In building the Gray Ghost, I found a vast difference in charging handle prices. Some are aluminum, some are steel, some are forged, others don't say.
Not being into simulated or real combat shooting, I see no need to spend close to $100 on a part I can get for $15 or so.
How about you guys? Ever have problems with a faulty charging handle?
In Ihatethissandistan, I saw maybe 1 or 2 failures with the handle. After review, it was only because the Marine did not clean his weapon, and the other was that the idiot was trying to put it in upside down in the dark, burred an edge on the front end, then managed to get the upper to take it while fouling his handle track with the burred handle. Say it with me... DEE DEE DEE.
The only fault I've ever had with them is the traditional handle latch being too small for my banana hands.
I've opted for the Badger Ordinance Tac Latch on all of my charging handles and I love it.
I'm with you DT, I could care less about paying 100 bucks for a handle. I know that whatever my rifle hits will not be able to tell the difference in what handle was used to rack it and send one down range.
One online manufacturer's POV was that the advent of the "tactical" latch and using the left hand on the charging handle puts an uneven torque on the part, causing the latch pin and hole to wear and the latch itself to bend as it is constantly worked with pressure only on one side, perhaps causing one of the "ears" to fail.
This is rectified, goes the pitch, by having a stronger handle and latch mechanism, preferably one made from steel. I just wondered of any of the guys here who are into competitive shooting and simulated combat style matches had any problems, ever.
My tendency is to go along with Lefty-O and figure the original style is perfectly suited to the job at hand.
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ive used the snot out of one of mine, and have even loaned it to a family member who is very hard on equipment. about 5yrs with the extended latch and it shows no stress or wear. i wouldnt endorse an $18 part if i believed it would lead to problems.
ive used the snot out of one of mine, and have even loaned it to a family member who is very hard on equipment. about 5yrs with the extended latch and it shows no stress or wear. i wouldnt endorse an $18 part if i believed it would lead to problems.
Lefty O,
You are correct in your assessment of an 18 dollar part. It's worth every penny and will take a beating dude.
being a lefty I have never had a problem stressing a charging handle on any of my rifles in the military or otherwise. On my V Match I have the Badger style oversized latch to help while wearing gloves and the scope. On my other two ARs I have the standard handles.
There are only two charging handles I use. A stock one, or the BCM Gunfighter series (Mod 4 is my favorite).
If you support side rack, I find the Gunfighter to be the easiest to manipulate (arguments about improved durability are an added bonus, but not personally compared or verified).
It also depends on your technique on which is best. I still use a pinch and and pull with my forefinger to rack the charging handle.
If you use your palm or open hand to rack the action, something with more surface area like a Badger tac latch might be more appropriate.
Im with the guys for the BCM GF...Ive got a MOD 3 (or whichever is the biggest) on mine and love it. I got it when it was on sale though some time ago so I didn't pay the $45 that BCM wanted for it.
I put a "tactical" ambi latch on my first build, not knowing exactly how I was going to use the thing. The first build is my first AR, first one I ever handled and fired.
I tend to be a bench rester most of the time. I activate the latch with the right hand, usually much like I would a bolt on a traditional rifle. My second one still has the standard latch, and I find it easy enough to use. Again, the gun is not for quick action target or competition use, so there no need to be in a hurry with bringing it into action.
__________________ Teach
ALL who work for a living must vote to outvote those who vote for a living.
badger latch here but the pri combat latch looks sweet imo. i have a low-slung scope so it was a must-have on my build. iirc the badger was like $25 or so.
Teach I have seen M4's put through hundreds of malfunction and immediate action drills with standard charging handles. I have never seen once suffer from it.
__________________ But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
Teach I have seen M4's put through hundreds of malfunction and immediate action drills with standard charging handles. I have never seen once suffer from it.
I've hit myself in those nose trying to pull back the stand charging handle with my face on the stock. After that I won't own another AR without an extended latch.
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Teach
After that I won't own another AR without an extended latch.
