There is lots of talk about Charging Handles (CH), what works, what doesn't work, and the different things people would like to see changed.  

My own opinion of CHs is based on my MIL, LEO, and time as an instructor, in addition to the work done in this industry.  While I'm more than happy to talk about that, I'm more interested in what people think makes for a good or bad CH, and what they think could or should be changed.  This thread will no doubt be read by a lot of companies and industry people, so please share your honest thoughts.  Don't bother to share opinions that are stuff you read on the internet, there is already enough misinformation floating around without adding that stuff!

In my mind, the first decent latch that came out (mainstream), was the PRI Gasbuster.  They were smart enough to use a larger latch, but also to thicken areas up, and create a diversion for gas which was of help to guys using cans/ suppressor/ silencers.  The next step that came along was the latches which you could add onto your existing CH.  I can't recall the name, but there was one which seemed to reign supreme for awhile.  It was great for optics as it stood out pretty far, but the downside was for guys who actually carried the weapon as it seemed to hang up on gear.  Granted, this was more of a problem for some people than others.  

The next large mainstream evolution of the CH seemed to be the Bravo Company Gunfighter.  I consider it mainstream because at the start, it took a lot of flack from guys who claimed it was just for armchair commandos and gucci gear guys.  There was a lot of internet bitching on this forum along those lines.  However, as more and more people began to use them, they were found to work exceptionally well.  While BCM gave a lack of rollpin weakness as a major asset, the largest benefit seemed to be its overall design and how well it worked.  There were a few complaints about it pinching skin, but most of us never saw that happen.  BCM was one of the first to OEM their CH to other companies, and no doubt that is what helped solidify it as a solid upgrade to shooters who might not have otherwise noticed it.  

After BCM, there were a lot of companies who decided to jump in and get involved in the CH arena.  At that time, Rainier Arms was working on a CH of their own, and worked with AXTS to manufacturer what became pretty famous in their own right as the RAPTOR CH.  The RAPTOR was featured in the video game series "Call Of Duty", and even people who don't play games can see how that certainly didn't hurt the popularity of the RAPTOR.  The RAPTOR seemed to be the first widely accepted ambi-CH.  Rainier worked to develop a next generation CH based on feedback they had received, and while it isn't available yet, a main feature of it is the ability to use different "levers" and create a more modular CH system.  I'll point out that at this time I have zero hands on time with this item.  

While the main three CH above were in progress, other companies were working on designs of their own.  Some of which attempted to incorporate the PRI features of diverting gas.  IIRC, it was PRI who developed and pulled a patent on their handle, which resulted in issues for a few companies who were hitting the CH game.  I think all of us can agree that if we developed something special, we would hate to see it copied, so I'll leave any lawyer aspects or complaints at that.  

I don't think we can write up a thread without mentioning the long time idea of using silicone RTV or high grade silicone caulk to seal around a CH as a poor mans "gas buster".  This idea has been around for a very long time.  Eventually companies tried to create additional ways to divert gas, including pulling the forward assist and installing a diverter plug.  Most people however are not looking to remove a forward assist, or to caulk their CHs.  Due to this, the CH market continues to grow and evolve.  

Lastly, all CH designs are not the same, not even the ones that claim to be USGI.  If you can grab your CH in your hands on each long end, and easily twist it, you probably have a subpar unit in your hands.  


What are your thoughts on the designs?  What do you like, and what do you use?    What would you like to see?


If there is interest, I can post up pics, or we can all start posting pictures to help out those people who aren't familiar with the different designs.

Personally our company (Stickgunner LLC) weapons wear a variety of different Charging Handles, to include the USGI style, though I try to pull those out as soon as possible.  The Bravo Company Gunfighter CH (#4) is what is in my duty weapon.  While the RAPTOR ambi is nice, I have never had an issue doing weak hand drills, or even weak hand double feed clearance drills with a non-ambi handle.  I have a few RAPTORs, and enjoy them, but they never made their way to duty weapon status.  

One of the Charging Handles that I really like right now is a  hidden gem that isn't seen very often, and is by Fortis.  The CH is called the "Hammer", and I like it because the handle is thick and beefy.  There is no or very minimal wobble when I try to twist it in my hands as there is in some other CH.  The Fortis Hammer also rides exceedingly smooth, and while part of that is always going to be based on lube, wear, and buffer tube when charging the weapon, a good smooth handle certainly doesn't hurt.  The Fortis Hammer is what is in the carbine of Mrs Stick, and she is more picky than most based on her ability to go through piles of items and find EXACTLY what she feels fits and works best for her.

What is it you don't care for about the BCM, or what is it you like about the PRI latch better?  Just curious, stuff like this is almost always based on personal preference.  

For me, the main goal of the charging handle is for it to be easy to grasp in even the harshest conditions and not have to worry about slippage.  Almost all the newer charging handles from BCM to Fortis to the Raptor do that, and I really appreciate it.

The PRI's latch was a bit too slippy for me (even with the newer latch with serrations) so I replaced mine with the LMT flat faced latch they've got on their "tactical" charging handle.  As for the gas busting functions, the little channel doesn't really do much redirecting... while the gap between the charging handle and lower receiver lets carbon infused gunk right onto your face LOL!

For suppressor use, I prefer tight fitting charging handles like the BCM and others with a RTV mod, and the AR Gas Vent.  It's the combo that works best after all my experimentation.  I also really like how newer cans account for gas port pressures/blowback/shootability and are no longer chasing the decibel meter.