BCM GUNFIGHTER Charging handle is it worth it?

[MtnCreek]

Not sure which one it is. Below from the receipt they e-mailed:

BCM GFH Mod 4 556 BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle (5.56mm/.223) w/ Mod 4 (MEDIUM) Latch

This one does not vent off gas like the PRI does. Rapid fire puts a good bit of gas in my face.

Edit: Mine is the same as the above post. Purchased Aug of this yr.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

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.

I own both the PRI Gasbuster and the BCM Gunfighter (older non-ridged version) and I even use both on suppressed rifles and I really don't notice a difference between the two. I even shoot nose to charging handle for that matter.

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.

The PRI does not redesign the latch. It uses a standard AR latch design, albeit with better materials.

Someone's going to have to teach me how to maintain cheekweld while operating the charging handle; my face gets in the way.

Technically, I think most people end up breaking their cheekweld when they do it; but it is for a short moment and your face falls right back on the stock. It is funny to watch people do it though since it looks like they are slapping themselves in the face with their offhand.

It is simple enough though - just use your support hand and bring it back like you are going to slap yourself in the face. Catch the latch with the inboard edge of your hand and cycle the weapon (some will modify this to pinch the latch since it can be hard to cycle the action fully like this).

 

[musicman10_1]

I have purchased a few over the last couple of years but at sale prices only. $35 was much easier to justify than $50 for a charging handle upgrade.

 

[MtnCreek]

I own both the PRI Gasbuster and the BCM Gunfighter (older non-ridged version) and I even use both on suppressed rifles and I really don't notice a difference between the two. I even shoot nose to charging handle for that matter.

Something I haven't considered is the type of shooting. I have PRI on two mk12 clones and the BCM is on a carbine. I typ shoot a lot more ammo in a lot less time w/ the carbine, generating more gas.

 

[gidaeon]

I have two, both med. IMO its one of those things you get along fine without - until you actually use one in full day(s) carbine class and then you can't go back to stock.

Wait for a sale price.

 

[henschman]

I put them in the "nice, but not necessary" category. I can manipulate the GI CH just fine with support side. I use an extended mount, so my ocular lens is always well forward of the handle if I have a scope mounted. YMMV.

 

[Tommygunn]

Put one on my Bushmaster and liked it so when I bought a Colt M4A1 in mid September I bought the BCM for it -- the newer design.
It isn't really necessary as some say. That is true.
I never liked the AR-15 charging system. I understand Stoner's original (or atleast an early) version had a curved trigger-like charging handle on top under the handle. I would have prefered this method.
The BCM handle is, to me, a big improvement over the stock part.

 

[wally]

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

Huh? I pretty much always charge with my weak hand, the standard handle works just fine. But unless your stock is really long or your chin really recessed you are going to at least have to move your head out of the way to make room for the stroke.

 

[Justin]

The only downside to the BCM Gunfighter charging handle that I've found is that the extended latch can poke you uncomfortably when the gun is slung.

 

[DPris]

Being too old to care about slinging it across my chest, they don't bother me on mine when carried slung over a shoulder.
Denis

 

[goon]

When slung over my shoulder, I've found that they can get hooked on my belt.
Strange issue... go figure.
Amazing the things you learn when you get out and carry your rifle somewhere, huh?

 

[moxie]

I like the functionality. It seems smoother.
I also like the possibly improved durability and reliability.

Selling for $43.99 no tax, free shipping, on Amazon.

 

[Jackal]

Yes its worth it, but get a medium latch, the large is a pain (literally when slung it pokes you). As stated, bot the best for suppressed fire, but otherwise, get one.

 

[benEzra]

So I ask you do you think it's worth it.

Yes, very much so. I prefer to charge the rifle using the support hand, and the stock charging handle is a little small and flimsy for that. If you *only* use the slingshot method of charging then you wouldn't need one, though.

When slung over my shoulder, I've found that they can get hooked on my belt.
Strange issue... go figure.
Amazing the things you learn when you get out and carry your rifle somewhere, huh?

I do. I use the medium latch, though.

 

[goon]

Yeah, I think I might try a medium latch for the next one. Probably save the large one for when I mount large optics on a future AR build.
I agree though that they're worth it. I'd have a hard time switching back if I bought a new AR right now that didn't have one and would look to upgrade as soon as possible.

Also, if you're building a new rifle or you can substitute the BCM in as an option when you buy the rifle, it isn't so pricey. You're going to have maybe $20 - $25 in a stock charging handle anyhow, so when you factor that in, you're only paying around $20 more for the BCM. On a $900-$1700 rifle, what's another $20?

 

[B!ngo]

The Rainier Arms CH is $90...now the BCM seems cheap

As a left-hander, I surveyed all of the upgraded ambi charging handles and in fact ended up with the Ranier. Yes pricey but it's a really nice upgrade and, to me, significantly better than the BCM.
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3172

 

[Destructo6]

If you want a slightly larger latch, for ease of use, the BCM is a good one.

I have a few BCM medium versions and use the run of the mill charging handle at work. There is a noticable difference, mainly when doing things fast.

The BCM large was way too large for me, poking me in the side and catching on gear when slung. I'm considering the BCM small for a future build.

I will say that if you want a larger charging handle catch, do not go with an oversize version that installs in your stock charging handle. I've seen several that either broke the pivot roll pin or splayed the two halves apart after some good use.

 

[Warp]

I got one sale for about $35.

I bought another one for my other rifle the next time they were on sale.

Definitely a fan.

Mine are the medium latch, and I use my left/support hand for charge it. You know, the "modern" more efficient way.