AR charging handle options?

[Col. Plink]

So having recently become an AR owner (despite misgivings about direct impingement), I am beginning to feel the seduction of a "custom" rifle. Firstly, I think I'd be happier if I could get a charging handle for it that works from the left side and just needs to be pushed. The idea is that it would not need to be grasped with fingers, but operated more like AK platform actions. Are there such things? Thanks in advance!

 

[berettaprofessor]

I'm a lefty...and own a whole bunch of ambidextrous charging handles of various types. I know many swear by the Raptor brand but at $80-$100, but I can't justify them. Most recently I've bought these and yeah, they're probably inferior but I still haven't broken one, so I can't tell that they won't hold up yet. At $20 each I can also afford to replace a few.

- Presma AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle - AR15Discounts

Presma Inc Ambidextrous AR-15 Charging Handle Brand new product that allows both right and left-handed shooters to easily charge their AR-15. Also useful fo

ar15discounts.com

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I use the Presma handles too. They are real nice when your using a scope.

 

[Col. Plink]

I know it may be specific to the user, but can these be operated with a push to the rear (as with the palm of the hand); or do they need to be grasped and pulled with the fingers but are easier to cycle? Thanks!

 

[American_Fusilier]

I really like the BCM Gunfighter charging handles.

 

[Jimster]

I use the BCM Gunfighter as well.

 

[Mk-211]

I used to have an AR with a dual charging setup from BCA. They also make a single side charging setup.




I just heard of this after a parody rifle was made. This actually looks like a decent side charging handle.

Side Charging Handle System | Devil Dog Concepts

devildogconcepts.com

 

[rsrocket1]

NVM, got scooped by MK-211 on the Bear Creek uppers

 

[LiveLife]

I really like the BCM Gunfighter charging handles.

I use the BCM Gunfighter as well.

Another vote for BCM charging handles. I am right handed and prefer to charge the bolt with left hand and extended handle makes it easy to operate and charging handle has been durable as my primary. Pricing starts at $59 for blem - https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-charging-handle/?sort=priceasc

recently I've bought these ... I still haven't broken one, so I can't tell that they won't hold up yet ... $20

I use the Presma handles too. They are real nice when your using a scope.

Another vote for Presma. While only $20, they operate easy with either handle and has been durable for me past several years of use.

can these be operated with a push to the rear (as with the palm of the hand); or do they need to be grasped and pulled with the fingers but are easier to cycle?

Yes. It doesn't matter what part of your body is used, since longer handles provide greater leverage, pull/push back on either ambi handle will actuate the gear mechanism and release the charging handle hook from upper receiver.

 

[LiveLife]

I used to have an AR with a dual charging setup from BCA. They also make a single side charging setup.

NVM, got scooped by MK-211 on the Bear Creek uppers

I have side charging upper from BCA and thing is whether you have single or dual side charging upper, if you want to remove the bolt for any reason, charging handle must be removed before you can pull the bolt back out of upper receiver.

Personally, for AR that may need bolt removal in the field or one that gets shot often enough to have bolt removal for cleaning/lubrication, I prefer the conventional charging handle option.

Another thing to consider is, for single side charging upper, you cannot replace the bolt with regular bolt as you need to use side charging bolt with holes to attached the side charging handle. Using dual side charging upper can accept regular bolt but you loose the forward assist/ejection port cover.

 

[gotboostvr]

I used to have an AR with a dual charging setup from BCA. They also make a single side charging setup.

View attachment 1176931
View attachment 1176932

I just heard of this after a parody rifle was made. This actually looks like a decent side charging handle.

Side Charging Handle System | Devil Dog Concepts

devildogconcepts.com

I really wish BCA made a left side charge, right side eject version.

 

[Mk-211]

I know this is 9mm, check their site to see if they have different calibers. Left charging/rear, right ejection port, not cheap.

9mm Dual Side Charging Upper & BCG 2.0 - Matrix Arms

Matrix Arms 9MM Side Charge Upper Bolt Carrier group 2 0 for 9mm features a rear charge option and is made of a standard upper forging. Includes a charging handle and BCG.

www.matrixarms.com

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Devil Dog Concepts makes a left side charging handle conversion. It does work, though the amount of effort involved in actuating the handle is increased quite a bit due to the offset geometries involved.

It does allow for charging by pushing against a desk or whatnot. Also handy if you have a low-aft mounted scope. On the downside, it takes up a bit of upper rail real-estate.

 

[Mk-211]

Here's the Matrix .223/556 version on the 9mm above.

 

[someguy2800]

I have like 8 bear creek side charging uppers. They work great and I like them a lot. The dual charging ones are my favorite as you can easily charge them with either hand in whichever position is more convenient. Very natural to use for anyone that grew up with 10/22's and semi auto shotguns with right side charging handles.

 

[Lo-Profile]

I just buy the mil-spec charging handles. Have tried a couple others, but always go back to mil-spec

 

[troy fairweather]

Been really liking the aero breach, think bcm just came out with a new one I need to check out. I've wanted to try one of those presma charge handles to, there A2 butt stock are great for the money, tho the sling loop is aluminum at will strip with more the 10in/lbs.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I’ve put Breek Warhammer charging handles on my AR’s for about $45 — but that Presma does look interesting.

Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2 AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle

Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2 AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle

www.joeboboutfitters.com

 

[bfoosh006]

I have been very happy with the Radian CH... especially if your AR has a scope mounted.

It won't be like a AK CH , but ... FWIW, one side is shorter, than the other .. so it doesn't poke your gut when slung.

Here is a Blem for sale at a great price.
https://www.primaryarms.com/radian-...cted=1&undefined=InvtPart&fragment=/purchases

 

[thump_rrr]

I really like the BCM Gunfighter charging handles.

Same

 

[js8588]

Blem – Forged MG4 Side Charging Upper Receiver

Cosmetic Blems - GIBBZ Arms Patented Left Side Non-reciprocating Charging Handle - Protected by Patent No. 9,310,146 - Machined from our Custom Forging (7075 Aluminum). - Shell deflector - Ejection port dust cover - Forward Assist - Uses all Mil-Spec and most Custom Bolt Carriers without...

www.gibbzarms.com

More FAL than AK, but...

 

[HKGuns]

I use Radian Raptor's in all of my many AR platform rifles, except for the Colts, which are all 100% stock Colt.

I've tried the BCM gunfighter and there was nothing wrong with it, I just like the Radian product better and believe them to be worth the extra cost.

 

[InTheSwamp]

Radian and Aero Breach for me. Might try the LaRue.

 

[md7]

I like the BCM gunfighter

 

[Riomouse911]

like many of the others above, the mid-sized BCM latches work great on my rifles so that’s what they wear. Any larger sized, ambidextrous latches were easy to grab, but they would inevitably get caught up on web gear or other stuff as we trained or were serving warrants, etc.

YMMV.

Stay safe.