"Combat" charging handles

I'm about to take a carbine course; is there a value to changing out the stock charging handle?

the ones with the longer latch allow for more ease of use with the offhand to charge but they also poke you in the back if you sling the rifle on your back

Not really yet. Go to the course and see if it's something you even want. I've used three different "combat" charging handles over the years, and have always felt the original worked fine for most things. You won't know what you like or don't like yet, so go to the class, maybe look at ones other guys might have, and make up your own mind that way.

The bcmgunfighter charging handle is the only true upgrade over a standard on.

Its designed to fix the issues of the roll pin breaking due to modern techniques

This I put them on all my rifles.

Recently switched to these on both of my AR's, and won't ever be going back.

this. i have 2 ARs, boyh stock CHs broken, both replaced with the gunfighter med latch. couldnt be happier.

Absolutely. From a price to ergonomic increase value, upgraded charging handles are a no brainer in my opinion. Doesn't mean I can't run a gun without one, just that the practical increase of ease in operation makes a upgraded CH a priority upgrade IMO.

I've torn half my left finger nail off from spirited charging handle operation before, and punched myself in the chest (standing) or side of face (shooting from bench) from fingers slipping countless times. Dunnow. Maybe I have butter fingers haha.

The LMT Tactical CH and BCM Fighters are my favorites: The latches stop at 90 degrees to the charging handle, giving you a solid surface to grasp onto, and the large, flat surfaces are textured to ensure no slippage regardless of mud, blood, sweat, etc. Seems like everyone has awesome charging handles now. The Core-15 ones look good, as well as the soon to be released Rainier Arms ones

I have a BCM gunfighter on all my ARs. I love them and they are built like tanks. I recommend the Mod 3s as the larger ones are too big unless you are running a scoped rifle.

For a class, you want to make sure your bolt is good to go as well. If you don't have a high quality bolt, you can buy a spring and o-ring kit for it for under $5 and increase its life expectency. Running a carbine course with over 1000 rounds in 1-2 days puts a lot of stress on a weapon.

The number one thing you need is a good lubricant for the gun, applied properly. I highly recommend SLIP 2000 EWL. Look up the article Pat Rogers wrote on Filthy 14 and you will be amazed how lubricant is a game changer. Use the wrong lubricant and your gun will seize up and fail.

RH or LH? if your a lefty I would get a Badger Ordnance Ambi Charging Handle. I have one and it is a great thing to have as a lefty. Now if your right handed. The BCM Gunfighter would be for you.

I'm a lefty and I prefer the BCM.

Depends on how the instructor teaches his students.

As the owner of a charging handle with the oversized latch, a PRI gasbuster, and countless standard charging handles, I can tell you BCM is where it's at. Go with the gunfighter.

Mod 4 to be exact.

in the military i only ever saw one charging handle break.....it was an aftermark enhanced one, not the issue version

This

Bcm is tits

BCM Gunfighter! One of the best upgrades I made to my rifle.

I love my Mod 4!

Umm....Mod 3 is the larger one.

I have not tried the Badger but will now have to.

FWIW, the BCM is also helpful vs a stock charging handle for lefties if you roll (clockwise) with right hand and karate chop with left.

I like my mod 4. you can run it hard all night long!

Personally I think the mod 4 is too large unless you have a scope or something

I have a Mod 4 on all my rifles...

Don't buy into all that BCM GF crap. If you want a tactical latch, just put a Badger Ordinance Gen II latch on your stock CH and save a few bucks. The BCM GF is just more kool aid drinking BS on here. Pa-eese...............

I run all PRI gas busters with the combat latch. I like it and I won't switch for various reasons.

Thanks for all the great info! Gives me a lot to think about. Maybe the best course is to wait and see. I'm running a LT PredaTar, planning on no failures.

+1
+1
and
+10000

ETA: Mod 3 for DMR's, Mod 4 for anything with a red dot or irons.

Makes for better karate choppin'.

I like my PRI charging handle mainly to help with gas when using a suppressor, but I also find it a little more comfortable to charge the weapon. Of course I can run a standard one without any issues. One thing is don't get too long of a latch since it can snag on your gear.

I run BCM mod 4 on all of my AR's. Well worth the money.

The BCM Gunfighter is the Best of all the charging handles period. I use the Mod 4 Med. and they are well worth the money spent.
Pat Rogers has a collection of CH's that have failed. The stock CH not only breaks at the latch but can and does break at the flange that goes over the gas key. The body can twist from the torque and they can bend.

The latch on the Badger and other tactical CH's isn't as strong as the BCM and they break as well. I'm not saying a BCM won't break because anything manmade can and will break but it's gonna take alot to break an BCM. The BCM GF CH body is made of better and stronger AL.

Call me a fanboy, koolaid drinker or whatever because that's what i am when i find a quality product that works well.

I run the Bravo medium on all mine. I'm lefty and when I pull a standard charging handle I can feel it twist. This doesn't happen with the Bravo. It feels like a straight pull design. One of the best upgrades.

I have the large BCM on mine. Best upgrade I could have made. The standard charging handle is about useless for charging the weapon with the left hand.

I hope the 97 posts you made prior to this one weren't as misguided and wrong as this one.

there pretty nice. I plan on picking 1-2 up a month and replacing my old ones around here.

you did'nt like the BCM?

The last carbine class i took, the instructors liked the Badger vs. the the BCM. They liked the quality of the BCM. Edit: The Badgers have never broke on them and the price is better.

I have used a Badger Gen 1 on my 3 gun rig for 2 years. No issues. Cleary 3 gun doesn't get the abuse of a duty rifle, but i am happy with the badger.

It comes down to personal preference, budget or tacticool factor.

edit for the the easily confused: The instructors never said the BCMs broke or were inferior.

No. Love the BCM ones, because they are superior in every way to what he is suggesting....by saving a few bucks and going with badger ordinance.

Twice to Afghanistan, Twice to Iraq, and now as an instructor, the stock CH works for me. However, I think you should go to your course and see how the stock one works for you. If you feel you need something else, go for it. If not, there's really nothing wrong with stock. With all that being said, an upgraded CH doesn't really break the bank so it couldn't hurt to take one with you and try both. RLTW

got ya. $$

This would imply that they broke or are breaking BCM handles. Is this true? If so please share.

Tacticool has nothing to do with it. A superior design and superior components are what makes the Gunfighter better.

Sounds like you're reading way to far into that. I think that GoTigers mean that While BCM handles don't break due to high quality and a beefier design, Badger handles didn't either. Not, "Badger didn't break so BCM must have".

correct, both CH's worked fine. The badgers were just cheaper.

I specifically said, "They liked the quality of the BCM."

Which size BCM charging handle is near in size to the PRI Gasbuster charging handle?

I much prefer the additional ease to manipulate the charging handle while shouldered. I'm really wanting to grab up Rainier's offering to replace my extended latch.

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