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Whether you are planning to replace or upgrade from military specifications charging handle, this article will keep you in the know on matters concerning charging handles to enable you to make the right choice for your AR-15 rifle.
We'll discuss how charging handles work, what makes a good one, and the benefits of upgrading your charging handle. We'll also look at the best ones on the market.
We hope this article leaves you itching to order your most favorite choice from our carefully evaluated picks. Be sure to read through to the end.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Charging Handles
- OUR TOP PICK: Strike Industries SI ARCH-EL AR Charging Handle
- RUNNER-UP: BlackHawk AR-15 No-Latch Charging Handle
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Griffin Armament SN-ACH Suppressor Normalized Ambi Configurable Handle
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Charging Handles
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What is a Charging Handle and What Does a Charging Handle Do?
A charging handle is the gun part that moves the hammer, striker, or bolt into a position ready for firing. You can do this by pulling the handle backward to click the hammer into place, and then releasing it.
A charging handle is also known as a cocking handle. In a bolt action rifle, it is known as a bolt handle.
Other than cocking as explained above, the charging handle performs other functions as outlined below:
Clearing malfunctions and stoppages such as misfires, jams, and double feeds.
Basically checking if the gun is cleared up and ready to use. This is done by pulling the handle to and fro to verify that the rifle is clear of rounds and obstructions.
Dispelling unfired rounds and spent cartridges.
Releasing the bolt when it locks to the rear after the gun fires the last round.
What Makes a Good AR Charging Handle?
The features discussed below set a good AR charging handle apart from the rest.
Extended Latch Size
One of the main reasons gun enthusiasts upgrade from mil-spec charging handles is the small latch area that proves difficult to wrap one's fingers around especially when using gloves or during stressful conditions. To improve on this and shift from shooting casually on the range to tactical conditions, it is important to have a latch with a bigger surface area so you can easily find it even in the dark or under stressful environments. It means that you could even use it with your foot if need be.
Ambidexterity
Ambidextrous charging handles enhance flexibility and ease of use since they make it possible to use either hand from both sides. This is a major benefit to left-handed users because they no longer have to shoot from the uncomfortable right side. It's also a better option than buying separate right and left-handed handles.
Lightweight Construction Material
Aluminum offers a lightweight charging handle so the overall rifle weight remains in check. For an extra-strong handle with less friction, a steel model would be okay, but it is heavier.
Review of the Best AR-15 Charging Handles
Let's take a look at this year's best picks.
Best Overall:
Strike Industries SI ARCH-EL AR Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
Recent customers love this charging handle as it is easy to install and use. They are impressed by the extended latch as it is easy to locate and grip. Some report the spring coming in a bit rusted.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a unique design that enhances gripping with the palm rather than the fingers, this handle stands out at the top of our list. It also provides users with several options based on color for a personalized feel the user would identify with. Having the ability to fit all mil-spec rifles is another huge benefit to shooters who like using multiple weapons on the go.
Bottom Line
This charging handle is for you if you would want to grab one that gives you a personal color choice to brighten your days whenever you work with the rifle. The major shortcoming with the handle is that it only comes with the right-handed option only so left-handers are left out in the storm.
Runner-up:
BlackHawk AR-15 No-Latch Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers highly recommend the handle given its comfortable grip with the extra surface area for the fingers. The extra surface area ensures they don't nurse sore fingers anymore as they did when using other ordinary charging handles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ambidextrous design, choice of four color-based versions, and large pull points all work together to give this latchless charging handle a unique spot on our list. It is easy to use with both hands as it is to clear low-set optics given the large pull points. It also stands out with its optimized strength-to-weight ratio, meaning you end up with a strong gun with rational weight distribution.
Bottom Line
Despite the noise distraction from the external flap that slams to and fro, your shooting experience will be better owing to the ambidexterity and allowance to use the handle even with the gloves on under harsh conditions of cold or previously hurt fingers.
Best for the Money:
Griffin Armament SN-ACH Suppressor Normalized Ambi Configurable Handle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent customers are impressed with the design and build quality that ensures the handle fits solidly in the upper receiver. However, some buyers say the ambidexterity is not properly balanced. This makes it harder to use as it results in confusion on which hand to use on which side.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Given that the handle is compatible with the AR-15/M16/M4 group of firearms, this pocket-friendly handle takes the best for the money position as the value it provides outweighs its cost by far. It is also suppressor-friendly and shooters can rely on its unique gas vent and gas check groove to keep gases off their faces.
Bottom Line
Using a suppressor will be fun and safe as the gases will redirect away from your face. This means you will have better follow-up shots on the target because your eyes won't be choked or clouded.
Best AR-15 Extended Charging Handle:
Bravo Company MFG BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
Most recent buyers love the handle because it’s easy to install and use, with the ambidexterity feature coming as an invaluable solution for left-handed gun enthusiasts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BCM Gunfighter charging handle stands out because of its compatibility with direct impingement AR-15 rifles of the military specifications grade. This gives users room to use their rifles without necessarily having to shift to the piston system upper receivers. The extra-large latch makes charging the rifle efficient with no time wasted groping around.
Bottom Line
You may love the fact that the handle is compatible with mil-spec direct impingement rifles, but you'll be out of luck with it if your gun has a gas keyed bolt carrier group upper receiver. Other than this, you will have a nice time given the fine, snag-free finish. There won't be any room for annoying incidents of the handle getting caught in your clothes.
Best AR-15 Tactical Charging Handle:
Phase 5 Weapon Systems Inc Ambidextrous Battle Latch/Charging Handle Assembly
Pros
Cons
Customers love this charging handle for its durability, sturdiness, and aesthetic appeal. The smooth edges ensure the handle installs safely into the upper receiver with no internal damages.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Upgrading the grooves makes recharging quicker on this ambidextrous handle. The inbuilt steel coiled spring pin is great for shock absorption under tough conditions. Increasing the sidewall thickness is a plus for a sturdier handle that withstands usage during harsh conditions.
Bottom Line
If you usually use your rifle in tactical conditions where the pressure to perform is high, then this charging handle will improve your performance as it can withstand tough training or battle conditions.
Best AR-15 Side Charging Handle:
Fortis Manufacturing Clutch 5.56 Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers like the handle for its smooth finish that makes it fit well in their uppers without damaging the internal surfaces. Most users complain that the handle does not marry well with bigger scopes. The user has to struggle fitting fingers under the scope to reach the lever.
Why it Stands Out to Us
In a twist from the coveted ambidexterity feature, this handle provides separate options since it has both the right-handed and left-handed models. This solves the risk of having an ambidextrous handle that fails to balance well on both sides. Replacing the standard roll pin with a cam system for enhanced strength gives the handle an upper hand.
Bottom Line
This handle guarantees you strength, durability, beauty, and finesse all in one pack. You have the liberty to choose using it with or without shooting gloves since the serrations on the latch provide a solid non-slip grip.
Best AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle:
Strike Industries Strike Latchless Charging Handle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are impressed by this handle’s fine finish, lightness, smooth functionality, and gas deflection capacity. However, there are rampant complaints that the gripping surface is small when the ISO tabs are not installed. For some, these ISO tabs come as extra baggage yet a necessary evil if they want a bigger gripping surface.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Holding this charging handle in place is easy using the screw. This unique feature adds to the safety of your rifle as there is no risk of the handle unlocking and coming loose. You also have the chance to select your best option from the four available depending on your color preference.
Bottom Line
There have been fears that a latchless charging handle could unlock and fly into the shooter’s face. Even as such cases do not happen, Strike Industries assures you of maximum safety with their latchless handle by including a screw to hold it in place.
Perks of Upgrading Your Charging Handle
The following are the main benefits you will enjoy when you upgrade your charging handle:
Flexibility and Ease of Use
Any ambidextrous charging handle will offer you more flexibility such as the ability to shift the rifle from shoulder to shoulder. It’s also easier to use such rifles as you can comfortably use either hand to operate. This ease of use improves further if the latch has a curved forward, which offers you more room for its operation.
Improved Efficiency, Safety, and Personal Security
Using an upgraded charging handle offers you enhanced efficiency as your rifle will eject spent shells and unfired rounds faster while still correcting malfunctions such as misfires, jams, and double feeds. Such malfunctions may put you in the line of danger especially when you are in a shooting battle and can't afford to have your rifle fail any second.
Universality
For all your AR-15 rifles, an upgraded charging handle will allow you to use it interchangeably between rifles. To add to this, having the old mil-spec handle lying around within reach is a good option as it can act as a spare any time you might need to substitute your upgrade charging handle.
Strike Industries SI ARCH-EL AR Charging Handle
Comparison Overview
BCM Charging Handle Mod 3 vs Mod 4
Similarities
Both latches are longer than the standard ones and have nearly the same thickness as the body of the charging handle so that the gun user has more surface to hold. The front face of each latch is serrated to ensure a firm, non-slip grip.
Differences
The Mod 3 latch is longer than the Mod 4, with the Mod 3 extending about 1.14" past the body of the charging handle and the Mod 4 latch extending about 0.91".
Raptor Charging Handle vs BCM Gunfighter
Similarities
All the BCM Gunfighter and Raptor charging handles are made of 7075 T6 aluminum, with the latest Raptor-LT combining 7075 aluminum with a fiberglass-reinforced polymer. Both categories have the charging handles finished with a mil-spec anodized hard coat.
Despite the following physical differences, the functioning remains the same.
Differences
The BCM Gunfighter has four versions: Mod 3×3 large (ambidextrous), Mod 3B large, Mod 4×4 medium (ambidextrous), and Mod B medium. The latches are also longer than their Raptor counterparts.
Raptor charging handles have three major variants: Raptor-LT, Raptor Ambidextrous charging handle, and Raptor-SD.
Reciprocating vs Non Reciprocating Charging Handle
In reciprocating charging handles, the handle is attached to the bolt carrier and moves along with it. It can remove stuck cartridges. This system has an external metal flap that slams back and forth during shooting.
In a non-reciprocating charging handle, the handle and bolt carrier are separate. The handle latches onto the latter to retract it, but then shifts forward and stays put through the cycle. This system has no external moving parts.
How to Install BCG and Charging Handle
- To install these two, you first slide the charging handle into its slot above the bolt slot. The charging handle has wings that marry up with the wing openings in its slot. Ensure you align the wings. The handle should slide into its slot with its slotted opening facing the bolt slot. The movement of the handle to and fro should be smooth when it's properly installed.
- Next, install the bolt carrier. Make sure the bolt is extended all the way out before installing. The gas key fits into the slot on the charging handle. To install the bolt carrier group smoothly, pull the charging handle up so that after you align the gas key into the slotted face of the handle, you will release the two at once to slide them in.
- Close the upper and check if the system is working.
Conclusion
We have so far looked at the best charging handles for the AR-15, the benefits of buying one, and the distinguishing characteristics of a good charging handle. With the information provided, we hope that you are now better placed to decide on a favorite choice from our top picks.
People Also Ask
Let's lock this up by looking at some of the common questions around the charging handle. We hope this section answers any burning questions you may have now before ordering your favorite pick.
Are AR-15 Charging Handles Universal?
If your AR-15 has not been redesigned by side-charging, and you are not using proprietary receivers on it, then the AR-15 charging handle is universal and can be used on any weapon labeled mil-spec or one that uses mil-spec measurements.
When Fired Does the AR-15 Charging Handle Fly Backward?
The AR-15 charging handle does not fly backward as long as the latch is locked in place. The latch holds the handle forward and limits any extreme movement to the rear. Even if the latch were to be incompletely locked, the chances of the handle flying backward smack into your face are very slim. Your face is safe.
How to Lock Back Charging Handle
To lock back the charging handle, first ensure your index finger is way off the trigger and that your grip is tight. Maintain your rifle at the mounted position and move your support hand to the magazine well. Using the thumb of your support hand, press and hold the bolt catch paddle at its bottom. Use the thumb of your dominant hand to hold the charging handle, pull it to the rear, and seat it back in position.
What is a Latchless Charging Handle?
A latchless charging handle, as the name suggests, is one that comes without the latch. In its place, a spring that performs the same function as the latch would is installed. The spring secures the charging handle to the locking section.