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Posted: 3/9/2015 5:56:37 PM EDT
| I'm currently trying to build a M4gery, but using upgraded internals, as my first build and AR15. One thing I haven't heard anything bad about is steel charging handles. I've been trying to find them, and was looking for suggestions on standard latch steel charging handles. Thanks. |
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A standard forged charging handle from a company that is a sight sponsor would give you a lifetime of service. I don't see the reasoning behind wanting to go with a steel ch with standard latch.
If you want an upgrade from something standard get a bcm or a raptor. At least with the additional cost you would get an additional benefit. If you want some sort of upgrade but want to keep the standard latch why not look at getting a ch with one of the new wizbang coatings like nickel boron. If you just have to have steel dsa makes them. At 35 bucks i'd rather plop down the extra 8 bucks and get the bcm. |
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I looked too - because I've never heard of them, but who am I? There seem to be a few, many discontinued, which places a time stamp on them. They apparently appeared in the last few years, I'll suggest because of the AR craze and 3Gun influence. Now? Not so much. Why?
Two likely reasons, the first is that the heavier duty aluminum versions do the job, second, that a side charger upper handles high stress better. But it has to be asked, if they did offer steel charging handles, and the industry is known to make things because they can sell them, were the standard GI handles a problem in the first place? Track record of the issue version shows very few changes over the last 45 years. Apparently the standard GI handle is able to deal with combat, and has in a variety of environments and uses. In combat you lock and load before you even leave your safe haven, the bolt hold back keeps the bolt back and the action spring cycles the first round in. In combat the charging handle is rarely used. 3Gun is entirely different with combat like conditions but the participant stressed to respond under the time clock - not under cover. Therefore any stoppage is conducted under stress as rapidly as possible in an environment where missing one target can drop you in the standings. It's a very tight race at the top. In combat, under cover, smooth is fast, not hysteria, just try it again, use SPORTS, and get back in action. There is at least one other shooter working with you directly, and your squad and platoon firing, too. In fact, the problem isn't breaking the handle, it's seeing something to shoot, and shooting regardless - too many don't shoot at all. So if you are needing an over the top indestructible charging handle they are out there - but the GI handle does the job in combat. Don't forget, best is the enemy of good, if someone keeps looking for all the best parts they will never get a good rifle built. |
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Well a real M4 has an aluminum charging handle, with no reason to change that. You could claim they don't want to add the weight for a soldier's weapon, but they're converting/ordering M4's that use the heavier profile SOCOM barrels.
Also, I'd kind of wonder about the wear on the upper. |
| A steel charge handle seems like an answer to a non-existent question. Also, once you become accustomed to the enhanced models like BCM's Gunfighter or Rainier's Raptor, the ordinary GI handle is NFG. Both of these premium models are made of aluminum. I have hammered on my Gunfighter handles many times to remove stuck cartridges and they are no worse for the wear. Most of the time they are a low stress part. Mine show some rub marks on the right hand side, but that's normal. - CW |
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