Grip It and Rip It: AR Charging Handle Buyer’s Guide

You want to improve the ergonomics of your carbine without spending a fortune? These are the top AR charging handles available. The mil-spec version is still the best, so why would you change? There are many good reasons to upgrade your AR charging handle. Let’s first discuss the benefits of upgrading your AR charging hand and then look at some great models that are affordable. Why Upgrade Your AR Charging Device Handle? The mil-spec charging handle is not up to the mark in many areas. While there are many aspects of the original M16/AR-15 design which have held up well, the charging handle is not one of them. First, many of the mil-spec units available on the market are made from flimsy steel. They easily break (especially the latch pivot pin and latch pivot pin) The latch mechanism is located on the left side. This makes it difficult to use ambidextrously (shoulder transitions are possible!). Left-handed shooters. Third, the actual latch lever is small and easy for you to miss if your goal is to quickly run the charging handle. Many aftermarket units have larger, ambidextrous or even latchless designs. A suppressor is a fourth option that many shooters use today. Standard charging handles will blow gas from blowback into the shooter’s face and out the back of their gun. There are many aftermarket AR charging handles that can bleed the gas from blowback before it reaches you. SilencerCo’s Gas Defeating Charge Handle is designed to reduce the amount of gas blasted at your face when shooting suppressed. Many people find it difficult to use them with certain types of scopes. This is a very important point in this era of LPVOs, where people are putting 3×9-40mm scopes onto ARs. They are prone to breaking, not the most user-friendly, don’t work well with suppressors, and some optics. These are the main reasons to upgrade from the mil-spec version. You might just want to build that Gucci rifle you saw in Instagram because it looks cool. That’s fine too! These are some great aftermarket AR charging handles that are worth upgrading to. The Magnificent 7, The Best AR Charging HandlesRadian RaptorThe Radian Raptor should be your first choice when it comes to AR charging handles. They are lightweight, rugged, made of quality materials, and as reliable as any aftermarket rifle widgets. The Raptor is made of 7075-T6 aluminum and has an anodized finish available in multiple colors. It features an ambidextrous latch design that is a key component of AR-15 upgrades. Although the price is high, it offers quality. There are also the LT- and SD-models. The LT has polymer latch handles, which cost about $20 less. The SD is made for suppressors. Breek Arms WarhammerThe Breek Arms Warhammer offers many premium features at an affordable price. It was even selected for InRangeTV’s 2020 rifle “What Would Stoner Do?”. Available now at Brownells. It has an ambidextrous latch and handles that are wider than mil-spec (2.78 in wide). The Warhammer has relief cuts on the handle to channel blowback and a raised rear lip that deflects any gas from getting in your face. It is made from 7075-T6 aluminum. You can choose from a variety of hard anodized finishes. Street prices range from $40 to $55. Strike Industries Phantom Latchless Charging handle It’s fully ambidextrous and has standard handle wings. Like most AR charging handles, the Phantom is made from 7075 T6 aluminum forgings with an oxidized coating. You can choose from multiple colors. It can be used with suppressors but has gas vents. You will need to find another place to store a can. Strike Industries offers handle extensions for those who need a wider handle. It ticks many boxes and costs less than $40. Bravo Company Manufacturing Gunfighter Charging HandleAnother mainstay in aftermarket AR charging handles are the Bravo Company Manufacturing Gunfighter Series. There are many versions so we will treat them all as one product. The Gunfighter is low-profile and delivers performance. You can choose your latch size. Mod 3 handles have a large profile, while Mod 4 handles have a medium profile. However, the Mod 4 is slightly wider than mil-spec. Gunfighter’s exclusive latch system reduces stress load on the pivot pin of its latch, resulting in smoother operation and greater durability. You can choose from ambidextrous models (which cost about $10 more, give or take). MSRP ranges from $75 to $90, while street prices can go as low as $50. Presma Ambidextrous Charging HandleAnother inexpensive upgrade is the Presma Ambidextrous Charge Handle. Street prices are typically below $30 and the aptly named Presma Ambidextrous Charging Handle is also affordable. The pivoting wings that engage the latch from either end allow for ambidextrous usage. It has a rear lip to redirect gasses, wider wings than mil-spec, and textured handle wings for secure grip regardless of whether gloves are worn. It’s ambi, which is a bit wider than the mil-spec and a little more friendly for a gun with can…that’s a lot for $30. There are several options for anodized finishes. NBS Billet Extended Latch Charge Handle AR15discounts.com’s house brand is NBS. Their products are generally great value and easy to use. The handle is made of 6061-T6 forged billet aluminium for a bit more rigidity. It also has an extended charging handle latch on its left side with approximately.25 inches more material. It is easier to grab and use quickly. Although it’s not the greatest upgrade, it makes the basic charging handle more effective and costs only $23. Geissele supercharging handleThe Radian Raptor is the ultimate in charging hand and the Geissele supercharging handle are the best. The Super Charging handle features ambidextrous latch wings and checkering, with radius cuts on the X-and Y-axes. It has a rear lip that can redirect gases when suppressed shooting is done. The Super Charging Handle can be purchased at most retailers for $100 to $120. Although it seems a bit high, Geissele makes some the best parts (and rifles!) money can buy. Do You Really Need to Upgrade the Charging Handle? One, there has been a lot of work done over the years with mil-spec charging handles around the world. They shouldn’t cause any problems if you have the right training. Do you need to upgrade the charging handle? It’s not a matter of if you need it or not. To save time and effort if you are a left-handed shooter, or if you shoot from both your shoulders, you might consider upgrading to an ambi AR charging hand. It might be worth investing in a charging handle that is compatible with your suppressor or has wider latch handles for use with a scope. It’s worth it if you will actually benefit from it. If you mainly just use your rifle to plink, don’t shoot suppressed or from odd positions, it’s an additional $20, $40, or $100 that you could have spent on ammo training or improving your skills. This will help you decide if it’s worth the investment. More AR Upgrades Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.