Thanks. Sorry I didnt mention I was building a .22 conversion on the BRN lower.
I'll probably try a different charging handle first before looking into side charging options. I'm a visual person and will probably walk into a few gun stores with the GI handle to place against other models to get a idea of how they will met my needs.
I have been messing around with the current set up and if I use my thumb and middle finger, I can grasp the charging handle with out "skin"/"digits" hanging low. It's a hair awkward and looks strange, i.e. no tacticool factor, but hey, it works for now.