How To Pick The Right Charging Handle for You
When it comes to charging handles, many overlook them since they can appear to be just another part of a rifle. However, the truth is that they are an extremely important piece that can influence your entire experience with your rifle. How is that? With a regular stock charging handle, you might be okay, but if you depend on your rifle for sport, home defense, or any other situation, risking malfunctions and faulty operation is simply not worth it. Luckily, there’s a lot of great options available from trusted, reliable brands. Let’s take a look at what makes these charging handles unique, and how you can pick the best one for you.
Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Radian is well known for their super high quality, durable and reliable products. The Raptor is no exception, as it is truly revolutionary in design & function. This charging handle is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It’s on the pricier side, coming in at $85.45 at Milspecretail.com, however you know your money is being well spent. The most defining feature of this charging handle is the durability, and reputation of the brand. If you’re looking for a very solid charging handle you won’t have to replace for a long time, this is a solid choice.
This charging handle features rapid palm “blading” or finger thumb charges of the weapon. This motion is fluid and fast, from either strong or support side thanks to its ambidextrous design. These features make the Radian Raptor a truly great choice, even if it is slightly more expensive than competitors.
Battle Arms Development RACK Charging Handle for AR-15
What Battle Arms Development has done with their RACK Charging Handle is truly original. Their patented design has some incredible features that make this charging handle super underrated and a great choice for anyone. The RACK features no weak roll pins, which takes out the inconvenience of when roll pins typically fail on other builds. In addition, the Rack features are a smooth sliding latch that slides parallel with the receiver notch for slick, and quick release.
This not only ensures a faster, more efficient process, but helps minimize wear and tear. Its asymmetric charging handles left or right with ease, and performs with consistent and positive assurance. Finally, the RACK features a monolithic modular handle, machined from one piece of aluminum for optimal strength. The USA made Battle Arms Development RACK Charging Handle features top durability and performance.
Geissele Automatics Super Charging Handle
Geissele is another company that’s very well known for their high quality products. Since its beginnings in 2004, they’ve continued to produce AR parts that keep every build running smoothly. The Super Charging Handle is no exception! This charging handle features a aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum build, making it super durable. Moving on to its features, Its ambidextrous design allows for seamless operation from either side of the weapon. It’s also highly efficient and made for light weight operation. The levers are dual contoured similar to that of the charging handle of an M14, where not only the x-axis but also the y-axis receive radius cuts.
The handling surface of the lever is also checkered, adding a textured grip aiding to the use when operating with gloves. The heightened rear lip of the SCH aids in mitigating gas blowback to the shooter when shooting with short barreled and suppressed weapon systems. All parts are then Type 3 Hardcoat anodized and are available in black and DDC (Desert Dirt Color). This is another charging handle that is suitable for anyone to use. We recommend this handle to anyone who’s looking specifically for a super light weight, ergonomic design.
Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle w/ MOD 3B Large Latch (556/2.23)
One of Bravo Company’s best qualities is that their products are designed around real world situations and needs. Driven by over a decade of feedback from real-world combat operations, BCM has made continual design refinements and structural improvements to the charging handle in the M4 and M16 to address the current manual of arms for the weapon system. Optimizing the contours into a snag-free profile that facilitates immediate manipulation with an end-user’s reaction side grip. The range of BCM Gunfighter Charging Handles is available with both ambidextrous and MIL-SPEC controls. This makes it perfect for lefties and righties.
The BCM Gunfighter eliminates load on the pivot pin (like a USGI handle fitted with an extended latch). Instead, it keeps the energy from charging close to the centerline of the carbine/rifle. This design provides a larger uninterrupted engagement surface with a smaller silhouette. With all these features, you’d think this charging handle would come in at a super high price. However, this handle is currently priced only at $43.95! As far as value buys go, it’s going to be very difficult to find a charging handle at this price point that packs in more value. Especially coming from a company like BCM, this is a solid purchase that would last anyone a long time.
How To Pick The Right Charging Handle for You
When it comes to picking which handle to use, there’s a few different factors. Are you looking for innovative design? You should definitely check out the Battle Arms Development RACK. Value packed? BCM Gunfighter is tough to beat. Durability? The Radian Raptor has you set. Overall though, our favorite on this list is the Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter. With its super low price point, and super high value in features and durability, it’s hard to find an alternative that packs in this much value at such a great price. If you’re looking to replace your stock charging handle without worrying about breaking the bank, this charging handle from Bravo Company is an awesome choice. When all is said and done, these are all great handles, however, everyone has different preferences and needs, so it all comes down to you and what you’re looking for! However, no matter which handle you choose, you’ll be in safe hands with any of these options.