AR Methods of Charging Handle Manipulation

[Newbie22]

Hello THR,

I've recently been getting into some more serious shooting with my AR (3-gun competitions and the like, and I'm going to take a carbine class once I have enough money saved for it). One of the questions I've been pondering lately is what the "best" way to manipulate the charging handle is. In my research I've come across three main methods, with their pros and cons:





Pros:

Solid grip can apply lots of force
Ambidextrous without an ambi charging handle latch
Less chance of putting horizontal stress that could bend the charging handle over time

Cons:

Hard to do while keeping the ejection port oriented towards the ground (for right handed shooters trying to clear a malfunction)
For me at least, its slower than the other methods





Pros:

For me at least, this is the fastest method
Gross motor skill that won't degrade under stress

Cons:

Can be hard to do without an extended charging handle latch
Not ambidextrous
Seems like it could bend the charging handle over time





Pros:

Easy to do even if your rifle doesn't have an extended latch
Doesn't put horizontal stress on the charging handle

Cons:

Fine motor skill which makes it easy to fumble under stress
Not ambidextrous


What do you guys think is the best method? What do you personally use? Why? What would the pros and cons be if you were using each one in a competition, combat, or personal defense scenario? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,
Newbie

 

[Sambo82]

Good post. I use the pinch method personally. I don't shoot competitively but I did get ALOT of m16 time in the Marines and I don't think I've ever fumbled with it under pressure. I've learned that with the claw method I have to break my cheek weld more than I'd like, with the pinch method it's not as extreme. I've never tried the edge of hand method, actually. Do you have problems with your hand sliding off of the handle before you get it pulled back far enough? That might be a problem with people who use milspec charging handle latches.

 

[conhntr]

Claw; feels most natural and be most likely to revert to/ remember in a stress situation

 

[Quentin]

Really none of the above but closest to the second picture, but I keep my palm down and catch the handle with my index finger. I do use the BCM Gunfighter with the medium latch (Mod 4).

 

[Husker_Fan]

Pinch is what was taught in the carbine class I went to. It also seemed to be much quicker to get back on target than the claw method. A larger than standard latch will help.

 

[Newbie22]

Do you have problems with your hand sliding off of the handle before you get it pulled back far enough? That might be a problem with people who use milspec charging handle latches.

I have had that problem in the past. My software solution was to push my off hand towards the gun harder to keep my hand from sliding off, hence my worries about long term damage. I would think a decent hardware solution would be to install an extended latch so the edge of your hand has more to grip, but that doesn't really solve the problem if you find yourself using a rifle without one.

 

[crazysccrmd]

I use a variation of the pinch, more between the sides of the finger and thumb. Almost like a one sided claw. Works well since my ACOG extends over the top of the charging handle.

 

[Arp32]

Claw, and I never thought about it until this post. Self-taught shooter, so to speak.

 

[jim243]

Claw method for first shot. I am right handed so I use the left hand to hold the rifle and use the right for the charging handle. After the first mag, it is slap the bolt release for the next mag to charge

Jim

 

[Dr.Rob]

Claw method. It gives more positive grip/leverage for clearing a jam, evenly distributes force on the charging handle.

I can see the pinch working, but the edge of hand might require an extended latch for positive engangement.

My dedicated 22lr upper is tougher to charge than my Colt 6920. I can't see using anything but 'claw' to charge it.

 

[SpentCasing]

I use the pinch method a kind of "throw" the CH like I would a reciprocating CH like on an AK. BCM gunfighter CH Mod4 helps this process but its no problem on a stock CH.

 

[OilyPablo]

I bit the bullet and bought this:

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3172

The claw with the fingertips (or any method) is super easy and very smooth and quick.

 

[gotigers]

Pinch or edge of hand. It makes sense. I try to do it the same all the time. That is why i like a medium or long latch. The classes i took also teach the edge of hand in a slapping motion.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I use the claw. Being right handed, I keep my right hand on the grip and manipulate the charging handle with my left.

Most all weapon manipulations done by a right handed shooter on the AR platform should be performed with the left hand while the right hand stays on the grip, at least that is how I was instructed.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

A right-handed shooter can employ the "claw method" using the right hand. Simply roll the rifle to the right using your support hand to point the ejection port at the ground. (The right hand can be used to "Tap" and "Rack" while the left hand grips the handguard.)

Personally I use the "pinch" method (but I refer to it as the "bottle opener" method). The index finger of the left hand operates the latch and pulls the charging handle while the left thumb presses into the center of the charging handle to counteract the lateral force of the index finger (like using a bottle opener). I installed a P.R.I. big latch-military (weenie) latch on all my charging handles and it makes working the charging handle much easier.

For me at least, this is the fastest method

It's easy to be deluded by "speed". What you want is a technique that is reliable and robust that can be performed quickly in many different circumstances. With combative manipulations the fastest technique is not always the best technique. Keep in mind that it may take a little longer to make sure you do it right the first time, but it'll take a lot longer if you have to do it over again.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I use the pinch method 95% of the time, and that's my only method for most shooting and malfunction clearing. I use the claw method for certain administrative purposes - it's for me the easiest way to lock the bolt back manually, for instanced. I never use the edge of hand method, ever.

The pinch method, and I assume the edge of hand method also, is made much easier with a BCM Gunfighter charging handle - they are a huge improvement to the AR design, IMHO something I would upgrade before triggers, grips, or almost anything else besides adding an optic.

 

[conhntr]

Do you guys feel comfortable training with a technique that is only effective with an aftermarket part?

If i eneded up with a borrowed rifle or had to replace a charging handle with a stock style due to damage i wouldnt want to have to learn a new technique as well....

 

[Shawn Dodson]

If i eneded up with a borrowed rifle or had to replace a charging handle with a stock style due to damage i wouldnt want to have to learn a new technique as well....

Borrowed rifle? Swap the charging handle with your own.

Replace a charging handle due to damage? Simply install the same extended latch on your spare charging handle so it's the same as the damaged one. Or keep a charging handle of the same design as a ready spare.

 

[offroaddiver]

Ok this thread made me curious so I dug the AR out and tried a couple of different things. Tried charging when standing, with rifle shouldered and/or prone, also have a scope that i tossed on just to see interference. I saw the argument for oversized and mil spec handles so I did both here's what I found out.

claw and pinch when standing work very well. edge of hand can be done but seem to put side pressure on charging handle and may be a training issue. With optics claw would be difficult with thicker shooting gloves on. oversized handle does help with all styles. claw oversized and optics can pose pinch hazard on bottom of scope.

when prone claw with right hand same as standing, left hand since i'm right handed... nearly imposible. pinch has worked well. I did the edge of hand with the oversized handle and still doable but putting a bind on AR. Edge of hand with mil spec..... Resulted in me slapping myself across the face!

I would go with pinch or claw.If you just hook the index finger it works well. I doubt I will ever use edge of hand unless I was using an oversized handle.

I enjoy a laugh like everyone, but please learn my my mistake.

 

[OilyPablo]

Do you guys feel comfortable training with a technique that is only effective with an aftermarket part?

I guess you could say this about a lot of things. If it's a true SHTF situation and your pimped AR blows up, is stolen by the zombies, whatever and you end up with an bone stock AR from a DB, I would say just adapt. It's not like it's the end of the world or anything....well OK....maybe it is......

 

[HDCamel]

I used to do the claw method exclusively, but now I pinch when shooting righty and claw when shooting lefty.

Just feels natural.

 

[wally]

Most of my scoped ARs pretty much require the pinch method. With irons or a red dot I'll do the claw.

 

[Newbie22]

Wow, there have been some great insights so far. I'm particularly impressed by the people who went so far as to test the various methods out themselves. I noticed there was mention that many training classes are teaching the edge of hand method, but the consensus among the shooters on this forum seems to evenly favor the other two techniques. I'm now curious as to why this is.

 

[back40]

when faced with a gun that has a different charging handle than what i train with, adapting just isn't that difficult.

that said, i use the pinch method, which should work across the board regardless of charging handle or optics choice.

I noticed there was mention that many training classes are teaching the edge of hand method

i only saw one mention of a class that taught edge of hand

 

[Welding Rod]

I use BCM's med charging handles and use the pinch.