Steel Charging handle on an AR-15?

[Avenger29]

I've read here that the big steel tac latch charging handles cause wear of the upper receiver in ARs. What about just a plain steel handle with a standard latch?

 

[Onmilo]

I have an all steel charging handle with a Badger Gen. ll Tac Latch on a dedicated three gun Match AR rifle.
Neither part has worn the upper receiver to any great degree though the finish on the upper part of the receiver extension tube through hole is becoming worn, the charging handle hasn't eaten into the receiver.

 

[El Tejon]

I've had one on one of mine of a very long time now. No noticable wear.

However, I believe proper technique is a better substitute than gear. You see a lot of guys crane claw the charging handle with the shooting hand and twist the living stuffing out of it, especially if they ever shoot off the bench.

Learn the proper technique and the gear questions answer themselves.

 

[taliv]

heh, i must not know the proper technique. all of mine are worn down more than half-way (and none have seen much bench time)

 

[rbernie]

Where does one get a steel charging handle?

 

[Avenger29]

Well, Brownell's has one.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Why do you need a steel one?

 

[PTK]

Why do you need a steel one?

I've seen way too many aluminum CHs simply shear off under normal use.

 

[taliv]

really? i've never even heard of ch shearing off.

i thought the reason steel was advocated was to prevent bending the CH and getting the BCG stuck

 

[PTK]

I have personally seen eight CHs shear off under normal use. Most were Bushmaster factory, one was a DPMS, and I believe one was from a build using Model 1 Sales parts.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Well, the Model 1 CH's make sense. They seem like they were made out of aluminum foil...

 

[PTK]

That was over a year ago - the recent CHs from M1S are actually quite sturdy.

 

[taliv]

so if you want to prevent shearing, you don't need a steel CH. you just need to stop buying crap

 

[Avenger29]

so if you want to prevent shearing, you don't need a steel CH. you just need to stop buying crap

I understand the cheaper charging handles that some of the cheaper manufactorers use aren't too good. I want a good quality Al one, or I am looking at a steel one.

I am not saying I "need" one. I am buying a rifle to last me a lifetime, and I am choosing carefully my parts for the best durability and longevity. Many of the other questions I had I found the answer easily by searches, but this is one of those questions where I have not found much information.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

so if you want to prevent shearing, you don't need a steel CH. you just need to stop buying crap

Agreed.

I have never broken a CH on any of my AR15's. I don't think you need a steel CH. Just buy from a decent company.

 

[rcmodel]

The aluminum one on my oldest Colt is going on 38 years now.

Suppose I should be worried about breaking it off anytime soon?

rcmodel

 

[Onmilo]

There are stamped aluminum and forged aluminum Mil-Spec charger handles on the market.
The stamped aluminum handles will not stand up to hard use.
You won't find a stamped aluminum charging handle on a Colt, they build even civilian semi auto rifles to Mil-Spec.

You can get forged aluminum Mil-Spec Prairie River Arms charger handles from Brownells.
Prairie River is a Mil-Spec. subcontractor.
http://www.brownells.com

 

[Avenger29]

I'm assuming LMT makes their charging handles the right way...

I picked up an LMT lower yesterday. Going to pick up my upper and bolt carrier, etc. in a couple of weeks. It's on layaway.

I'll pick up another CH, though, to go in my spare parts supply (along with another bolt and stuff like springs, etc.)

There are stamped aluminum and forged aluminum Mil-Spec charger handles on the market.
The stamped aluminum handles will not stand up to hard use.
You won't find a stamped aluminum charging handle on a Colt, they build even civilian semi auto rifles to Mil-Spec.

I thought it was only the LE series they built to milspec, and the civvie rifles built to a little less. And what's up with the weird sized holes?? Regardless, I don't drink the Colt Koolaid and they are out of my price range.

 

[Onmilo]

The wierd size holes and the lack of a dingus switch are the Colt concession to the all seeing, all knowing government.

That said I don't subscribe to the all Hail Colt club either.
Matter of fact DPMS and Bushmaster are favorites of mine.

Why do I have a steel charging handle in one of my rifles and a Precision Reflex GasBuster charging handle in another of my personal rifles?
Because this is American and I can spend my money on any and all the 'useless' stuff I want to.