What is the best charging handle?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What is the best charging handle?

Posted: 7/23/2014 8:43:36 PM EDT

Is there a big difference between charging handles? I see all kinds of different prices but they all seem to look very similar. What is a good charging handle for my 300 blk build? Thanks.

Posted: 7/23/2014 8:53:01 PM EDT

[#1]

Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:06:09 PM EDT

[#2]

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:07:40 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:
Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

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What is better or different with that handle than most others that are about half the price? First build, so I don't have any experience with charging handles.

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:10:10 PM EDT

[#4]

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Quoted:
Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

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+1

I've had Mil-Spec, PRI, Badger, and BCM. The Raptor is the best I've ever used (for everything other then a Suppressed AR).

Do some searching on Google and YouTube to find out why. Basically it is stronger, smoother, and better designed then a standard CH or anything else.

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:22:27 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

+1

I've had Mil-Spec, PRI, Badger, and BCM. The Raptor is the best I've ever used (for everything other then a Suppressed AR).

Do some searching on Google and YouTube to find out why. Basically it is stronger, smoother, and better designed then a standard CH or anything else.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

+1

I've had Mil-Spec, PRI, Badger, and BCM. The Raptor is the best I've ever used (for everything other then a Suppressed AR).

Do some searching on Google and YouTube to find out why. Basically it is stronger, smoother, and better designed then a standard CH or anything else.

Mine is an 8.2" suppressed 300blk. Does that change things? Is there something better for suppressed?

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:30:18 PM EDT

[#6]

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Quoted:

Mine is an 8.2" suppressed 300blk. Does that change things? Is there something better for suppressed?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

+1

I've had Mil-Spec, PRI, Badger, and BCM. The Raptor is the best I've ever used (for everything other then a Suppressed AR).

Do some searching on Google and YouTube to find out why. Basically it is stronger, smoother, and better designed then a standard CH or anything else.

Mine is an 8.2" suppressed 300blk. Does that change things? Is there something better for suppressed?

I run a Raptor on my 8" suppressed .300, zero gas face. Once you use one you'll be spoiled.

Posted: 7/23/2014 9:38:12 PM EDT

[#7]

I was looking at the BCM Gunfighter Mod 4. It is half the price. Is this Raptor really that much better?

Posted: 7/23/2014 10:40:39 PM EDT

[#8]

I remember the first day of a carbine class, the instructor was going over clearing the chamber. Rifle at the shoulder still up on target, shooting hand on the grip, left hand working the charging handle.

Someone was being too gentle, so I heard, "No one's broken on yet, rip that bitch back"

I like the BCM medium Gunfighter, it has a good grip surface, and I doubt if it will ever break.

Posted: 7/23/2014 10:42:28 PM EDT

[#9]

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Quoted:
I was looking at the BCM Gunfighter Mod 4. It is half the price. Is this Raptor really that much better?

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It's all personal preference. The Raptor is an ambidextrous handle which some guys like to use for charging with their off-hand (which is why I went with the Raptor). BCM makes some great pieces as well, including an ambi model. You're going to get mixed/biased recommendations based on what each person is using on their rigs. To say that one is better than the other is opening up a can of worms. The majority of members in here either use the Raptor or BCM-both solid investments. Find one that suits your style/needs

Posted: 7/24/2014 2:44:26 AM EDT

[#10]

LOL JK

SLR Renegade is pretty sweet

Posted: 7/24/2014 3:46:13 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Devil-Dog-Concepts-Hard-Charger-2-390x219.jpg

LOL JK

SLR Renegade is pretty sweet

http://slrrifleworks.com/image/cache/data/slr/Charging%20Handle/DSC_5884-600x600.JPG

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So ball detent instead of a latch? No reason it shouldn't work I guess. But that thing looks all kinds of stabby in your ribs

What do they run?

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:22:12 AM EDT

[#12]

$64.99 direct from SLR.

I would assume you'll be able to find them for $50 or so once other retailers start stocking them, the same way everyone sells the Raptor for less than Rainier does.

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:54:18 AM EDT

[#13]

Raptors are pretty good. I still run a lot of BCM's as they are significantly cheaper. Most of my BCM's I bought for ~$25-$30. I still use a PRI gas buster with my suppressor. I only have one Raptor. It's pretty sweet, but I'm not going to ditch 10-15 BCM's and drop the money on that many Raptors.

Posted: 7/24/2014 5:44:52 AM EDT

[#14]

Another Raptor fan here...

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:06:54 PM EDT

[#15]

Raptor.

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:53:47 PM EDT

[#16]

Raptor. I love mine. I got it about a month ago at dsg arms for $69 looks like they are back to $85 though.

Posted: 7/24/2014 4:56:59 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Raptor. I love mine. I got it about a month ago at dsg arms for $69 looks like they are back to $85 though.

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Labor Day sales aren't too far off...

Posted: 7/25/2014 4:48:51 AM EDT

[#18]

Raptor.

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:51:04 AM EDT

[#19]

Raptor. I ran bcm's for a while but after I ordered my first raptor and felt the difference I sold off the bcm's. The raptor is just too comfortable.

Posted: 7/25/2014 5:54:27 PM EDT

[#20]

Raptor

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:29:39 PM EDT

[#21]

Raptor FTW

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:33:39 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
I was looking at the BCM Gunfighter Mod 4. It is half the price. Is this Raptor really that much better?

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I have the BCM mod4....very nice. No need to pay more.

Why pay less when you can have a Raptor at twice the price.

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:42:16 PM EDT

[#23]

I have a couple of Raptors, but I'm about to pull the trigger on the SLR CH.

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:43:26 PM EDT

[#24]

Well some would say it's how much you pay for it. You know, "you get what you pay for", saying?

Posted: 7/25/2014 6:44:17 PM EDT

[#25]

raptors and BCM gunfighters here. the raptor is my favorite

Posted: 8/14/2014 1:26:52 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
Is there a big difference between charging handles? I see all kinds of different prices but they all seem to look very similar. What is a good charging handle for my 300 blk build? Thanks.

View Quote

a custom laser engraved one

Posted: 8/14/2014 2:47:17 PM EDT

[#27]

I own standard, BCM GF mod 4, BCM GF mod 44 (ambi), and a raptor. And I have to say it is a toss up between the ambi Raptor and the ambi Mod 44. I think I prefer the mod 44 out of those 2 though.

Posted: 8/14/2014 3:03:09 PM EDT

[#28]

If your using a surpressor, I suggest the charing handle for the end of times.

Posted: 8/14/2014 3:37:07 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Rainier Arms Raptor. It's my favorite.

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This is what I use on all my AR's.

Posted: 8/14/2014 4:57:17 PM EDT

[#30]

Your question is which is the best.... the answer is RAPTOR.

Posted: 8/14/2014 5:36:11 PM EDT

[#31]

Raptor.

BCM would be my next choice.

Primary Arms has Raptors $20 off.

Dave N

Posted: 8/14/2014 6:16:59 PM EDT

[#32]

The best non ambu CH is BCM, but the best ambi is a Raptor.

I have used both and the BCM breaks in/smooths out faster.

Posted: 8/14/2014 6:48:25 PM EDT

[#33]

I just ordered two more Raptors. Thanks guys.

Posted: 8/14/2014 7:00:01 PM EDT

[#34]

I've tried them all and was never really impressed, until I got a Raptor. Nothing else even comes close in function, fit and finish.

Posted: 8/14/2014 7:57:01 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
If your using a surpressor, I suggest the charing handle for the end of times.

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I came here to ask if anyone had any experience with the Armageddon

Posted: 8/15/2014 5:28:26 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
If your using a surpressor, I suggest the charing handle for the end of times.

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Just got two of the GSM-15's and I'm very pleased with them. I loved the Raptor but was getting significant gas to the face with my Surefire can. Getting zero gas with the GSM and I feel it works equally as well as the Raptor as an ambi.

Posted: 8/15/2014 7:25:40 PM EDT

[#37]

I had only used BCMs medium and large. Based on this thread I tried the raptor, now it is all I will buy. Thanks.

Posted: 8/16/2014 1:18:19 AM EDT

[#38]

Threads like these would be much more interesting if the question was "Who makes the second best charging handle?" since the obvious and almost unanimous decision for the "BEST" is the Raptor. Literally every single person I shoot with who has tried a Raptor thinks it is hands down the top dog and bought one shortly after trying it out...even my buddy who is the cheapest SOB on the planet has one..

BCMs ambi Gunfighter would be my second choice. It is a great CH and seems very durable. I would definitely trust it to do the job and last for a long time.

Posted: 8/16/2014 4:23:01 AM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Threads like these would be much more interesting if the question was "Who makes the second best charging handle?" since the obvious and almost unanimous decision for the "BEST" is the Raptor. Literally every single person I shoot with who has tried a Raptor thinks it is hands down the top dog and bought one shortly after trying it out...even my buddy who is the cheapest SOB on the planet has one..

BCMs ambi Gunfighter would be my second choice. It is a great CH and seems very durable. I would definitely trust it to do the job and last for a long time.

View Quote

You are correct. Everyone who has tried the Raptor prefers it to all others. Just like mounts, everyone who has tried a Bobro knows they are superior to everything else.

Posted: 8/16/2014 11:12:39 AM EDT

[#40]

Just got two for the bday and bought a 3rd for myself. I had the LMT extended latches which are nice. They can be backups, except I don't think the Raptors will ever fail.