smile is what we need. More wagging and less barking. Enjoy!



"FYI, that isn't what goofy-footed means. Goofy and regular are just like left and right handed but for your feet. Neither is wrong in the slightest."


I can only speak to my surfing days in Florida in the 70's: Goofy meant opposite footed, no matter if right or left handed. It's not wrong, just goofy. And that's not an insult, it's intended with good humor and a smile remembering good times. Maybe terms have changed. BTW, it's how I surfed myself. It comes from Bruno Gouvy, who was, well.. Goofy footed.



Willie





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I have thought about using a side charging upper and a barrel without gas port to produce a straight pull bolt action. It would make a target or varmint rifle for when you wanted the simple construction of an AR but did not want it throwing your prepped brass in the weeds. It might gain a little accuracy with no moving parts, too.

Since "goofy footed" has gotten full drift status- there is a simple way to tell if you are regular footed or goofy footed. Stand with both feet even, shoulder distance apart. Have someone give you a good shove in the chest. If you move your right foot back to stabilize yourself, you're regular footed. Left foot back and you're goofy. Everyone has a natural inclination.

To the OP: enjoy your rifle the way you want it .

May I suggest:

http://www.americanspiritarms.com/

I've actually handled one of their carbines; left-hand charging, non-reciprocating, good quality. Field stripped the upper. Unique operating action and take-down procedure. A very minor machining operation converts the bolt carrier for use with the proprietary charging handle.

To save money, buy the stripped upper and machine your own carrier.

Still expensive but solves the problem without having to spend huge bucks for a complete carbine/rifle.

Very nice, that is a good looking set up!

I am running a side charging AR and like it a lot but mine is left side. I don't have any issues with it but then again mine is used as a hunter and don't really use it locked down on the bench.