Aluminum receiver vs. Steel Charge handle latch who win?

[casio02478]

Just came back from a class and the instructor suggested that to me to switch out my badger ordnance steel tac latch from my AR's charging handle back to the original. He stated that since steel is so much harder then aluminum it will rapidly ground down the notch where the latch catches on the receiver and making it fail and forcing me to buy a new receiver. In theory it makes sense but does it really make enough of a difference in the long run that somewhere down the road I am going to be sorry?

 

[blackhawk2000]

Haven't heard of it happening. Quite a few people have them so you think you would have heard something by now.

 

[7mmsavage]

I've been wondering about this too. Except I am thinking of the takedown pins, and recoil against the lower reciever. I guess it's not a problem in 5.56or everyone would be having problems. But what about these 6.8's .458 socoms .450 bushmasters, or massive .50 bmg uppers being attached to lowers designed for the smaller round. I can picture the hole getting egg shaped and then you end up with an expensive paper weight.

 

[taliv]

quite a few people have them, but not that many people ever use them.

my steel tac latch has worn a considerable spot on the receiver.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

What taliv said... many people have them but fewer use them. Among those who do use them, the problem is fairly well documented with the first generation Badger handles with the long extended latch. The problem with the Badger latch isn't the steel latch so much as the design of the charging handle - when you wear the rifle slung the extended latch is constantly getting snagged/grabbed so that the latch is constantly being dragged against the receiver notch. I also think the original Badger is a little more aggressive on the catch design as well (pointy).

If you go with either the second generation Badger or the PRI, they don't have the problem nearly as bad even though they also use steel latches. They still wear more than a standard charging handle; but it will take quite awhile to wear out the upper receiver notch. I know I haven't done it yet despite some good use.

 

[rino451]

I think that the idea is to beef up a weak** link in the AR possibly at the expense of a relatively inexpensive and easily replaceable part (the upper).

1. Stripped upper = $100-$200 maybe (Colt aside...)
2. Weakest part in the AR platform from a usage standpoint = probably the charging handle. (I'd imagine that more than one had been broken in combat, but that's just a guess. **It's highly likely that it's a solution looking for a problem.)
3. How long will it take to wear out an upper = a long time, and even if worn, I'm not sure that there's be a functional impact.

My $.02.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The reason the Badger and similar charging handles are popular is because the larger size lets you use them easier and faster with optics mounted. I call it the "slapping your face" method.

I have seen bent charging handles; but rarely on Colts. They are usually aftermarket charging handles that were not manufactured to the same standard as the military/Colt handles.

 

[taliv]

the upper (CMT) on my carbine with the PRI latch has 5177 rnds through it. i'd estimate about 2/5ths of the metal is gone from the receiver where it contacts the latch.

I stopped by a gun store this morning while i was out getting breakfast where I happen to know the proprietor has an SBR with the same PRI latch. I checked it and he has worn about 1/5th of it off. Don't know the round count, but I'd guess under 1000 rnds.


as bart said, the latch isn't there because it's stronger. it's because it's hard/painful to grab the standard latch when you're doing drills over and over and over in a day. having a large latch that's easy to hook with your finger and doesn't put all the pressure in the same spot on your finger, is a big help.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

the upper (CMT) on my carbine with the PRI latch has 5177 rnds through it. i'd estimate about 2/5ths of the metal is gone from the receiver where it contacts the latch.

I'd have to look at my log book to be sure; but that sounds about right for my PRI Gasbuster w/big latch. Maybe a bit closer to 6,500.