I run a large latch BCM Gunfighter on my AR and it is easy to run the charging handle with a swipe of the palm of my left hand. Reciprocating charging handles are just silly to me, especially on an AR. But that's me.
AR charging handle options?
- Thread starter Col. Plink
- Start date
redneck2
Member
I’m far from a hardcore AR guy, though I do have three. I personally find the Gunfighter significantly superior to a stock ones particularly on rifles that have scope type (tube) optics
Phaedrus/69
Member
I'm also not a hardcore AR guy despite having four of them depending on how strictly you define an "AR". As a guy that didn't buy my first AR til I was 40 and never served in the military I've always found the charging handle to be weird and awkward compared to a more conventional side charging lever of some kind, and to me the weak link of the design. That said, of the ones I've tried my favorite is the Radian Raptor. I should try some other ambi models for the Radian works well and comes stock on PWS guns.
The Radian Raptor and those that look similar from BCM and others all work well. I prefer the Raptor though. The BCM latching system kinda trips me up. I've also tried the Presma handle. It looks like an attempt at copying the Radian. If you try one of these, be sure to stack the rolls pins. Once you hit a few hundred rounds, they start to works themselves out.
The Raptors and all that have a similar look have the same problem, they tend to get hooked on stuff and they poke you when the rifle is slung. My favorite charging handle is the Grip-N-Rip from Daniel Defense. It won't poke you, is less likely to get snagged and is slick to operate.
The Raptors and all that have a similar look have the same problem, they tend to get hooked on stuff and they poke you when the rifle is slung. My favorite charging handle is the Grip-N-Rip from Daniel Defense. It won't poke you, is less likely to get snagged and is slick to operate.
bbqncigars
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- Joined
- Mar 30, 2023
- Messages
- 64
I've got two ARs with Devil Dog side chargers mounted. They work well on my range toys, but I wouldn't run one in the sandbox.
wesmonster
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- Joined
- Jul 19, 2019
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- 392
I run several older Raptors, a few Geisseles in both the full size & Airborne (small) size, and a few Badger latches.
For large scopes, hard to beat the Badger. For anything smaller it sticks out quite a bit but great with bulky winter gloves.
I kinda prefer the ambi handles overall, most of my other platforms are right side charge handles and while I usually use my left hand I sometimes inadvertantly use my right.
Downside of ambis are having one dig into your back when slung behind you. At least with a Badger it's just on one side.
Overall the Geissele Airborne is my favorite as a 'do it all' ambi handle with nice melted edges & a good gas busting lip to boot. But I've only bought one on a really good Black Friday sale, too pricey for me at msrp.
If your gun safe is as packed as mine is, storing several ARs with extended latches side by side can be tricky.
For large scopes, hard to beat the Badger. For anything smaller it sticks out quite a bit but great with bulky winter gloves.
I kinda prefer the ambi handles overall, most of my other platforms are right side charge handles and while I usually use my left hand I sometimes inadvertantly use my right.
Downside of ambis are having one dig into your back when slung behind you. At least with a Badger it's just on one side.
Overall the Geissele Airborne is my favorite as a 'do it all' ambi handle with nice melted edges & a good gas busting lip to boot. But I've only bought one on a really good Black Friday sale, too pricey for me at msrp.
If your gun safe is as packed as mine is, storing several ARs with extended latches side by side can be tricky.
BreechFace
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2020
- Messages
- 3,513
Strike Industries replacement latch works for me and is cost effective, as one only has to replace the latch on the OEM handle.
