Small review on a new Charging Handle

[David Hoback]

I’m big on small parts in AR builds. I’ve spent almost two decades tracking down the BEST parts, as they are to me. I assess parts by materials, machining/fit & finish, function & lastly, cost. The old saying “you get what you pay for”, is not always the case in the custom AR world. I don’t go by names because few manufacturers actually make their own parts. I’ve proven this on more than one occasion.

The question of which N Charging Handle is asked many times each year on most forums. While people have different favorites, I’m willing to bet the Radian Raptor is the leading favorite. I do like the style, but spending $80-$100+ on a Charging Handle is not something I’ll do. I’ve used them, and they are nice. But $80+? No! I made $40 to $50 as an ABSOLUTE line drawn in the sand for the max I will spend. And I will only spend $50 if it truly WOWS me!

Some years ago, I came across the newly made Breek Arms Warhammer. I liked it, but the finger levers seemed a bit long. Most reviewers liked it, but agreed. It had a near 3” spread from side to side. Yikes! I held off. But very recently they have now made the Micro Warhammer. I immediately new it was the right one! 7075-T6, perfect machining & fit. The levers are perfect size. And all for $39.99. (It’s normally $44.95, but goes on sale often). Still, I would spend $50 on this Charging Handle. It’s nice enough I would go to my MAX price. But, I didn’t have to. Screamin’ deal!



This is what I really like about it. Besides looking & feeling great, the locking latch is ULTRA heavy duty! It gets continuously wider from the lock to the finger lever. And look how thick it is! This is a big selling point. It’s so light, but so heavy duty and well made.




Just a small thing my friends. But I’m fond of high quality small parts, at incredible prices. It’s in doing this I build Top Tier AR’s at a FRACTION of the cost of those like LWRC, Knights Arm, LaRue Tact.

 

[powermad]

Cool, now I know what to replace the BCM I have with.
I have a Radian on one that I got used and have been waiting to see if I could find another before spending full price.
That looks like it work nicely.
The AR10 Radian cost me a bit more.
I do have Radian safety selectors in everything, that pretty much became a must have after the first one.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I refuse to spend 80 bucks on a charging handle. I would mill a slot in my uppers and make a side charger before that. I think every one of mine is pretty basic. I dont like the big latches. I did replace the lever on one of mine with a bit larger and taller one.

 

[gotboostvr]

I still really like the old VLTOR/BCM ones, preferably with a medium latch.

A upgraded charging handle is one of the last few things left before my carbine is "finished". This BA one might be the ticket though.

 

[David Hoback]

Cool, now I know what to replace the BCM I have with.
I have a Radian on one that I got used and have been waiting to see if I could find another before spending full price.
That looks like it work nicely.
The AR10 Radian cost me a bit more.
I do have Radian safety selectors in everything, that pretty much became a must have after the first one.

I’ll give you that. Those are really nice Selectors.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Thanks for the write up!

I'm cheap though and given that I saw few/if any charging handles be an issue when I was in the service I'm not running out to buy a solution.

 

[mshootnit]

made in USA?

 

[David Hoback]

Yes, they are made in USA with American 7075-t6 Billet Aluminum.

Ohen Cepel, I would only encourage those already looking to switch to an Ambi Handle or who are building a higher end AR. But you are correct. MilSpec Charging Handles work fine, and no, they don’t fail. That is not the point of it. The main thing is to have an Ambi style handle that functions easier. Aside from that, it’s simply a higher end part for not a ton of money. And it is very aesthetically pleasing. I’ve built AR’s since shortly after the AWB expired. I’ve built some basic shooters, sure. However, these days I build very high end ARs. An AR that shoots Sub MOA and has fit/finish like the $2600+ Top Tier examples, but for less than Half that cost!

 

[Riomouse911]

Not a bad deal at all .

I like the BCM medium ones as well. For years on SRT the bigger handles that were added on our M-4’s did get caught up in molle webbing and pouches on my entry vests. The medium BCM were about the perfect size match between the extra grip leverage and “snag ability” on stuff.

Stay safe.

 

[JShirley]

I considered carefully.

I ended up getting a SI ARCH and T-bone- but your review definitely motivated me, so thank you. (I had robbed another upper to have a charing handle for my new @FM PRODUCTS pistol upper, but it deserves its own, quality CH.)

 

[wesmonster]

Just be wary of the cheap knockoffs. I have several Raptors & Geissele handles on my builds and liked em enough I bough several unmarked knock off Raptors from various sources. Most have held up OK but one that was bought at a gun show dropped it's right side latch when the roll pin came loose, and surprise, it's not a std. size roll pin. Fortunately it was smaller so I drilled & re-pinned both latches.
I do remember buying several Raptor knockoffs from Henderson Defense years ago on a black friday sale for under $20 a pop, they've held up well. Although HD did advertise these as 'Made in USA' and it came out they're made overseas, so lots of buyers got refunds.
Strike Industries also makes a nice handle with a generous gas buster lip, not sure what they fetch today but mine was on sale for cheap at the time.

If you're trying to clear a big scope it's hard to beat the Badger Tac latch, pricey for just being a latch you swap on a GI handle but all steel and guaranteed to snag anything.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like the Strike Industries latch replacement. I prefer single sided extensions and the latch replacement is very affordable.