Experience with Charging Handles? - Home of the 6.8 SPC

Raph · 11-02-2009, 12:55 AM

Found this one, but dang, $85?!
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...ail.bok?no=304

Also found this one, for half the cost, but can't even find it on VLTOR's website.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-G...%20mod%204.htm

I did recently find this discussion, and was wondering what the guys on here had to suggest.
http://www.usacarry.com/forums/long-...r-ar-15-a.html

Also, I'm a Lefty, so I don't know if one of these would help or hinder. I just know I read enough to stay away from Badger's Handles. Thanks guys!

marinesg1012 · 11-02-2009, 03:10 AM

I just got the VLTOR one from Bravo and so far I like it but I am going to put the badger tac latch back on it becuase I like the badger tac latches......

Lastrites · 11-02-2009, 04:22 AM

When I'm hunting with an AR I prefer the standard. As I need not having things hanging out excessively to get bumped or hung up on, nor am I really in a tactical situation needing that tactical reload capibility.

VLODPG · 11-02-2009, 04:45 AM

IMO,

After trying the ACLM/PRI/Vltor-BCM & stock units with BadgerOrd catches my money goes to the:

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Charging Handle with Mod 3 Latch http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-G...%20mod%203.htm

It's great for malfunction clearing,allowing a true straight pull to the rear as opposed to pulling on an angle. When I 1st heard about them coming out I thought it was going to be some king of gimmick but once I was hands on, I knew they are a must have!

I have tried all the others & for the money to either mod a stock unit or the others, IMO you can't beat them.

Definitely better grip both wet/dry & with winter gloves for my hunting rig.

As always, YMMV!

kobyashi · 11-02-2009, 05:43 AM

I own the ACLM Charging Handle, the BCM/Vltor gunfighter, And charging handles with the Badger type two latch.

The ACLM is a great idea but needs improvement. Because there has to be some tension on the handle for the latch to work. the Ambi mechanism won't work if the bolt is locked to the rear. or if there's a double feed. The manual release latch is too small to reliably charge it with one hand especially with gloves on. Until they get a larger latch on this. I'd wouldn't recommend using it for a service or combat rifle. Save the money

The BCM gunfighter is solid. the mod 3 latch is large enough to get your hands around. and pulls straight back without angling to the side. this on has become my favorite one to date. I plan to have some these ION bonded to provide slicker surface like the teflon coated ACLM.

The BCM in my opinion is the way to go but that's something you'll have to decide for yourself.

kobyashi · 11-02-2009, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marinesg1012

I just got the VLTOR one from Bravo and so far I like it but I am going to put the badger tac latch back on it becuase I like the badger tac latches......

I think that would be defeating the purpose of the handle. the latch has 3 other contact points on the charging handle to take the force off the pin. I think changing the latch would just turn this into a normal charging handle with a tac latch but keep us posted as to how it turns out. I'd be curious to know.

marinesg1012 · 11-02-2009, 05:50 AM

I havent changed it yet I just like the taller latch when using it around optics and such.... maybe I will leave it on for a bit and see if I like it or not.

Raph · 11-02-2009, 06:18 AM

This is definitely great feedback! Thanks a lot guys! I wasn't sure if anybody used them or not. What exactly is the difference between the Mod 3 and Mod 4 of the Gunfighter handles, anybody know? I noticed people recommending the Mod 3 instead of the Mod 4.

kobyashi · 11-02-2009, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raph

This is definitely great feedback! Thanks a lot guys! I wasn't sure if anybody used them or not. What exactly is the difference between the Mod 3 and Mod 4 of the Gunfighter handles, anybody know? I noticed people recommending the Mod 3 instead of the Mod 4.

mod 4 is a shorter latch than the mod 3. I run MBUS sights so the longer latch keeps my fingers from scraping the wings that are on them to flip them up

Check out the review and picture to see for yourself
http://vuurwapenblog.com/2009/10/19/...arging-handle/

azcowboy · 11-02-2009, 06:48 AM

I just ordered one the other day and will let everyone know how it works out. If I like it i will have some like new charging handels with tac latches for sale soon after. I really like the robust design which is what my current build is tailored towards.

Rhett in AZ