Tactical AR charging handle

[ColdDayInHell]

I recently bought a Badger Ordnance Tactical charging handle latch for my AR-15 and it has some scratches on it. I bought it used from a member on another forum in my area. The scratches aren't deep but the black finish has scratched away. What is the best way to fix this? Maybe paint the whole thing over or soak it in something and sand it? Please let me know as I want to put it on soon. Thanks THR,

Al

http://badgerordnance.com/tactical-latch/

That's the model latch I have if you need it.

 

[Shmackey]

It's gonna get scratched anyway. Just use it?

 

[Birddog1911]

Seriously, why worry about it if you're going to shoot it?

 

[meanmrmustard]

Find someone with a small blaster. Blast it with glass bead, Duracoat or Alumahyde.

 

[Quentin]

Are you saying all the finish is gone? That would indicate hard use and I'd inspect for cracks and weakening. For normal scratches I think it's a waste of time doing more than quick touch up. The CH is subject to wear with normal use and you'll see scratches. Some people really are hard on them, that would be my main concern with a used, abused part.

 

[Walkalong]

What is the best way to fix this?

Quit worrying about it. But, if you really want to make it pretty, Aluma-Hyde II works well for that sort of thing.

I did a grip safety on a 1911 with it. It looks factory and has held up well.

I also used it to do some Ball Pein hammers and some Pipe Wrenches that needed rust removal. Holding up great.

I see a lot posted about good results with DuraCote as well.

 

[Walkalong]

Well, I see meanmrmustard beat me to it.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Well, I see meanmrmustard beat me to it.

Sorry bro!

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Seriously, why worry about it if you're going to shoot it?

Because I am a nut and keep all my guns in excellent shape. It isn't going to get scratched as I only shoot it at the range and outside. It stays in my case in the meanwhile. How could the charging handle latch get scratched anyways?

 

[CWL]

That's just normal wear & tear.

If I was bothered by that, I'd just give it a work-over with a black permanent marker, I think Birchwood Casey makes a marker pen especially for this.

Actually, it wouldn't bother me. I'd be more worried about someone with a well-word but well cared-for firearm than anyone with a spanking-new & shiny one. Guess which one is probably the better shot?

 

[chaser_2332]

wow i have no words for this post

 

[ColdDayInHell]

wow i have no words for this post

You just said 8 . Some people like neat things and some could care less what their gun looks like.

 

[Birddog1911]

From the pic, that is just wear and tear. Anything you use to cover it will likely wear, if you actually use it.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Ya it isn't as bad as I thought it was. I will just leave it the way it is. It is an awesome handle latch though, everyone with an AR should at least try one.

 

[Quentin]

My post above assumed you were talking about the entire charging handle as the thread title indicates.

 

[tarosean]

most of its covered and will wear anyhow

 

[SilentStalker]

I usually just buy the whole thing from Magpul and replace the charging handle altogether. I find the extended latch very handy as well as the BAD lever....

 

[highorder]

How could the charging handle latch get scratched anyways?

Probably wear from shipping and handling...or perhaps it got scratched upon removal from the factory package, and scuffed by the abrasive paper of a shipping envelope.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I wouldn't normally say this, but - seriously, you actually started a post on this? There's like one tiny little scratch that will probably be hidden from view anyway. Did you notice that your entire AR15 is dull black and ugly, in about 10 different shades and textures of ugly dull gray/black?

 

[Mot45acp]

Hell....I've never seen one that nice new in the package.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

THR is a little sensitive on the gun condition topic. What if I told you that I can shoot quite accurately with my M&P15? Just because you want something to look nice doesn't mean you forget about the way you handle it. I first get myself acclimated and accurate with any new gun, and then I strip it completely and figure out how to reassemble it. Everyone is different when it comes to guns and the way they treat it. I just installed the latch and it works great!

 

[Walkalong]

Some people like to keep guns new looking, and some will plunk a new gun down on a concrete bench without a second thought. To each their own.

You will never see my Smiths or Colts laying on anything but soft surfaces like gun rugs or towels. AR's, not so much. I won't abuse them, but I won't coddle them either.

Pretty guns can be crap, and ugly guns can be real shooters. You never know till you try them.

 

[hardluk1]

Guess you can take it up with the guy you bought it from. OR you should have bought NEW from badger or some other supplier. Guess buying used parts you can expect them not to be perfect. Guess you could have bought new also. The people at THR tend to take care of there firearms. Shoot them clean and lube them and treat them well but not get anal about a small something here and there most times. The firearms are just tools anyhow. Personaly I have some very serious shooters too. With lots of small nicks and dinks on them all. I have the same latch on my sport and did not cost much brand new. around 13 bucks when I got mine 6 months back. Beside why would any one here know what happend. Go over to ar15 or m4forum and ask those guys. hehe.

 

[WNTFW]

Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp...pw.r_qf.&fp=fd8d87dbf551ab53&biw=1429&bih=686

You can touch it up as often as you see fit. Works on the reciever and other aluminum. Use it & then follow up with some of your favorite lube.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Thanks. I may just leave it alone. Finally a nice answer rather than tearing my post apart and telling me how to keep an AR the "right way." I'm bot sensitive but I usually get good responses from THR. Thanks again.