Posted: 2/27/2010 10:40:10 AM EDT
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A few months ago, I bought a BCM Mod. 4 (medium latch) chargeing handle from a local shop. I went in looking to replace a standard type chargeing handle that had developed a crack. I didn't want an oversized tactical latch, but they didn't have any std chargeing handles in stock. I liked the fact that the latch didn't seem as oversized and awkward as the other tactical latches I looked at. Shortly after I bought the BCM chargeing handle, SWAT Magazine ran a very nice review about it- a review that explained some added use features and (most importantly to me) how much more durable the BCM handle was compared to just about anything else on the market. Not only wat it likely a better grade of aluminum than my prior handle (which failed), it was clearly much more built up. I have enjoyed using it on the range a lot. I use the chargeing handle a lot, loading and unloading in rimfire falling plate competitions. Squirrel season is winding down here. The other day I took my AR (.22 LR conversion equipped) with me. Carrying the rifle in the field, I found the BCM carry handle to be undesireable. On more than a half dozen occasions, the latch became unlocked after contact with my body/outerwear or on "thick stuff". Even though I was using the .22LR conversion, I am sure that I would have experienced the same snagging/ unlock had the rifle been equipped for shooting 5.56. I never experienced a similar problem when carrying a rifle equipped with a standard chargeing handle in woods. The extended left-ward protrusions does not lend this chargeing handle to field carry. As much as this was a problem for me hunting, I believe that it would be an equally bad problem if a service member decided to replace their stock handle/ latch with this one. I could imagine that the Mod. 3 would be just as bad if not worse- because of the larger latch.
I'm not sure if I am going to keep or sell my BCM handle right now. I shoot my rifle on the sqaure range a lot more frequently than I carry it. And, I enjoy it there. However, I don't lke how much easier it is for the latch (and potentially the bolt) to become unlocked. |
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When you carry it in the field, how are you doing so? With a sling in front, over your shoulder or just hand carried? I have one of these as well but I have yet to carry it in the field, just range use so I am curious what type of carry you are using and experiencing these issues.
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Quoted:
When you carry it in the field, how are you doing so? With a sling in front, over your shoulder or just hand carried? I have one of these as well but I have yet to carry it in the field, just range use so I am curious what type of carry you are using and experiencing these issues. Primarily in hand. I experienced issues with growth/ brush/ laurel when carrying it one handed, muzzle forward (my hand was gripping the handguard just in front of the upper receiver. A bulk of my problems occurred carrying it in hand, "at the ready"- strong hand on the pistol grip, weak hand on the forend, rifle across my chest angled to the ground (the way somebody would likely carry the rifle on a patrol). |