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Posted: 2/9/2017 4:09:46 PM EDT
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I modified my AR-9 by adding a left side charging handle. Pretty easy to do if you have a mill. I cut a .270" wide by 4" long slot in the left side of the upper receiver. I made a new "gas key" out of 12L14 steel. I used a 1/4 x 1" shoulder screw for an operating handle. I purchased a plug for the normal operating handle opening in the back of the upper.
Jim Skeel 
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I have run several hundred rounds through the left side charger modification now. I have done two others for my shooting buddies. The carrier key needs red permanent Loctite on the screw threads. Staking is not adequate. The operating handle (shoulder bolt) needs blue Loctite to keep it tight. The Gas Blocker Plug for the rear opening which I obtained from Accurate & Reliable Rifle works well.
All in all I am very happy with the left side active charger modification. It is easy to operate and you can tell the bolt is fully closed just by looking at the handle position in the slot. I just installed a Tubb AR-10 Flat Wire recoil spring. It made a noticeable reduction in felt recoil over a standard carbine spring. The AR-10 spring reduces the bump when the buffer hits the bottom of the buffer tube. I am using the PSA 9mm buffer (5.8 ounces). I cannot decide if limiting the bolt stroke to just past the LRBHO latch is a good idea or not. |
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