I am new to the 15-22
If I choose to go with an after market metal charging handle
is there a chance the metal one could damage the polymer
Again Im new to this rifle so need opinions
Thanks all

One of the best and first upgrades you can do is to replace the plastic charging handle with a metal one. I have been using the Plinker Tactical without issue for years with no damage to the polymer.

I have tried several different Metal C/H and various Latches.
Plinker Tactical, Doomsday and Tacticool 22.

My personal preference now and for most of the last 18 months is the Tacticool 22 Tbar and NDZ latch. No damageand flawless function. PT latch also works well just didn't like the Tbar. Doomsday was alright tho passed on as liked the Tacticool Tbar set up better. That's my .2cents. FWIW.

Rob.

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Utrinque Paratus

I'm an engineer so I look at it a little different perhaps..

I've got over 15k rounds through my 15-22. Still using the plastic charging handle. You use the charging handle around every 25 shots, less if you have no fail to feeds, fail to eject. In fact, during an entire range session, if you're lucky, you may use it only once, if that! I tend to use the charging handle the most after cleaning, cycling the bolt several times.

The trigger, on the other hand, is used every time the weapon goes bang. The stock trigger is a milspec trigger, so at best, it's 'ok'. You can get a good trigger for under $100. Add the Jp yellow springs for a light trigger pull.

Given these criteria, IMHO, one of the best and first upgrades one can do is to put a better fire control group in the rifle. It's about the same cost, improves function and is used every time the weapon is fired.

I agree with sithlord for the most part, but suggest you spend more than $100 on the trigger. Spend the money and get a Gieselle 3.5# trigger. The charging handle is a nice upgrade, but the trigger makes more of a difference. I run a Tacticool charging handle with a Plinker latch on mine. When Tacticool comes out with his new one, I will pick up two for my rifle and pistol.

A New handle is pretty great to personalize your rifle but unless your getting an ambidextrous handle, I would agree with the rest of the comments above me. Sithlord is pretty spot on with his reasoning but beyond that, I think you'll be happiest with a better trigger too.

You'll get the charging handle eventually. Most bang for your buck is a trigger though.


Lastly, I'll leave you with this. And I'm sure everyone else is gonna laugh when they see me commenting on a charging handle post but........ Stay away from doomsday industries products. They make a nice looking charging handle but machining is inconsistent. He's also a real ****-heel.... Lol

6 years and over 40k rounds.... plastic charge handle is working fine. In fact all the plastic is in fine shape.

A few people saying the metal charging handle is an excellent upgrade but I didn't see any reasons as to why.

I've got an NDZ SBR now (which I'm loving) and thanks to how easy it is to use I only ever pull the handle to chamber the first round...

With that in mind other than for ambidextrous reasons what's the benefit of upgrading?

Go out and shoot the rifle. Only then will you know if you need to change the charging handle. Mission drives gear, and you might find that the polymer charging handle works fine for you. I have over 16,000 rounds through mine, and the factory original charging handle is still running fine.
You might find out that after shooting a few hundred rounds that you really do need to replace the factory handle because it doesn't do X. Or, you might find that it works just fine, but the stock is driving you crazy, etc.

I have an optic amd the extended handle helps with charging around it.

The thought of replacing the plastic charging handle never crossed my mind.

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Rod
M&P 22A, 40c, 15A, 15-22

Honestly there is no real reason to replace the charging handle itself, but the latch on it is still old school 1970's era design.Just replacing the latch with an ambi or extended is enough to update the handle though.

But if replacing the latch may as well go the whole hog.

KBK