Does an expensive ($100 or less seems to be the range) charging handle make any difference? Other than being ambi, is there a noticeable difference in the feel when you charge it, or is it just for looks?

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

Because it is COOL, and not everybody has one.

Geewhiz wannabe kewl stuph to list in your sigfile.

As a lefty shooter I appreciate the ambi ones.

__________________
Psalm 27:2

from my personal use and observations of leftys for 21 years, 2 1/2 months, the original issue ones worked just fine. total waste of money. lee

I have a short AR pistol that I popped a BCM charging handle on so I could do one hand cycles (left hand), it works well. It's far more stout than a stock piece and works well for the purpose. Even with that said, it's not a giant one like some companies offer.

My 16" and bench ARs? Nah...STD charging handle is fine for them.

So, to the one's that actually have one, is it a smoother pull? Anymore precise feeling? or just really cool looking?

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

Thank's typetwelve, you were typing as I was asking, but your reply is noted and looked at the BCM and it's looks very well made. This is for an AR pistol as well.

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

I like the ones that are a bit larger. They seem to be a bit easier to grip especially on a pistol. That said, I'm not spending more than $30.

__________________
Thread Killer.

I see them listed as upgrades all the time on my site. Not to me.

__________________
Just hanging with my dogs

Ummmm, one hand cycles...?

Aren't we all manipulating a charging handle with one hand?
Who operates an AR-15 charging handle with two hands?

Poor description...sorry.

Clearing a chamber, I rotate the rifle to my right then use the palm of my L hand to clear back the changing handle (vs using my fingers and rotating my wrist at an awkward angle).

The BCM handle being longer on the L side helps with the palm-grip (as well as disengaging the locking clip), and the stiffness allows you to pull back on one side only. Stock handles will twist a bit if you try to do it from one side.


Long story short...I like mine for what it does. Mine is an older one and doesn't resemble the silly ice-axe sized ones currently on the market. I also don't need one of my other AR's either.

About the only thing I've ever done above the standard mil spec is add a extended latch so it's easier to operate when a scope is mounted.

I use a BCM handle which is the smallest of the extended ones, i.e., it sticks out just a wee bit farther than a stock handle.
It's so small that it doesn't poke me in the chest or hang up on armor, clothing, etc., but still gives me a better purchase over the stock handle when clearing malfunctions or cycling the action during drills.

__________________
John

I bought for functionality and the BCM is the best out there.

OP

When it comes to revolvers, I'm all about S&W,
AR's, not so much.

But the charging handle question, did not have to upgrade
on a couple of my Colt's. Feature I wanted 'out of the box'

Knew it was going to be scoped, prior to purchase.
Clearance issue of accessibility and speed with the scope that
I had predetermined was going to be mounted.

I would much rather have plan, and pay up front for what
I want it to be, than throw parts off a new gun in a box and
buy upgraded to replace what I paid for.

Attached Images

	064.JPG (88.0 KB, 141 views)
	060.JPG (86.1 KB, 138 views)
	062.JPG (90.0 KB, 130 views)

My stock chargers are pretty stout, so I have not felt the need to change.
However, it is one of those critical parts you need to work, every time, so a upgrade seems reasonable.

I really like the Radian Raptor Ambi, it gets about as good reviews as the BCM on line, but I think it looks a little kewler skeletonized, IMO.

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

Perhaps to another point, I saw a cheap, charging handle seriously damage an AR.

Friend bought a "just about mil -spec" charging handle. Tolerances weren't what they were supposed to be.

Charging handle didn't fit correctly. It ended up binding the BCG in the upper. That took forever to extract all the parts.

Not saying you need an ultra fancy high priced charging handle. I am saying you need one that is manufactured to mil-spec.

As far as an ambi charging handle goes.......why don't you find someone that has one and give it try? I tried one out first. I then purchased the BCM ambi handle and it works rather nicely. It is on my Bravo/Temple SBR build.

Try it out.....you may like it.

__________________
Un-Reconstructed Southerner

A few years ago I bought a charging handle for the princely sum of $500.00.
However a complete carbine came with it at no extra charge.

__________________
CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

Don't see a need for (an ambi) one, but then I am not in my "right" mind.

Seriously, why put LESS THAN MIL SPEC PARTS on any AR? And it's easier to swap out a part and "see" than it is to find someone to lend you the part. Try as many potentials you are able.

__________________
Certified Curmudgeon

I'm really liking the Radian, Geisiel and BCM handles so far, the BCM is the cheapest which isn't a factor at these price points. All are CNC machined from 7075 T solid billet too, just a matter of esthetics really with all of them being milspec.

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

I have the Radian Raptor on my Larue PredatOBR and highly recommend it. There’s definitely a difference between the standard milspec and the Radians. There’s no binding if pulled at an angle and feels like it’s running on ball bearings. It’s also easier to grasp when there’s a scope tube right above it like mine in the picture. They put them on sale about once a year, knocking around $20 off the regular price.

__________________
Get off my lawn!

In New Jersey, if they come with a pistol grip and a folding stock they are a banned Assault Handle.

__________________
Buy American
Vote Responsibly

Glad to hear that! The Raptor is my favorite by looks by far. You just made my decision for me, thanks. Tray

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

Waste of money.

__________________
S&W Accumulator

I have a pre-ban ArmaLite M15 (A2) and a S&W 15 MOE and have trained on original M16 (in AF) and M4 configurations. IMO there is no appreciable difference in charging handle functionality. If you've trained on the firearm no need to change the charging handle.

Wait a minute? Doesn't the military teach to use both sides of the charging handle so(a finger on both sides), what makes these ambidextrous?
Steve

Using either side releases the lock where the standard mil-spec one side releases the lock and the other side is fixed.

__________________
Get off my lawn!

Yes, I understand how they work.
Steve

And with a scope it can be tough to quickly grab both sides to charge the rifle reaching under the scope, even more so with gloves. With the Ambi handle one-finger charges or “palming” the handle from either side are a piece of cake. They’re not for everyone, other styles work better for others.

Attached Images

	1C84895D-2078-44C7-9EAA-C0D0E59B5B78.jpeg (31.4 KB, 68 views)
	5B80100A-007C-48BA-A384-33C7FF6414E4.jpeg (25.2 KB, 58 views)

__________________
Get off my lawn!

I have a left side one on my AR9, it's a slab side so I like it.

I have a SIG MCX and broke 2 of the stock ones (common problem, but they send you a new one with just a call, so easy to fix). I eventually lucked out in a forum I was in where a guy made upgrades charging handles. Got 2 (one prototype raw aluminum and another finished). Havent had a problem yet!!

It may seem like a simple part, but if it breaks it sucks!! Think of scope rings, they are ridiculously simple. But they do break. Rattle apart etc. So dont go cheap, you need that precise machining, good tight roll pins, good springs, etc.

Been using the stock charging handle. Works for me, but appreciate comments.

I'd rather spend the $ on ammo.

This right here.Also have added an extended bolt release.

__________________
1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

Ditto, answer for a problem I don't have. Guess I learned the manual of arms for M16? Too many bells and whistles out there today for these.
Steve

I have one AR with a red dot and a standard charging handle. My other AR has a 4-12x40 scope which gets in the way of the standard charging handle a little, so I think and extension on the left side would be useful. I just haven't gotten around to getting one yet.

I have BCM Gunfighter charging handles on all 3 of my ARs. The operation, to me, is more smooth (they don't rock back and forth when charging) and they redirect the gas away from my face, which was another issue I had with the stock "MILSPEC" charging handles. It's just a personal preference thing.

A stock charging handle is fine, unless you need to use your boot heel on it to free a stuck case. When that happens you will appreciate the strength of the BCM Gunfighter charging handle.

The BCM also has a raised lip around the back of the upper that directs any gas blowback up, rather than back into your face/eye.

Run an AR hard enough and long enough and you'll see the value in a good replacement charging handle.

If you run the mil-spec charging handle with the blade of your left hand, like an FAL, you can easily bend it from the asymmetrical force (BTDT).

I have thought about upgrading to a steel Charging Handle.

Nope...first time I saw a boot-heel 'mortared' charging
handle was on a well-worn M16A1 in 1980, in Army
Infantry OSUT at Fort Benning--and it worked just fine.

Seen it done a time or two after that, with similar
positive results. It was a rare event, but standard
GI charging handle worked just fine.

Our OSUT cycle was taught the "nose tip to charging
handle" technique for getting a consistent face/cheek
weld on stock. Nobody had any gas-in-face problems.
I used that technique for thousands of rounds, and
still do, and haven't ever had any problems with gas
from upper receiver, with standard charging handle.


Been there & done that too, with standard GI handle. Not
a problem.

There's lots of snake oil for sale, anywhere you look. The
guys selling it will always tell you it's great (and you really
need it).

I use the extended handle on my heavy barreled AR-15's which sport rather large scopes for prairie dog hunting. Used them for years for the convenience of not reaching under the scopes.
They can have a practical use.

A great way to get rid of excess money. They can be easier to reach if you have a low mounted optic. IMHO

I own about 10 of the BCM charging handles. They are superior to the GI style regular one.

Back in the day, the prevailing training was that you took your right hand off the pistol grip, and charged the gun with your right hand. That is no longer the proper tactically minded way to do it. The proper way nowadays, is that your right hand stays on the pistol grip at all times, never to be removed. You do all gun manipulations with your left hand. You operate the charging handle with your left hand, and the bolt stop/release with your left hand.

The BCM charging handle is a must for me. At only $45, its a no brainier.

To each his own.

I've broken and bent GI and other commercial charging handles. And I've had lube and powder blown back into may face, especially with Suppressor use and PCC.

I've been running ARs pretty consistently and pretty hard for the last 35 years or so, and the BCM charging handle is a definite must for me.

Who the h-e-dubble-toot-picks taught you that?

I have a BCM for one of my rifles that I bought on sale for, like, $35 because I was going to mount a variable on that one. I ended up going a different direction and never did mount a scope on that rifle. So I can't speak to how useful a cool-guy charging handle really is. But it runs fine and doesn't hurt anything, so what the hey? Truthfully, for what most people really use these rifles for, clean out of the box is GTG. But, as long as it doesn't interfere with reliability, if whatever accessory turns your crank, why not?

Well, I really like the Radian Raptor NP-3 coated, but not crazy about the a-symmetrical symmetry (believe me, this kind of stuff bothers me) so I'm really leaning towards the Giesselle Super Charging handle because of it's reputation, I love the cross hatched design on the handles too and it's symmetrical to boot, I just wished they made one that's NP-3 coated like Radian. I went ahead and ordered a Phase5 B.A.D. replacement lever and the Timber Creek billet skeletonized trigger guard. Just can't decide on the handle because I keep going back and forth on that.

__________________
Dave Ramsey Cultist

I'm too young (35) to have been trained like that, but watch some old military training videos, and they charged the guns back then with their right hand, by first removing the right hand from the pistol grip.