Understanding the Significance of Your Charging Handle
The charging handle, often referred to as the “CH,” is the part you grasp and pull back to cycle the action of your AR-15. This action chambers the first round, extracts spent casings, and prepares the rifle for the next shot. It’s a critical component, and a poor-quality or poorly designed handle can lead to malfunctions, slow reloads, and general frustration. A well-designed **best AR charging handle** will offer improved ergonomics, ease of operation, and potentially, enhanced durability.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an AR Charging Handle
Choosing the right charging handle involves considering several important factors. Understanding these elements will ensure you select a model that best suits your individual needs and shooting style.
Material Matters: Strength, Weight, and Performance
The material from which a charging handle is constructed greatly affects its performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials:
Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular choice due to its excellent balance of weight and strength. Aircraft-grade aluminum, in particular, is often used, offering a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum charging handles are generally more affordable than other options. However, they may be susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially with heavy use.
Steel: Steel charging handles are incredibly durable and can withstand significant abuse. They offer excellent resistance to bending or breaking. The drawback is that steel is heavier than aluminum, which can add weight to the rifle. Steel charging handles also tend to be more expensive.
Polymer: Polymer charging handles are a budget-friendly option. They’re lightweight and corrosion-resistant. However, they are generally less durable than aluminum or steel, and can be prone to cracking or breaking under stress. These are typically best suited for range use.
The material you select will depend on your priorities. If you prioritize durability and aren’t concerned about weight, steel may be the best choice. For a balance of performance and affordability, aluminum is a strong contender. If weight is a significant concern, and you’re on a budget, consider a high-quality polymer handle, but be aware of its limitations. The **best AR charging handles** often use high-grade aluminum for a good balance of durability and weight.
Ergonomics: How the Handle Feels in Your Hand
The design and shape of the charging handle can profoundly affect its ease of use. Key considerations include:
Handle Style: The style of the handle is essential. Common styles include the standard “T” handle, extended handles, ambidextrous options, and tactical designs.
Grip and Texture: A handle with a good grip and texture will make it easier to operate, especially in adverse conditions or when wearing gloves. Look for textured surfaces, aggressive checkering, or other features that provide a secure grip.
Oversized or Extended Latches: These latches are designed for easier manipulation, especially in situations where speed is critical. They provide a larger surface area for a faster and more efficient charging action.
Considering Ambidextrous vs. Non-Ambidextrous Charging Handles
The choice between an ambidextrous or non-ambidextrous charging handle is largely determined by your shooting style and preferences:
Ambidextrous: An ambidextrous charging handle features latches on both sides, allowing for easy manipulation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This design is advantageous for shooters who need to manipulate the charging handle with either hand or those looking for greater versatility in different shooting positions. Many of the **best AR charging handles** are ambidextrous for this very reason.
Non-Ambidextrous: A non-ambidextrous handle typically has a latch on the right side only, designed for right-handed shooters. These are often more affordable and can be a good option if you are right-handed and don’t require ambidextrous functionality.
Durability and Reliability: Build Quality and Longevity
A durable and reliable charging handle is a must. Consider these aspects:
Manufacturing Quality: Look for handles manufactured with high-quality materials and precise machining. These handles will last longer and perform more consistently.
Stress Tests: Check whether the charging handle has been tested under stress conditions. This will show you how durable the handle will be under intense shooting conditions.
Construction Design: Observe the way the charging handle is made. A single-piece design is more reliable than a design with multiple parts. The **best AR charging handles** are generally manufactured for durability and reliability.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
Charging handles come in a range of price points.
Entry-Level: You can find basic charging handles for reasonable prices. These are often a good starting point, but may lack some of the advanced features or enhanced ergonomics of more expensive models.
Mid-Range: Mid-range handles offer a good balance of features, quality, and price. These models often feature improved ergonomics, ambidextrous designs, and higher-quality materials.
Premium: Premium charging handles are often constructed from the highest-quality materials, feature advanced designs, and are built to withstand the most demanding use.
Set a budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you. The **best AR charging handle** for you may be a mid-range model that perfectly balances features and affordability.
Compatibility: Ensuring a Perfect Fit
Before purchasing, ensure that the charging handle is compatible with your AR-15 platform.
Standard AR-15 Specifications: Most aftermarket charging handles are designed to fit standard AR-15 receiver dimensions.
Unique Rails and Accessories: Consider any obstructions from scopes, optics mounts, or other accessories. The latch might need extra space.
Installation: Make sure you can install the charging handle without any special tools.
Top Recommendations for Best AR Charging Handles
Here’s a look at some of the **best AR charging handles** available, considering the factors above:
Radian Weapons Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Key Features: Ambidextrous design, made from aircraft-grade aluminum, multiple color options.
Pros: Excellent ergonomics, smooth operation, incredibly durable, widely regarded as one of the best.
Cons: Can be a bit more expensive than some other options.
Where to Buy: Available on most major firearm retailer websites.
Review/Explanation: This handle is a favorite among AR-15 enthusiasts. The ambidextrous design makes it easy to use for both right- and left-handed shooters. It’s known for its smooth operation and exceptional durability. The Radian Raptor is consistently ranked among the top-rated charging handles.
Geissele Automatics Airborne Charging Handle
Key Features: Ambidextrous, optimized for gas deflection, made from 7075-T6 aluminum.
Pros: Designed to redirect gas away from the shooter’s face, great for suppressed rifles, durable.
Cons: Can be more expensive than other options.
Where to Buy: Found on the Geissele website and at most reputable firearm retailers.
Review/Explanation: The Geissele Airborne Charging Handle is designed for enhanced functionality, especially when shooting suppressed. It diverts gas away from the shooter’s face, improving comfort and visibility. The handle’s excellent construction and ergonomic design provide a smooth and reliable operation.
Bravo Company USA (BCM) Gunfighter Charging Handle
Key Features: Available in different latch sizes, built to withstand harsh conditions, made from high-quality materials.
Pros: Several handle options, durable, good grip, smooth and reliable.
Cons: The standard version is not ambidextrous.
Where to Buy: Easily found on most firearms retailers.
Review/Explanation: The BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle provides an excellent balance of features and price. It comes in several latch sizes, making it suitable for various shooting styles. The design emphasizes strength and reliability, and its excellent build quality means it can withstand hard use.
Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch
Key Features: Ambidextrous, extended latch, available in several finishes.
Pros: Enhanced ergonomics with the extended latch, very affordable.
Cons: Can be a bit bulky for some users, some users might find the extended latch too large.
Where to Buy: Available on the Strike Industries website and through online retailers.
Review/Explanation: The Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch is a budget-friendly option offering enhanced ergonomics. The extended latch provides a larger surface area for easier operation, particularly with gloves or in stressful situations. The design and build quality make this a great value for money.
How to Replace Your AR Charging Handle
Swapping out your charging handle is a relatively simple process:
Preparation: Clear your firearm. Remove the magazine and double-check that the chamber is empty.
Disassembly: Pull the takedown pins to separate the upper and lower receivers.
Remove the Old Handle: Pull the charging handle out of the receiver.
Install the New Handle: Insert the new charging handle into the receiver.
Reassembly: Reassemble the upper and lower receivers.
Function Check: Test the charging handle by cycling the action several times.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
To keep your charging handle operating smoothly:
Cleaning: Clean the handle regularly to remove dirt and debris.
Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the moving parts.
Inspection: Inspect the handle for wear and tear.
Proper Fit: Make sure the handle fits into the upper receiver and doesn’t wobble too much.
Conclusion: Enhance Your AR-15 Experience
Selecting the **best AR charging handle** is a significant upgrade that can enhance the performance, comfort, and overall shooting experience. Considering material, design, ambidextrous options, and budget will help you make an informed choice. Carefully review the recommendations provided, and select the handle that best matches your individual needs. Upgrading your charging handle is a worthwhile investment that can make a real difference in how you enjoy your time at the range or in the field.
