Hi all, Anyone wanting a cheap ambidextrous charging handle for their rifle? I have just adapted an cheap eBay AR15 ambidextrous, aluminium charging handle for my15/22 and it work a treat.
Handle was £8 off eBay, I cut it to the same length as the 15/22 handle which is about 3/4' shorter than the AR. I then blocked the inner end of the handle, the bit that pulls the bolt back, with chemical metal, then using a Dremel and the original handle as a pattern removed the chemical metal to match the original profile. I then drilled across the chemical metal into the sides of the charging handle with a 1.5mm drill and inserted a 1mm steel pin (tack nail) glued in place to strengthen the bolt pulling end.
I removed the black paint from the sides of the long part that insets into the receiver as it was a tight fit until it cycled cleanly. Lastly I removed a small amount of material from the charging handle securing hook with the Dremel as it didn't quite lock closed.
The results I now have a cool ambidextrous charging handle for £8.
If you can do a bit of DIY it's a cheap and easy modification which you can put back to standard very easily.
I will try and post some pictures to illustrate.