Plinker Tactical Charging Handle (my opinion)

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.
 
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.
 
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:)
 
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.
 
maybe shoot PT an email and see if they really did go to a thinner handle or maybe you got the wrong model?
 
i figured, just trying to come up with something. maybe a bad batch that slipped out, they'd be able to answer for sure.
 
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.
 
I wish others who bought the handle would put calipers or a micrometer on it and report the dimensions. I'm really curious to know if something changed while we had this long dry spell of unavailability - like a change in CNC machining on the latest batch.
 
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.

I have what most people would probably consider "junk", as far as a calipers goes, but was able to get approximately the same measurement you did. My analog calipers only measures to the millimeter, but here are what I found:

Stock -
(w) 12mm
(h) 7.?mm (I'm guessing 7.2mm would be about right)

PT -
(w) 12mm
(h) 7.0 mm

With that said, I didn't check how much extra movement there is, and am not sure that would matter. The groves that the charging handle ride in are more a factor of how much play there is - whether the height is 7.0 or 7.2 is not relevant.

Maybe the taller stock handle would be better at keeping that channel free from power and residue, but I think a few thousand rounds on the new charging handle should tell me that.

After seeing what you're describing, I stand by my original opinion and I like the handle.


[edited to correct an observation in my original post - I'm sorry for posting before reviewing.]
 
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I had an interesting email conversation with the owner of PT about the dimensional differences. His rationale is the additional clearances will prevent wear on the two dissimilar surfaces in the presence of the debris left in the action from firing.

Considering the already generous gaps between the S&W handle and the upper, I'm inclined to disagree that the extra is necessary. But then again, I'm not the expert he is.

Other than the (IMHO) sloppy fit, I do like the product. BTW I was immediately offered a refund, which I declined.

Addendum: I just had a nice telephone conversation with PT Customer Service rep. 18:22 EDT.

Addendum 2: They are sending me a free magazine. Why do I think my grandson will take it away from me? :D
 
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You need to use your pivot pin, spring and latch from your factory handle. Or you can get a nice latch from 15-22 CHARGING HANDLE

If you do go with the SWS latch and don't want to take apart your original handle, you'll also need a spring such as:
AR-15 A2 CHARGING HANDLE LATCH SPRINGS | Brownells

I got the Tacticool22 handle, SWS latch, and 3 pack of springs. I love it and will only move it over to my 15-22P once the Tacticool 22 ambi latch is available.
 
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