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2/15/2010 2:20:20 PM EDT
Now that I've put a few rounds through the new addition, it's time to complain.  What's up with the factory charging handle?  This thing feels very cheap.  When I broke the gun down last week, that was one of my first impressions.  Does anyone here have any experience with the BCM aftermarket charging handle?  I'm looking for something more sturdy and doesn't feel like its going to break or bend.
2/15/2010 2:28:58 PM EDT
[#1]
After owning my rifle for 2 months, I feel the same way. I just ordered the BCM charging handle Mod 4. I havnt seen one in person but have heard good things about them.
2/15/2010 2:56:14 PM EDT
[#2]
I recently got the BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 CH and it's out-fucking-standing. It's a well built CH and the latch setup is great.
2/15/2010 3:07:00 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Now that I've put a few rounds through the new addition, it's time to complain.  What's up with the factory charging handle?  This thing feels very cheap.  When I broke the gun down last week, that was one of my first impressions.  Does anyone here have any experience with the BCM aftermarket charging handle?  I'm looking for something more sturdy and doesn't feel like its going to break or bend.


What brand rifle do you have? The BCM CH is built like a tank but, I haven't had any issues with my factory CH's and was curious what brand you have currently.
2/15/2010 3:16:23 PM EDT
[#4]
My factory charging handle is fine and I'm not nice to it at all.
2/15/2010 3:25:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Much to do and too much worry about a non issue item.  All it needs to do is pull the BC to the rear, what else you planning to do with yours?
2/15/2010 3:28:57 PM EDT
[#6]
I've never had a problem with a factory charging handle however I freaking love my BCM gunfighter mod 4. All my rifles will be getting one from now on.
2/15/2010 3:30:21 PM EDT
[#7]
I love my Gunfighter, but I have never had a problem with factory charging handles.
2/15/2010 3:34:29 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I love my Gunfighter, but I have never had a problem with factory charging handles.


+1.

I bought the BCM/Vltor Gunfighter because it's easier to use.  I've never had a problem with my factory CH's, but the Gunfighter just makes charging the rifle MUCH nicer.



2/15/2010 3:39:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Never had any issues with the Colt or Armalite factory units.
2/15/2010 3:46:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Get the BCM mod 4 ch or the mod 3 if using a scope that sits close to the ch. I love mine, BCM and vltor did a great job designing them. Can't wait until they are released for the AR10.
2/15/2010 3:48:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Now that I've put a few rounds through the new addition, it's time to complain.  What's up with the factory charging handle?  This thing feels very cheap.  When I broke the gun down last week, that was one of my first impressions.  Does anyone here have any experience with the BCM aftermarket charging handle?  I'm looking for something more sturdy and doesn't feel like its going to break or bend.


I have one of the BCM standard CH and last week I received a Gunfighter that I really like. Their standard CH was fine, but really do see why folks like the Gunfighter mod4 CH. I actually have had no problems with any of my other charging handles either, have not owned a sub quality CH that I know of, mostly owned Colt, BM, or mil-spec ones so far.

If you have concerns, get a Gunfighter CH and you too will see why folks like'em. They are nice, I think the mod4 is a perfect size for me.
2/15/2010 7:37:03 PM EDT
[#12]
BCM Gunfighter Mod4 for the freakin' win

I didn't have an issue with the standard colt handle on my 6920 functioning...i just hate the standard latch
2/15/2010 8:50:29 PM EDT
[#13]
He didn't say he had any problems with it......just that he felt like it didn't feel as sturdy/durable as he thought it would be.
2/15/2010 9:31:37 PM EDT
[#14]
first one I had was a budget rifle years ago. CH felt like it was going to bend at times, really thin and tinny sounding if you drop it on a table. that company's not around anymore
2/15/2010 10:01:27 PM EDT
[#15]
funny, havnt read a post about ch for a while, i was a gm today and saw a gun with and extended latch... i REALLY liked it, i may buy a bcm when i start upgrading my gun.
2/16/2010 4:47:33 AM EDT
[#16]
It a Bushmaster.  The only problem I have with it, is that it feels/looks/sounds cheap.  Not what I expect out of a gun that hit the shelf for over $1,000.  No problem, I'll throw the gunfighter in there and be done with it.  Thanks for the feedback guys.
2/16/2010 5:11:10 AM EDT
[#17]
Current doctrine is to operate the charging handle forcefully with the palm / heel of the support hand.

Applying this technique to a standard charging handle can and does wipe them out.
Link to Bravo Companies Info Page, with pics of wasted std charging handle
Hence the BCM charging handle is designed as a much stronger alternative.
2/16/2010 5:59:24 AM EDT
[#18]




Quoted:

Current doctrine is to operate the charging handle forcefully with the palm / heel of the support hand.



Applying this technique to a standard charging handle can and does wipe them out.

Link to Bravo Companies Info Page, with pics of wasted std charging handle

Hence the BCM charging handle is designed as a much stronger alternative.


who's doctrine?
2/16/2010 9:32:43 AM EDT
[#19]
who's doctrine?


These I have experience with personally.

From training I have experienced either in person or through literature
EAG Tactical
MagPul Dynamics
Frontsight
Gabe Suarez
Gunsite

From talking with those who have been there done that:
??th Group SFG (Iraq, Summer 2009, conversation over dinner at RPC, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq)
10th Group SFG
Polish Spec Ops
SJPD Specialist Course

And I am sure you would find a HOST of other trainers (for civilian/ Mil / LE) who back the "Current" support hand doctrine.
Pretty much the accepted way to operate the charging handle on the rifle in a dynamic use situation.

Really shines in combination with a BAD lever, being able to lock back the bolt without breaking your firing grip is a nice capability.
2/16/2010 9:44:27 AM EDT
[#20]





Quoted:



Current doctrine is to operate the charging handle forcefully with the palm / heel of the support hand.





Applying this technique to a standard charging handle can and does wipe them out.


Link to Bravo Companies Info Page, with pics of wasted std charging handle


Hence the BCM charging handle is designed as a much stronger alternative.



Not to nit pick, but while I've also heard about the palm operation from some trainers who claim it is superior to using fingers as its a "fine motor skill", I don't like it, as it just doesn't feel like there is enough control when just using your palm.



When I did Carbine 1 with Magpul last fall, I didn't hear anything about palm operation from the dynamic duo, or hear any comments on my use of fingers.      





You'd need a Mod 3 or a Badger ordnance big ass latch for you to have a solid purchase on the weapon IMHO.  I prefer to use my fingers/grip, i really don't think it's a "fine motor skill" to grab the charging handle.

 
2/16/2010 9:46:18 AM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
Much to do and too much worry about a non issue item.  All it needs to do is pull the BC to the rear, what else you planning to do with yours?


I am kind of wondering the same thing.  You guys who have bought the BCM charging handles, what exactly is it that you prefer about them?  Specifics, please, not just "It feels real good" or "It's not cheap-looking."
2/16/2010 9:50:26 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
I love my Gunfighter, but I have never had a problem with factory charging handles.


Same here

2/16/2010 9:52:00 AM EDT
[#23]



Quoted:



Quoted:

Much to do and too much worry about a non issue item.  All it needs to do is pull the BC to the rear, what else you planning to do with yours?




I am kind of wondering the same thing.  You guys who have bought the BCM charging handles, what exactly is it that you prefer about them?  Specifics, please, not just "It feels real good" or "It's not cheap-looking."



A lot easier to rack with one handle.  More surface area.

 



The LMT latch, KAC/PRI latch (from what i can tell in pictures) does the same thing of taking pressure off the roll pin and providing a more solid interface, but without quite as big a surface area.  I like the fact it's easier to manipulate the weapon with these latches, as there is a lot more surface area to work with and the latch stops when perpendicular to the handle.




Not really important of necessary for idyllic trips to the range bench.  However, in gun games and other dynamic scenarios, having easy to manipulate controls is never a bad thing.  For $40, it's not a bad "upgrade" at all.  $40 is 133 rounds of brass cased 55 gr FMJ BTW
2/16/2010 9:52:55 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I love my Gunfighter, but I have never had a problem with factory charging handles.


+1.

I bought the BCM/Vltor Gunfighter because it's easier to use.  I've never had a problem with my factory CH's, but the Gunfighter just makes charging the rifle MUCH nicer.





+2
2/16/2010 2:18:25 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Much to do and too much worry about a non issue item.  All it needs to do is pull the BC to the rear, what else you planning to do with yours?


I am kind of wondering the same thing.  You guys who have bought the BCM charging handles, what exactly is it that you prefer about them?  Specifics, please, not just "It feels real good" or "It's not cheap-looking."


Looking cheap I think I can get over...well maybe not...it mainly the feel.
2/16/2010 2:59:56 PM EDT
[#26]
the BCM GF is the best CH out there. buy 10...you won't regret it.
2/16/2010 3:02:21 PM EDT
[#27]
BCM Mod4 on my Colt LE6920 and one on my SR556.

Grabbing the stock charging handle with my left hand and pulling back I felt the stock handle was flimsy and did not direct the force straight back.   It did the job but feels like it may snap off at the hinge.

The BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 seems to direct it straight back and as others say: it has  better 'feel'. Way better.    Easier to get at the latch too.
2/16/2010 7:45:52 PM EDT
[#28]
I have a BCM 3 and a 4. I like the four the best. And now I have a BAD lever on the gun. The Mod4 with the BAD are an awesome combination.
2/17/2010 8:23:33 AM EDT
[#29]
bcm  is GREAT
2/17/2010 8:32:08 AM EDT
[#30]
BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 here...Whether you prefer charging the handle with your support index finger or support palm,  the Mod 4 is a winner.  Easier to manipulate either way.  
Plus the Charging handle was designed as a whole, not an add on like some latch extensions on the market.  No added stress to a fragile roll pin, resulting in CH failure.
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