Hi-Power Jack Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 A gunshop operator told me that instead of the $15 Charging Handle I have for my new AR-15, I should consider a more expensive model that looks exactly the same, to me. He said it will make it "easier" for me to charge my rifle ....??? I have NO experience with this - anyone give me some advice, here? Any first hand experience with charging handles? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 I have the nodic version of this one https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1086195223296/radian-raptor-ambidextrous-charging-handle-assembly-ar-15-aluminum There is a lot of companies putting their name on it, not sure who actually manufacturers them. Gundeals.com has them almost every day for any where between $40 and $100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 Here's the gun deals site https://gun.deals/today?mobile=true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishsticks Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 I use the BCM gunfighter medium. Any of the aftermarket ones with a slightly larger handle should make it easier to charge using one hand. Nothing wrong with the original, but there are advantages to the aftermarket ones. Comes down to what you're using the AR for and how much you like customizing your guns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 Save your money unless you want to side charge. I like the side charge but I think it comes down to the way an AUG works. I got one when they first became available over here and really liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 2, 2017 Author Share Posted July 2, 2017 6 hours ago, Steve RA said: Sorry, Steve, no comprende .... What is "side charging"? What's an AUG? I'm a complete newbie with AR's. Save your money unless you want to side charge. I like the side charge but I think it comes down to the way an AUG works. I got one when they first became available over here and really liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRush Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 Think of an extended CH as a slide racker. It makes unloaded starts and malfunction clearance easier and faster than they would be otherwise. I have the NERD extended ambi handle and it makes it easy to run the bolt from either side. 7 hours ago, louu said: I have the nodic version of this one https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1086195223296/radian-raptor-ambidextrous-charging-handle-assembly-ar-15-aluminum There is a lot of companies putting their name on it, not sure who actually manufacturers them. That style is made by Radian (formerly AXTS). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Steyr Aug, this is a pic of one like I had. Had a built in (on) scope, think it was a 3 power. Charging handle is right above the foregrip (on the left side). This is the first model imported here, approximately 40 years ago. The AR in the pic previously is mine, with an LAR upper - which isn't available since Remington bought LAR - but there are others available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Jack, One of the advantages of the side charge is that you can utilize it while the weapon is shouldered, which you can't with the standard AR charging handle. Being right handed, I like the charging handle on the left. So, just to keep it the same I had my shotgun done the same by MOA while they were doing some other work on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamge Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 8 hours ago, Hi-Power Jack said: A gunshop operator told me that instead of the $15 Charging Handle I have for my new AR-15, I should consider a more expensive model that looks exactly the same, to me. He said it will make it "easier" for me to charge my rifle ....??? I have NO experience with this - anyone give me some advice, here? Any first hand experience with charging handles? Thanks. Personally I will only own ARs equipped with a Raptor charge handle. The feel is excellent - you can just pull backwards and it racks easily. Most charge handles you have to do squeeze and/or apply force into the side of the handle to keep your fingers from sliding off. The Raptor handle has a hook shape so it keeps your hand/finger on it with no effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkrispies Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I was planning to get a raptor mainly because they're supposed to be built like tanks in addition to being easy to rack. It's my understanding that the milspec handles will sometimes bend, especially if racked hard or while in an odd position. My current upper came with an ambi BCM that I like very much but must admit that I don't have a ton of time behind it. I can feel the difference between my BCM and a milspec. It's smoother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan 45 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 If you shoot many matches that require a slung rifle, consider the size of the charging handle and where it will be poking you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmiller Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 12 hours ago, Steve RA said: Jack, One of the advantages of the side charge is that you can utilize it while the weapon is shouldered, which you can't with the standard AR charging handle. Being right handed, I like the charging handle on the left. So, just to keep it the same I had my shotgun done the same by MOA while they were doing some other work on it. Damn that's cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 WOW !!!! Thanks, Gentlemen. I was totally unaware. I do hate the charging handle, but didn't realize there was an alternative. Being an STI pistol shooter, I LOVE the idea of a "racking side charger" - that is much more like shooting my Open gun - and don't have to take the gun off my shoulder. Thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 You can have anything you want - all it takes is money !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 Where did you get the side charger? and, how many $$$$, Steve? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 It is an LAR - not available anymore as Remington bought LAR a few years ago. Here is a left side charge upper that is fairly similar to mine. Many of them are right side charge, depends on what you want. https://eisenacharms.com/collections/ar-products Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 Thanks, Steve, appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubOrbital Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Raptors are great. Geissele is even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbran267 Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 18 hours ago, SubOrbital said: Raptors are great. Geissele is even better. I am a huge fan of the raptor, just not the price of a raptor. Racking the charging handle becomes more of a gross motor skill, since all you have to do is pull on it and it disengages the latch. I acquired one on a rifle, but I still wouldn't go out and buy one unless it was deeply discounted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertTortoise Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 The JP upper has a non reciprocating side charger right ? Ouch... just looked and it's $900I handled one of these at a match and it worked well:http://devildogconcepts.com/products/hard-charger-rear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 On 7/2/2017 at 7:47 PM, MikeRush said: Think of an extended CH as a slide racker. It makes unloaded starts and malfunction clearance easier and faster than they would be otherwise. I have the NERD extended ambi handle and it makes it easy to run the bolt from either side. That style is made by Radian (formerly AXTS). I think you miss my piont, I doubt that radian actually makes/manufacturers/builds that handle. Much like receiver sets, very few companies actually make it. They just buy them, put their name on it and sell it. For example here's that exact handle without anyone's name on it for 1/3 the price http://graybadgerfirearms.com/product/black-ambidextrous-charging-handle/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 1 hour ago, jbran267 said: I am a huge fan of the raptor, just not the price of a raptor. Racking the charging handle becomes more of a gross motor skill, since all you have to do is pull on it and it disengages the latch. I acquired one on a rifle, but I still wouldn't go out and buy one unless it was deeply discounted. Here ya go http://graybadgerfirearms.com/product/black-ambidextrous-charging-handle/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Just checked my rifle mine is a Noveske not Nordic but like I said it's all the same with a different name and price. https://www.noveske.com/products/raptor-ambi-charging-handle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbran267 Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Agree with the rebranding. Mine is a raptor co-branded VLtor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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