AR Side Charging Handle Project

[TITAN308]

So I've got an itching to try my hand at a side charging upper receiver for an AR10 platform.

The two obvious things that need to be done are:

- bolt carrier drilled to allow a handle to screw in

- open up a space wide enough on the upper receiver to operate the bolt to its rearward most position.

Any other items I should know about or look out for?

Still debating if I want to plug the gas tube to make it operate manually, but that is more of an after project decision.

The prices for manufactured 308 setups like this are pretty inflated due to market availability and unless there is some sort of rocket science involved I want to try it on my own.

 

[rbernie]

I would assume that you need a slick-side receiver to have the room needed on the right receiver wall for the milled slot.

 

[TITAN308]

I have not decided if I want to place the charging handle on the left or right.

Hmm...

I can't recall on the extra DPMS upper receiver I have anything interacting with the line it would travel along...

 

[chrome_austex]

Sounds like you've got a good 'handle' on it. Shouldn't be too tricky.

FWIW, my AR15 side cocker bolt, the carrier is drilled through all the way into the bolt cavity. You'll need to get as many good threads as you can for security.

A slick side upper would be desired for a right side cocker. I'm not sure how easy/hard it would be to mill out a path through a standard shell deflector.

 

[TITAN308]

Ill be using a DPMS LR-308 upper receiver. So no deflector, forward assist or dust cover.

But Im seriously considering a left side charging handle with a blocked gas port for manual operation without having to move from a shooting position.

 

[Robert]

Like this:
http://www.jprifles.com/1.2.1_SCR_11.php

If it were me I'd rather have one that is nonreciprocating.

 

[TITAN308]

Dunno if I have the know-how or tools to go that far.

I mean the closest thing I can think of that no one has done before is use an 8-Ball attachment on the end of the handle like the old school hot rods used on their shifters.




Just kidding.

 

[chrome_austex]

For manual operation, are you going to be single-loading as well? If so, go right side and add a battery-assist lever in the trigger guard (if they make them for the AR10)

 

[TITAN308]

I can go either way really. Yea they make a "BAD" lever for .308

Company called phase 5 makes them for .308 - its actually a lot nicer. Its entire replacement part instead of attaching to the existing bolt catch.

Is there really any point in single loading (cept' with oversized cartridgess that won't fit the mag) as I thought the main advantage of manual operation is the BCG would not move during the shot and remain in an locked/engaged position for greater precision.

I know part of the bolt allure is tighter tolerances, but the above from what was explained to me is the other portion of the prize.

 

[chrome_austex]

I went the adjustable gas-block and right side carrier on my AR.. I actually shut off the gas on ~two range sessions, and haven't touched it since.

That's partly because the gas system shutoff screw is a potential source of failure if it backs out, so I want some blue locktite on it, and partly because it gets so much dirty gas that eventually it gets kind of stuck in position anyway.

I personally like the right-side option, but I could see someone replicating a left-side bolt gun if you're still feeding from the magazine, or if you like the ergonomics more than fishing for the AR charging handle (particularly with a scope w/ a large occular bell)

Interestingly, you can also fabricate a minimal shell deflector that works with the right side charger, if you've got too much free time, like me.

 

[PPS43]

American Spirit Arms make uppers with non-reciprocating and folding charging handle on the left. Might not work with your lower, but I like this setup better than a handle screwed directly into bolt carrier.

 

[TITAN308]

Yea I'll pass:

Price: $549.00
Product ID : ASA-UR-FTSC-WOC
Manufacturer: American Spirit Arms
Quantity: 1

Like I said. Lack of market = command whatever price tag they want.

IF it came with a bolt carrier group then we might talk.

 

[HHollow]

This side charging bolt carrier was made for a circa 1960 AR10 prototype rifle.
Just a few were made like it. It has been shot frequently and works quite well.

 

[TITAN308]

So by what method is it held in place and allows it to be removed so you can get the bolt out for cleaning?

 

[Justin]

Putting a reciprocating charging handle on an AR-pattern rifle is like putting a crank starter on a BMW M3.

The best side-charging solution I've seen is the one offered by JP that Gus linked to upthread.