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The charging handle is one of the most changed out parts on the AR-15, although shooters new to the AR platform tend to overlook this modification for grips, stocks, and triggers. If you’re new to the AR or you are thinking about an upgrade, this may be something you want to consider.
The charging handle serves a critical role in the operation of your AR. The charging handle for its simplicity, serves one key purposes—it moves the bolt carrier group (BCG) into the open and ready positions inside the upper receiver. This allows you to ready your rifle to fire, perform a press check to see if the rifle is empty or loaded, or clear a shell or jam.
While your new AR comes with a Mil-Spec charging handle, there are several enhancements that have been made to this piece of equipment that may have you considering an upgrade. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a standard Mil-Spec charging handle, it will stand up to abuse and it will get the job done. A Mil-Spec charging handle is made from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum and has a short handle with a latch on the left side, which is depressed to release the charging handle and pull back the bolt carrier. There are some advantages to a Mil-Spec charging handle, including durability as well as a short handle, which is less likely to catch on clothing, straps, and other obstacles; however, it does have some limitations.
Over the years, manufactures have met industry demands by innovating on the design and offering features that appeal to both recreational and professional users. The list below outlines some of the innovations you may find in an enhanced charging handle, which may include one or more of the following features.
Most charging handles are located on the right side of the firearm. The AR-15 is unique in that the handle is located at the rear of the receiver. On a standard Mil-Spec charging handle, the latch release is on the left side. And since most shooters are right-handed, the shooter can maintain their right-handed grip, while using the left hand to operate the charging handle. If you are left-handed this operation can be awkward. This is where an Ambidextrous Charging Handle can benefit the left-handed shooter, since they can operate the charging handle using the right-side latch release, while maintain their left-handed grip.
What if you’re not left-handed, can you benefit from an ambidextrous charging handle? Yes, absolutely! If you are practicing or planning to become proficient using your AR-15 with either hand—shooting with a right or left side grip, an ambidextrous charging handle will improve your ability to make-ready and clear your firearm without taking your hand away from the grip and trigger. This is critical for law enforcement, military, and competitive shooters, who need to operate quickly with the fewest movements, while maintain down-range awareness. Aside from the operational benefits, those looking to build a highly functional piece of art know an “Ambi” upgrade looks as cool as it performs!
If you’re not left-handed and you are not planning to use your AR-15 on becoming a proficient left-handed shooter, then an extended latch may be the option you are looking for if you want more leverage on the handle or use gloves while shooting.
The nice thing about extended latches is that it is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to enhance your rifle or pistol, without spending much. If you are leaning toward an extended latch charging handle, you have a few options; you can replace the latch on your Mil-Spec charging handle or you can buy a new handle with an extended latch. If you want to gain that function from your stock Mil-Spec charging handle, just replace the latch. If you are going for a new look, pick up a new charging handle, either option will get you the feature you want.
Another innovative feature designed for shooters with suppressed systems is a vented charging handle. Anyone who has shot suppressed at one time or another knows what it is like to get a face full of gas while shooting. While suppressors have the health benefit of reducing hearing damage, they don’t do much for the excess gas that generally finds its way to your face and eyes. While there are several upgrades for shooters looking to redirect the excess gas generated by a suppressed system, a vented charging handle may help.
In an unsuppressed system, most of the excess gas exits the barrel at the muzzle; however, in a suppressed system, any excess gas that does not escape at the muzzle will blowback to find the nearest opening to vent. And one of those places is at the rear of the upper receiver along the charging handle, which just so happens to be right under your nose and eyes. The idea behind the vented charging handle is the excess gas will find its way out of the ejection port rather than the rear of your receiver.
In the end, whichever option you choose, it will be the right one for the firearm you are upgrading. Whether it serves the purpose of improving your performance, making it easier to operate, keeping gas out of your face, or because you want a certain look and feel, this will be the easiest upgrade you install and will give you immediate satisfaction. Checkout the latest selection of charging handles and upgrade you AR-15, AR-10, or AR-9 with some of the hottest products on the market.
