AR Charging Handles

[unlimited4x4]

Thanks again to everyone responding. I definitely have a better idea of what I need to look for in a charging handle. From the responses there seems to be a lot of situational preference, meaning how and under what conditions the rifle will be used. I think I may start with just a good quality mil spec handle and then explore some of the options you all have discussed as I shoot and train.

 

[WinThePennant]

Mod 4 BCM is my preferred charging handle. Mod 5 works, too.

Don't over think it - BCM makes theirs with 7075 aluminum. BCM definitely makes one of the best.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm%20gfh%20mod%204%20556.htm

 

[taliv]

Carried m4`s with and without them in two deployments. If you spend alot of time with the rifle on or around you i wouldn`t get it. If its just a range baby or HD gun, then it would definitely have its uses. Having the rifle on you all the time it digs into your chest and if you have to chow sling it(across your back) it digs in something awful. Also be aware that anything that snags it will pop the latch and partially charge the rifle and when it releases its definitely audible.

wait... your unit's TTP was to carry on your back with bolt open on a loaded magazine??

(hopefully i'm reading too much into your statement... maybe you meant those things were happening not all at the same time)

 

[LiquidTension]

The argument that "it's just one more thing to break" is puzzling to me considering this it literally a curved piece of metal.

There are many documented cases of the BAD lever causing the bolt to fail to lock to the rear on empty. It works fine on my M&P15 but does not work on my SBR. Since it does not work on all of my rifles, it goes on none of them.

As for charging handles, I've moved to using nothing but the BCM Gunfighter with medium latch.

 

[unlimited4x4]

Based on everyone's responses I just ordered a BCM charging handle with the medium latch. As always BCM comes with high reccomendations from most of you. Thanks for everyones input.

 

[holdencm9]

wait... your unit's TTP was to carry on your back with bolt open on a loaded magazine??

I think he meant that extended latch can get caught on something and partially pull the bolt back (out of battery)

 

[taliv]

ok duh... that makes a lot more sense

 

[VegasAR15]

I recently got the BCM ambi. I have not had a chance to shoot it with it but I do like it a lot better than the stock one. I wanted one because I have had issues with stuck cases before and this gives me more area to grab onto when I am trying to clear a jam.