Posted: 10/14/2013 6:21:44 PM EDT
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Hey all!
As many of you know, Greg3 and I were lucky enough to get our hands on the new Switchback Charge Handle at the Bullpup Shoot this year. We have been playing around with them for the last few weeks and are really impressed. Anyway, We know that while many of you are very familiar with the AUG/MSAR platform and have had the charge handle off for various reasons, there are some people out there that are either new to the platform, or else have never taken the charge handle off of their rifle before. That being said, Greg and I reinstalled the stock charge handle onto my rifle this past weekend and filmed a short how-to video that walks you through every step of the process from start to finish. It covers removing the old charge handle, and installing the Switchback. Switchback Charge Handle Installation Video 
Also, in case you guys are wondering what "Smoke-n-Brass" is, it's a YouTube channel that Greg3, myself, and several other of our shooting buddies (and fellow ARF members) have put together. Since this is Manticore's forum, I won't use this to advertise it, but just thought I would clarify what it was just in case you guys were wondering. 
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| I don't know if anyone else is having trouble viewing the video, but after I embedded the video in my OP, all I see is a white box where the video is supposed to be. So, I'll include a hotlink that will take you to YouTube in case everyone is seeing the same thing I'm seeing. |
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The handle in the video is a 2.0. It has a stronger spring and a harder pad. I have played with it for a few days (when time allows) it is an improvement over the old prototype. The handle has much more of a positive feel now. We were worried that the spring would wear out pretty quick on the older model.
Devin did ALOT more charging than I did on testing the durably of the pad and his was chewed up way more than mine. But, given that you won't be locking the handle back every time you shoot your weapon. With the 4 point wear I would say that the single pad will out last the wear rate of the Raptor by far. This new pad (slight green in color) is harder and I would say it is almost twice as strong as the old pad. So the wear rate will be low on this one. My Raptor handle will still hold back with no problem (I never used the lock back a lot) But Devin's is totally warn out and will no longer hold back. This new Switchback is a dream to use and I will keep it on. More updates to follow as I use it more. <Smoke-N-Brass, or it's members is not paid in any way for reviews> 
Edit for typo.. |
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Quoted:
The handle in the video is a 2.0. It has a stronger spring and a harder pad. I have played with it for a few days (when time allows) it is an improvement over the old prototype. The handle has much more of a positive feel now. We were worried that the spring would wear out pretty quick on the older model. Devin did ALOT more charging than I did on testing the durably of the pad and his was chewed up way more than mine. But, given that you won't be locking the handle back every time you shoot your weapon. With the 4 point wear I would say that the single pad will out last the wear rate of the Raptor by far. This new pad (slight green in color) is harder and I would say it is almost half as strong as the old pad. So the wear rate will be low on this one. My Raptor handle will still hold back with no problem (I never used the lock back a lot) But Devin's is totally warn out and will no longer hold back. This new Switchback is a dream to use and I will keep it on. More updates to follow as I use it more. <Smoke-N-Brass, or it's members is not paid in any way for reviews>
I haven't had much chance to play with the new one. Planning on playing with it some this week if I get the time. But the little bit I have worked with the new handle, it feels much better. |
| Hey guys, since you two are the only ones with them right now, a question. Since I don't chicken choke the VFG, but rather do a cupping of it, with my thumb up and over towards teh gas block, does the handle act as a rest/heat shield, for your thumb, or is it too short to prevent your thumb from resting on the barrel? |
