Seriously, does it make that much of a difference (charging handle)?

[lftd&pwrstrok'n]

Outside of the trigger it's one of the very upgrades worth making on an AR. I've bent one of those stock charging handles, and I don't even use ARs that much.

I don't upgrade triggers either. WHAT?!?!?!?! I know that blows some people's minds. I don't think my finger is sensitive enough to feel the difference between all the different triggers. I shall turn in my ODT shirts, patches, and stickers at the next meeting.

 

[albatros43]

I don't upgrade triggers either. WHAT?!?!?!?! I know that blows some people's minds. I don't think my finger is sensitive enough to feel the difference between all the different triggers. I shall turn in my ODT shirts, patches, and stickers at the next meeting.

You would be able to tell the difference

 

[Theodore]

No, your factory charging handle works as good as an after market

 

[batoncolle]

I don't upgrade triggers either. WHAT?!?!?!?! I know that blows some people's minds. I don't think my finger is sensitive enough to feel the difference between all the different triggers. I shall turn in my ODT shirts, patches, and stickers at the next meeting.

I hunt with a couple of my ARs so they get trigger upgrades. I have an LMT still with a stock trigger this isn't too gritty, but it still doesn't compare to a nice trigger.

 

[biker_bill]

No, your factory charging handle works as good as an after market

We were using M16A1's when I was in.
In 7 years and a year and a half running a range I never heard of anyone bending the charging handle.
Clearly it happens, it's happened to someone here, but I don't guess it happens very often.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

We were using M16A1's when I was in.
In 7 years and a year and a half running a range I never heard of anyone bending the charging handle.
Clearly it happens, it's happened to someone here, but I don't guess it happens very often.

I'd be willing to bet that the overwhelming majority of failures happen on rifles that do not have a rifle length buffer tube. Any A1 or A2 length rifle I've ever owned has charged smoothly and easily. When you out that carbine length tube on and starting dorking around with buffer weights, it's gets bindy and sticky most ricky-tick.

 

[biker_bill]

I'd be willing to bet that the overwhelming majority of failures happen on rifles that do not have a rifle length buffer tube. Any A1 or A2 length rifle I've ever owned has charged smoothly and easily. When you out that carbine length tube on and starting dorking around with buffer weights, it's gets bindy and sticky most ricky-tick.

Thanks, that explains that!

 

[mtdawg169]

A Stock handle's lower latch ear (the red circled portion in the pic) bends downward during repeated single sided/latch side manipulation. Eventually the gap gets wide enough that the latch/roll pin/spring fly out in all directions.

[Broken External Image]:

Bingo. A close examination of the BCM charging handle will show you that this section is not open, but closed off. The standard CH places all of the stress on a very small roll pin. The pin can shear in two. Or the ears will spread, allowing the pin to bend and eventually pull out.

The BCM CH is closed. This allows the latch itself to stop against the rear wall, transferring stress to the handle and away from that tiny roll pin. It is absolutely stronger and more robust than the standard CH.

With that being said, I can't justify spending more than the cost of the BCM. There are several others that have come to market since the Gunfighter CH was introduced, with prices approaching $100. Screw that. Especially when I can buy the Gunfighter at a 2:1 ratio.

 

[mtdawg169]

I'd be willing to bet that the overwhelming majority of failures happen on rifles that do not have a rifle length buffer tube. Any A1 or A2 length rifle I've ever owned has charged smoothly and easily. When you out that carbine length tube on and starting dorking around with buffer weights, it's gets bindy and sticky most ricky-tick.

The carbine spring is stiffer also.

 

[Rzr570]

I just upgraded to an AXTS Raptor