BCM GUNFIGHTER Charging handle is it worth it?

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horsemen61

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Ok guys here is the deal I have just purchased a new upper for my Ar 15. I went to a gun store today a new one I hadn't been to. While in there we discussed this topic and they guy behind the counter just swore up and down that a BCM Charging handle is the only way to go and will vastly improve my rifle. I thanked him for his opinion and left, the reason why is because I feel that I don't need to drop 50 bucks for this one part. So I ask you do you think it's worth it.
 
Depends...I did 20 years in the Marines and never had a "need" for it...I've got one but it's not the Holy Grail....it does lesson the little puff you sometimes get and it's easier to slingshot...not sure if it's worth $50 to you though...
 
I think its a nice piece. I run them on my AR's. Worth it? Hard to say. Depends on how you manipulate the bolt and if you think you might have to manipulate it from the left hand in a forceful manner.
 
We don't sell very many of them in our shop but the are one of the upgraded parts available. As others have said, they are not the end all, be all of charging handles but they are a step up from a mil-spec charging handle. I would recommend saving your money and putting it towards a trigger upgrade instead.
 
definitely not the ONLY way to go, but depending on how you plan to manipulate the CH, a tac latch of some flavor is recommended
 
If you have to ask if you need one you most likely really don't need one. An easy upgrade later if you find the current one lacking.
 
It is great if you are trying to use a manual of arms where you are cycling the charging handle while maintaining your firing grip and cheekweld. They are helpful if you have optics that interfere with the normal charging handle, are doing "mortar" type clearances or run a suppressor.
 
I think Hatt has the best answer so far. If you don't know (or even think) you need it, then you probably don't.

For what it's worth, people who generally "need" a CH like the gunfighter:
  1. People using an optic that restricts access to the charging handle
  2. Left handed people who want to train to manipulate the rifle quickly
  3. People who need an extended latch for their preferred manual of arms
 
I prefer a large latch over milspec. I have a badger latch on an AR, but have gone to the BCM mod 3 on the others. I like being able to easily swipe it with an open hand. The BCM seem more robust.
 
"trying to use a manual of arms where you are cycling the charging handle while maintaining your firing grip and cheekweld"

Bingo!
I always thought any other way was very stupid, like for 40 years until the last 6 years when I learned to maintain the firing grip and spot weld. What a difference!
 
If you were building an AR, I'd probably say to look close at getting one. Replacing one you already have? Probably not, unless you're going to competitions or combat.
 
My second BCM middle-sized charging handle arrived last week.

If I were sticking to irons only, I wouldn't bother, but I have optics for all four ARs now & the larger latches are useful with glass.

I consider the money well spent & will eventually stick them on the other two.
I don't hang loads of heavy junk on my ARs, but this is one upgrade I do like & find practical for me.
Denis
 
You have absolutely no need for it. Regular charging handle functions just fine.

Only a want.

Welcome to the world of b-AR-bie guns.

Save your money for 6.8 spcII ammo (if this is the same upper/rifle from your other current thread) and a couple magazines, you'll need those.
 
You have absolutely no need for it. Regular charging handle functions just fine.

Only a want.

Can you quickly charge your rifle or clear a misfire with your weak hand without needing to break your shoulder off the rifle?

They have their place. Only the OP knows if he needs it or not. Do you use your rifle mostly for hunting, bench shooting, or plinking? No, you probably shouldn't spend the money. Do you shoot action matches, carbine classes, or are you a police officer with a duty rifle? Yes, it might make sense to buy one.

Welcome to the world of b-AR-bie guns.


:rolleyes:
 
Can you quickly charge your rifle or clear a misfire with your weak hand without needing to break your shoulder off the rifle?They have their place. Only the OP knows if he needs it or not. Do you use your rifle mostly for hunting, bench shooting, or plinking? No, you probably shouldn't spend the money. Do you shoot action matches, carbine classes, or are you a police officer with a duty rifle? Yes, it might make sense to buy one.

OP said for hunting... course if you had read the thread instead...:uhoh:
 
One came on the last AR I bought. When I sold the upper, I kept it. It's a useful addition to me because I like being able to work the charging handle while keeping a firing grip. Look for a used one if you don't want to pay full price.
 
For a hunting rifle, I'd go w/ a PRI gasbuster. There's a noticeable reduction in the gas-to-nose vs a BCM gunfighter.

BCM claims the latch design allows for support hand op w/o the stress on the latch that you'd have w/ a standard CH. I don't know if the PRI does this or not. My last rifle was built with the goal of light weight & reliable function and I went w/ the BCM.

Someone's going to have to teach me how to maintain cheekweld while operating the charging handle; my face gets in the way. :)
 
it is? does it push it out the right side making it worse for lefties?


i used the silicon trick on the old BCM and it's worked pretty well at reducing gas for me
 
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