rugerdawg Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 To those of you whom have built on side charging uppers, I see some are reciprocating vs non, what are some pros and cons. I see there are several different designs, (crosshill technologies, gibbz, spartan,mega). Looks like a rather cool idea, just looking to someone who may have some experience to share. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunnar Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 (edited) Advantage of the reciprocating charging handle is that you can visually see any malfunctions and it allows you to have the most force on extracting that damaged casing out of the gun or to work as a forward assist.. However, with quality charging handle designs matched with strong carrier, the strength isn't a big issue on non-reciprocating side-charging handles. Also, visual inspection is equally possible by looking at the ejection port side. It also will not strike you if you make mistakes. I have used various brands of side charging models and I like them because it feels that I have more control in various positions, especially in prone. Edited July 2, 2015 by Gunnar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I have used the side chargers for years. The con is that you don't have a lite weight system. It can be cut down some to loose some weight, but not in the Alum or Ti league. The pros is like mentioned earlier, plus, if the gun needs locked back on a stage, it is by far faster than a charging handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I tried one of the Gibbz uppers and looked at another brand a friend had and I've shot a couple rifles with reciprocating handles, like the SCAR. Here's what my take is on this: I'm not a big fan of the reciprocating handle but I can live with it. What I really dislike is having any kind of handle on the left side. It's just awkward for me. I didn't expect it to be an issue because I have no particular problems with a regular AR15 charging handle, but it is. It's really personal preference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I've got an LAR left side, reciprocating handle, side charge upper and really like it. I'm for the reciprocating handle as it has less parts than the others and the reasons outlined in #2 and #3 above. If you don't like the left side handle Crosshill makes an ambi so you can pick the side or a right hand only. Personally I like the left side well enough that I had MOA do my shotgun that way. I'll post a pic of the shotgun when it arrives, just shipped back this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TennJeep1618 Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I built a ASA side charge upper a while back and I didn't care for it. The main reason was because it didn't have a forward assist and the charging handle is non-reciprocating so you can't use that. I like to have a forward assist, whether it be for easing a round into the chamber on a hunting rifle or making sure the bolt is in battery after checking to make sure a round is in the chamber on a competition rifle. I can certainly see the benefit of a side charger on a rifle with a large scope, but I would stay away from ASA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 Another advantage of the reciprocating handle !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CStrabala Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I love my Gibz, nice clean look. I hate having a dust cover and forward assist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BitchinCamaro Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I hate having a dust cover and forward assist. +2. I've always been a proponent of slickside uppers, and the side charger has few compromises when deleting those two features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BitchinCamaro Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 (edited) The con is that you don't have a lite weight system. It can be cut down some to loose some weight, but not in the Alum or Ti league. Edited July 2, 2015 by BitchinCamaro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 I like it. Wish it was on the right side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgj3 Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 Where did that BCG come from? Custom or standard JP product? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthyBlagga Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 I run a JP lightweight carrier in one of my Gibbz uppers, and a Rubber City lightweight adjustable carrier in the other... one of the things I like about the Gibbz system is that you can run any BCG just by dropping in their proprietary cam pin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toothandnail Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 Here's mine , as well as my SG. Ive made a few changes to the rifle since these pics. Shotgun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatland Shooter Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 A very minor note concerning the side chargers like the Tooth and Nail version is you will need a scope mount that has nothing sticking out left side. My preferred mount has been the Burris PEPR but with the nuts that hold the mount to the gun on the left side, I've found they get in the way. Like I said, its minor. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 I used an Aero Precision on mine, no protrusions on the left side, very little on the right side either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BitchinCamaro Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 LaRue here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 It's worth noting that while there are several left charging upper designs out there, the number of companies making right side charging (reciprocating) uppers seems to have dwindled. One of the more popular was the LAR but Lancer fell off the face of the earth. Not sure who the leader is now, if there is one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigsampson Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 I've been shooting my Gibbz now for about 4 months. Love it and won't go back. Another entertainment point is watching RO's try to clear the rifle on multi gun stages and look for the old charging handle. the look on their faces is precious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 I've got an LAR but I seriously doubt if there will be any more, as Remington bought them. The Crosshill is almost identical and they have Ambi and right side models. JoeBob's has as good a price on them as I have seen. I would not doubt that some of the Crosshill folks may have come from LAR, but, that is purely supposition on my part. http://shop.crosshilltech.com/collections/upper-receivers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 (edited) I had my right side's done by White Oak Armament. A good friend of mine does them as well and is very reasonable and a great shooter. Joel Pendergraf out of NC. Joel even holds some world records with his rifles. Pendergraft Gun Works , tell him Tommy Roupe told you to call. Edited July 6, 2015 by troupe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zachvu Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 I've got an LAR but I seriously doubt if there will be any more, as Remington bought them. The Crosshill is almost identical and they have Ambi and right side models. JoeBob's has as good a price on them as I have seen. I would not doubt that some of the Crosshill folks may have come from LAR, but, that is purely supposition on my part. http://shop.crosshilltech.com/collections/upper-receivers I was told that LAR's design was taken over by Crosshill, and it is essentially the same product now being produced under a different name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 Ok, thanks. Seems they dropped the left side only model, although the Ambi will obviously suffice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon49erfan Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 Ok, thanks. Seems they dropped the left side only model, although the Ambi will obviously suffice. Nothing like paying all they extra money to get a low mass carrier, only to add it back with two reciprocating charging handles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Ambi does not mean you have to run two handles, just means you can pick the side. Or, if you wear suspenders and a belt you may then run two handles ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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