AR Sponsor
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Raptor Charging Handle (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 3/26/2015 11:45:51 PM EDT
|
Is the Raptor charging handle even worth the money? I have thought about purchasing, but I cannot see how a CH is worth $80.00
Any opinions and experiences with them? |
|
Quoted: They are. Addicting as hell, too. If you're on the fence, buy one. Then if you don't like it, it'll sell on EE in about 30 seconds. Agreed. I stuck one in my newest build and now I'm considering buying them for all my others. I'm turning into a gear snob...   |
|
Quoted:
Yes, for $20 less. But the BCM is old school, now if you want to look cool you should buy the raptor.  Quoted:
Quoted:
Does the Bravo Company ambi CH even come close to being as good as the Raptor? Yes, for $20 less. But the BCM is old school, now if you want to look cool you should buy the raptor. I have several BCM charging handles and really like them. That said, I tried a Raptor out and I prefer the way it feels. It feels much smoother when manipulating the bolt. So rather than get snarky, I will just say that they are really nice and whether or not they are worth the extra cash is basically up to you. They are expensive for what they are, but I will probably pick ine up when I find a sale somewhere. |
|
Quoted:
I have several BCM charging handles and really like them. That said, I tried a Raptor out and I prefer the way it feels. It feels much smoother when manipulating the bolt. So rather than get snarky, I will just say that they are really nice and whether or not they are worth the extra cash is basically up to you. They are expensive for what they are, but I will probably pick ine up when I find a sale somewhere. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Does the Bravo Company ambi CH even come close to being as good as the Raptor? Yes, for $20 less. But the BCM is old school, now if you want to look cool you should buy the raptor. I have several BCM charging handles and really like them. That said, I tried a Raptor out and I prefer the way it feels. It feels much smoother when manipulating the bolt. So rather than get snarky, I will just say that they are really nice and whether or not they are worth the extra cash is basically up to you. They are expensive for what they are, but I will probably pick ine up when I find a sale somewhere. primaryarms.com had a deal on them, with the discount code RAPTOR556 you got $20 off. I purchased mine on the 15th for slightly less than $75 shipped. But they are out of stock right now, if I was you I would check back on them and see if the code is still good. I have seen them go on EE used for more than $75 shipped. |
| Is Equipment Exchange apart of AR15.com or is it an independent site? What does the Raptor usually go for on EE? Also, with the Raptor being slightly oversized, does it easily get snagged on things? Would they have them at gun shows, because they are having a gun show in NC this weekend in Raleigh and I could always go check them out there before I purchase it. I always try to handle stuff before I purchase it, that's if I can. |
|
Quoted:
Is Equipment Exchange apart of AR15.com or is it an independent site? What does the Raptor usually go for on EE? Also, with the Raptor being slightly oversized, does it easily get snagged on things? Would they have them at gun shows, because they are having a gun show in NC this weekend in Raleigh and I could always go check them out there before I purchase it. I always try to handle stuff before I purchase it, that's if I can. Click the orange button upper or lower right part of your screen for the EE. Lots of good folks and good deals there. I've seen Raptors from anywhere around $70-85 which seems to be their sweet spot in price. Stay away from any Raptor at a gun show. I'll almost guarantee it's fake. Lots of fake Raptors so buy from a good vendor (site sponsors here on this website). |
|
Quoted:
Is the Raptor charging handle even worth the money? I have thought about purchasing, but I cannot see how a CH is worth $80.00 Any opinions and experiences with them? IMO, Yes. Everything I have that has a scope runs a Raptor, excellent quality and super robust. Otherwise, most of my other builds have BCM Mod 4s or a regular ch with a badger ordinance latch |
|
The feel of the Raptor is great, no doubt about it.
That being said, after equiping a few rifles with them in early 2013, I soon found myself selling them and getting rid of them. I switched back to the BCM/Noveske Mod 4's and have been happier since. For me it came down to the fact that I can work the handles with either hand and they just felt and functioned great to me. I would happily own a raptor again but I just don't feel the cost is necessary when you can get a bcm handle for $35-45. That's almost half the price if you don't get the Raptor on sale. However if ambi is that big of a deal to you, or you're a lefty, then by all means, you may like it a lot more than most. |
|
The Raptor is top of the line and I love mine but there is a new option that is cheaper, simpler with one moving part and easier to use since there is nothing to depress.
I got mine for $50 shipped and I doubt I'll be buying a Raptor again. Mega SL-400 Slide Lock 
|
|
Quoted: Yes, for $20 less. But the BCM is old school, now if you want to look cool you should buy the raptor. Quoted: Quoted: Does the Bravo Company ambi CH even come close to being as good as the Raptor? Yes, for $20 less. But the BCM is old school, now if you want to look cool you should buy the raptor. |
|
Quoted: Is the Raptor much easier to pull back or does it require a little bit of tension. How exactly does it function? Am I able to charge the bolt by grabbing just one side of it? Also, how does the Mega ambi differ from the Raptor? |
| This week, I just built a $2,200 AR from the lower up. I didn't compromise in any way or on any one item. I looked seriously hard at buying a Raptor and I just kept coming back to the BCM Ambi. I bought the BCM and I went to the range today for the first time. In practice and in use at the range, I have found myself going to the charging handle with my right hand (right handed) instead of my left hand. I have found it worth the money at $65. I didn't save much over the Raptor, but $30 is $30. If there was a quality difference, I would have spent that $30 in an instant. |
|
The Raptor is great, definitely worth the money if you want ambidextrous charging, but there are newer options out now that work a little differently while still being ambi, like the Mega someone else mentioned. There are a couple others as well, that I can't think of right now, but they're in the New AR Products forum.
Those would be good options as well. At that point, it boils down to how you want the latch to work. |
| I watched a review of the mega and was very unimpressed. The ball bearing ate into the upper significantly, and was extremely difficult to operate. The raptor I had felt great and looked cool but every time I shouldered my rifle I was reminded that there's a 100$ Bill right there, and for what? I have a nitride bolt on current build and am going fortis hammer, never needed ambi anyway |
|
Quoted:
I watched a review of the mega and was very unimpressed. The ball bearing ate into the upper significantly, and was extremely difficult to operate. The raptor I had felt great and looked cool but every time I shouldered my rifle I was reminded that there's a 100$ Bill right there, and for what? I have a nitride bolt on current build and am going fortis hammer, never needed ambi anyway You are mistaking the Mega for another brand that uses a ball bearing. There is no ball in the Mega. |
|
Quoted:
I want the latch to work the most efficient way possible. Simplicity and efficiency is what the Mega was designed for. Hook either side of the handle with either hand you have free and pull. No need to worry about depressing a latch enough to unlock the handle. It automatically releases. It is truly ambidextrous since there is no latch to operate. I own a Raptor, a BCM Mod 4 and the Mega. The Mega is the easiest to operate and works just as smooth as the others. |
|
Quoted:
Does the Bravo Company ambi CH even come close to being as good as the Raptor? Absolutely. I have one of each and both are great charging handles. If I HAD to pick one, I'd probably go with the Raptor. I like the look of it a little bit more & I find charging from the right side to be just slightly easier with the Raptor....just slightly. Other than that, both are top quality, function great and look great. |
|
Mostly Lefty shooter, using Raptors on all my builds. Most recent build I figured I would try a BCM Mod4, since local shop doesn't carry Raptors, and i took it back the next day. As already mentioned, it works fine for righty's who may occasionally need to grab the other side, but for true LH shooting, you can't beat a Raptor, imo. I had to use a milspec while waiting for my latest Raptor to arrive, and it is night and day difference. Haven't tried the Mega so can't say anything good or bad about it, but from reading the description I don't think I would care for it. Several companies brand the Raptor - Noveske, Geissele, Umbrella Corp (actually a slightly modified version, with equal length tabs and solid wings - hard to find), plus one or two others I think. You can get the wings in FDE, OD, etc, and you can get a slick one (NB), if so desired. |
|
I've got a Raptor on every rifle I own. The only gripe I have with them is the spring used in the latch gets pretty weak after a while. When the spring gets weak the CH has a really hard time staying put when you shoot.
Nothing I hate more than a charging handle slamming me in the face with every round fired. I'm not sure if every manufacturer of the Raptor has this problem. But I can say for damn sure the Rainier Raptors do. Out of 12 Raptors I have 4 that can't stay put. All Rainier Arms Raptors. I might have to get a different brand to see if it still happens. But to answer the OP's question. Yes the Raptor CH is well worth the extra $. Not just for the looks as mentioned. But also for true ambidextrous usability, one hand operation, strength, and hell yeah the looks! |
|
Quoted:
I've got a Raptor on every rifle I own. The only gripe I have with them is the spring used in the latch gets pretty weak after a while. When the spring gets weak the CH has a really hard time staying put when you shoot. Nothing I hate more than a charging handle slamming me in the face with every round fired. I'm not sure if every manufacturer of the Raptor has this problem. But I can say for damn sure the Rainier Raptors do. Out of 12 Raptors I have 4 that can't stay put. All Rainier Arms Raptors. I might have to get a different brand to see if it still happens. But to answer the OP's question. Yes the Raptor CH is well worth the extra $. Not just for the looks as mentioned. But also for true ambidextrous usability, one hand operation, strength, and hell yeah the looks! When were they all purchased? I haven't seen issues with them loosening. |
|
Quoted:
When were they all purchased? I haven't seen issues with them loosening. Quoted:
Quoted:
I've got a Raptor on every rifle I own. The only gripe I have with them is the spring used in the latch gets pretty weak after a while. When the spring gets weak the CH has a really hard time staying put when you shoot. Nothing I hate more than a charging handle slamming me in the face with every round fired. I'm not sure if every manufacturer of the Raptor has this problem. But I can say for damn sure the Rainier Raptors do. Out of 12 Raptors I have 4 that can't stay put. All Rainier Arms Raptors. I might have to get a different brand to see if it still happens. But to answer the OP's question. Yes the Raptor CH is well worth the extra $. Not just for the looks as mentioned. But also for true ambidextrous usability, one hand operation, strength, and hell yeah the looks! When were they all purchased? I haven't seen issues with them loosening. These were all purchased from Rainier when they first hit the market. They've all got well over 5k rounds on them, and at least 1k individual uses. As in actually charging the weapon, clearing a malfunction(S.P.O.R.T.S.), or drills of some sort. |
|
Quoted:
I cannot find any of these CH in stock anywhere, including the Mega. http://axtsweapons.com/products/raptor-556 |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Raptor Charging Handle (Page 1 of 2)
AR Sponsor