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Posted: 12/28/2013 6:18:32 AM EDT
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Hopefully this hasn't already been posted, I tried searching but couldn't find an existing thread.
I'm in the process of building my 1st AR. FMK polymer lower, PSA LPK, Magpul CTR stock with milspec buffer assembly. I hadn't bought the upper yet, funds have been tight, but was planning on going with a gas system in the 16" range. Low and behold, what do I open up on Christmas eve from my wife, a BCM upper. All I need now are the handguards, BCG and charging handle. I need some advice on the charging handle. I've tried reading up on them, but haven't quite understood them yet. What do they do? Are there differences in them (other than manufacturer/name preference)? Any information would be greatly appreciated. |
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welcome, the charging handle is what you pull to move the bolt carrier group to the rear in order to allow a round to be chambered. once there is a round in the chamber and assuming your rifle is working properly and you have ammo in the magazine, the charging handle just sits there doing nothing while tucked into the upper receiver while you shoot.
as far as charging handles go, get a quality inexpensive one since money is tight. the bcm's and raptors are nice but not needed. good luck. |
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The charging handle is used to chamber a round into the rifle, operate the bolt, or "cock" the rifle. It is very important to the rifle's operation. You may want to watch some youtube videos or get with someone that has more experience with these rifles before you go much further on your build.
As far as different types of CH, I think its a personal preference. I like the extended latch for some uses and not others. You'll just have to try some and see what you dig. Yet another reason to seek out an experienced shooter. |
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Thanks for the responses.
Based from off what you guys are saying, or what I'm understanding of it, there is no real difference from one charging handle to another. The CH I buy (assuming everything works as it's supposed to) isn't going to dictate how the rest of the rifle functions or the "style" of the rifle. As long as it's a quality product, and by quality I mean not some flimsy piece of plastic but a durable well manufactured CH, it doesn't really matter what I get? |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the responses. Based from off what you guys are saying, or what I'm understanding of it, there is no real difference from one charging handle to another. The CH I buy (assuming everything works as it's supposed to) isn't going to dictate how the rest of the rifle functions or the "style" of the rifle. As long as it's a quality product, and by quality I mean not some flimsy piece of plastic but a durable well manufactured CH, it doesn't really matter what I get? That's about it. Just buy a standard CH from a reputable brand. As you get more familiar with your system and needs, you can modify as needed. |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the responses. Based from off what you guys are saying, or what I'm understanding of it, there is no real difference from one charging handle to another. The CH I buy (assuming everything works as it's supposed to) isn't going to dictate how the rest of the rifle functions or the "style" of the rifle. As long as it's a quality product, and by quality I mean not some flimsy piece of plastic but a durable well manufactured CH, it doesn't really matter what I get? No there is a real difference in charging handles. Like all parts you get what you pay for. I have bent, twisted and broke standard charging handles and so has other folks who run their AR hard. I have yet to break a BCM gunfighter CH after 10,000 rounds but I'm still trying. You say money is tight then buy a standard mil-spec charging handle but don't fall into the trap that all parts are equal. I'd ditch the plastic lower. You can buy an in-spec forged lower for cheap. |
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