Plinker Tactical Charging Handle (my opinion)

[Bushong572]

I ordered a PT charging handle from Tacticool22 on Monday (holiday) and received it today..........good customer service.

I'm left handed and have installed ambi latches on my AR15 handles. I was hoping someone would manufacture just the ambi latch to fit the stock handle (and save me some money). I've noticed the stock plastic handle does bend sometimes. A friend of mine snapped the stock charging handle on his AR 15-22 the other day, so I decided to order the Plinker Tactical.

While the PT handle is not cheap, it is of high quality. It fits very well and cycles cleanly. The ambi latch is just like the one on my AR 15. I wish S&W would have installed a aluminum handle from the factory.

If you shoot your AR 15-22 often, I think this is a worthwile mod.

 

[Shay.ca]

Good review, have comparison pics?

- Shay

 

[Bushong572]

Thanks,

I didn't post any pics because there are plenty on the "plinker tactical" thread. I can post some if it's necessary.

 

[Aceman58]

Ditto, I also replaced mine and also ordered the NDZ extended Medium latch. This combo is now a direct clone of my full size (minus the BAD lever that I'm waiting from NDZ soon). It is solid in feel and performance. I'm right handed but I slam my charging handle with my left hand in tactical situations and needed a solid strong handle to take my abuse. You will love it... Good review.. Keepem in the X..

 

[Whisper44]

Those NDZ products .... wow !

 

[StlBluesFan72]

I think it was a bit expensive for what it is, but I have a son who is a lefty, so it comes in handy for him. It is a nice addition.

 

[tacticool22]

They're back in stock and at a lower price.

 

[Majorlk]

They're back in stock and at a lower price.

Just placed an order.

 

[w0ady]

belt fed's extended latch should work with it right?

 

[Majorlk]

belt fed's extended latch should work with it right?

Why would you swap? Take a good look at the PT. The ambi latch is far superior to belt_fed's latch.

 

[w0ady]

wasnt aware it came with the ambi latch, thought it was just the handle. good to know.

 

[Majorlk]

Plinker Tactical, LLC :: Charging Handle

 

[tacticool22]

I believe the BELTFED latch will work.
Thanks for the purchase Majorlk.
Wrong link tho.

 

[Majorlk]

I believe the BELTFED latch will work.
Thanks for the purchase Majorlk.
Wrong link tho.

I used PT's link because they had detailed photos of the latch, the subject of the question I responded to. No slight of TactiCool22 was intended.

For the record, here is where I purchased the handle:

Aluminum Charging Handle 15-22 U.S.A [TCH - 15-22] - $46.99 : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories

 

[Gopher Slayer]

Just a heads up

The above two links don't show the latest design iirc.
Mine has a curved left side latch and the right side latch doesn't stick out as far. It was a good change IMO.

 

[DZH]

You are right. I had to get mine out and look. LoL.
Bad pic but you can see it.



Zack
Using Tapatalk

 

[Dikinalaska]

Are the widths of the charging handle on the .223 AR and 15-22 the same? I'm thinking about making a custom one out of an extra that I have laying around

 

[tacticool22]

Are the widths of the charging handle on the .223 AR and 15-22 the same? I'm thinking about making a custom one out of an extra that I have laying around

If you have some welding skills, plus a machine shop it can be done.
The overall length, the latch lockup, latch pivot and spring location and the general geometric details are all different.
You would be better off making a custom one out of a block of aluminum.
Place your extra AR handle next to the 15-22 one and compare.

 

[Majorlk]

The PT charging handle arrived today from TactiCool22 - great service.

Maybe I am more picky than the average shooter, but the fit in the upper is very sloppy. I put the calipers on the rail on both of them and there is a considerable (and visibly noticeable) difference in thickness.

The original (both my year old 15-22 and the new one I bought yesterday) charging handle has a rail thickness of 0.110". The PT has a rail thickness of 0.085". That's a difference of 0.025" or about 23 percent. To say that I am not impressed with this variation is unnecessary. The original is loose in the upper - the PT's fit is just plain sloppy. With the accuracy of CNC machining, this much variation is un-acceptable, IMHO.

This is NOT TactiCool's responsibility, but it's something I think he should address with PT.

 

[w0ady]

good info. happy i didnt jump on one yet.

 

[Majorlk]

I'm going to wait until I've had a chance to go to the range with it before I think about returning it. Unfortunately, it came in the mail about 30 minutes AFTER I go back from the range today.

 

[p51mstg]

Got mine installed and I agree with the OP. I'm happy.

 

[Majorlk]

Addendum to post 19:

The overal thickness of the PT handle is 0.020 less than the S&W original, adding to the overall sloppiness of fit.

The quality of the manufacturing is fine, but the failure to follow S&W's dimensions is disappointing. If I keep it, I may look into gluing an 0.020 shim on top to eliminate the slop.

 

[mk842766]

Addendum to post 19:

The overal thickness of the PT handle is 0.020 less than the S&W original, adding to the overall sloppiness of fit.

The quality of the manufacturing is fine, but the failure to follow S&W's dimensions is disappointing. If I keep it, I may look into gluing an 0.020 shim on top to eliminate the slop.

Sorry you got something that sloppy....mine fit like a glove, although I don't have any calipers to measure...I would say that the PT felt much better than the original I had in my 15-22

 

[Majorlk]

Sorry you got something that sloppy....mine fit like a glove, although I don't have any calipers to measure...I would say that the PT felt much better than the original I had in my 15-22

Considering that these things are made on CNC machines, I'm at a loss to explain why mine should be so sloppy and apparently no one else's. The differences are obvious to the naked eye.

 

[w0ady]

maybe shoot PT an email and see if they really did go to a thinner handle or maybe you got the wrong model?

 

[Majorlk]

maybe shoot PT an email and see if they really did go to a thinner handle or maybe you got the wrong model?

There's only one model.

 

[w0ady]

i figured, just trying to come up with something. maybe a bad batch that slipped out, they'd be able to answer for sure.

 

[Majorlk]

i figured, just trying to come up with something. maybe a bad batch that slipped out, they'd be able to answer for sure.

Anything is possible. I'll email them tomorrow and see what kind of response I get. FWIW, I got the same measurements and fit on the new 15-22 I bought Tuesday.

 

[Majorlk]

I emailed PT this morning. It will be interesting to read their response.