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How To Choose The Best Charging Handle For Your AR-15 Rifle - Hunting Note

How To Choose The Best Charging Handle For Your AR-15 Rifle

An AR-15 rifle’s modular construction and design make it easy to replace parts, which is a significant advantage. As we all know, every aspect of an AR-15 rifle can be upgraded entirely, and the easiest way to do it is to change a charging handle to a new one. 

Like every other AR-15 part, there are millions of options, and the process can be overwhelming. Therefore, to help you select the correct AR-15 rifle charging, we have pooled some information together so that you can choose the suitable AR-15 charging handle that suits your needs.

There are several ways in which an upgraded AR-15 charging handle can significantly improve your shooting performance. How? In the following manner.

An Upgraded AR-15 Charging Handle Can:

  • improve the shooter’s grip on the handle
  • gives a better grip angle to the shooter
  • fit gloved hands
  • keep your face clean by deflecting dirt, oil, and gas

The charging handle is an easily replaceable and essential part of the AR-15 rifle that often gets left out.

Initially, the charging handle appears to be nothing more than a slender, rod-shaped object. This essential upper receiver part is responsible for cocking the hammer and moving the bolt into the ready position. This part allows you to move the bolt to the rear during cocking. Moreover, it clears malfunctions and ejects unfired cartridges. Hence, a malfunctioning charging handle will also result in a malfunctioning rifle!

Issues Using An Already Installed or Standard Charging Handle

You get a standard charging handle installed at the factory when you purchase your

AR-15 rifle. But this basic handle is sufficient if you use your rifle only for some casual practice and at the local firing range. But if you intend to engage yourself in more intense shooting sessions and activities, a standard charging handle may work as a substandard one and may not meet the needs. If you are a lefty, it’s pretty tricky for you to use a standard charging handle as they don’t come in an ambidextrous design.

But a standard charging handle may not meet the challenge if you engage in more intense shooting activities. And if you’re a lefty, a standard right-handed charging handle will be tough to reach while using a scope.

Charging Handles: What To Look for

Multiple AR-15 charging handles in the market can improve your rifle’s performance and are quick and easy to install. There are several different features that you should consider while buying one for yourself. Some of them are:

1) Charging Handle With Ambidextrous Design

The handle is most suitable for left-handed shooters. Using the ambidextrous version as a tactical charging handle is often preferable. You can use it with equal proficiency with both hands. The sufficient surface area provides fast and easy access from either side, making it appropriate for both left and right-handed shooters.

2) Extended AR Charging Handle:

This charging handle contains a more prominent extended latch that makes it easier for the shooter to use the charging handle with a gloved hand, especially at night or during high-stress situations. Shooters can charge by foot on the larger surface area, which is advantageous in defensive situations.

3) Gas Buster

Whether you are firing in typical situations or shooting rimfire AR-15s and suppressed rifles. You will find that gas buster charging handles work equally. The primary benefit of having a gas buster charging handle is that they prevent gas blow-back on your face when firing.

Conclusion

It’s advisable to buy the best AR-15 rifle charging handle, customized as per your needs. It makes firing activities easier for you as it provides smooth firing cycles, long-lasting quality, and is easy to use. Follow these tips and make firing a smoother experience.

About the Author

I'm Rodney Heaton and I love hunting in the wild. In the past, I was in the military for over 5 years. After that I became a licensed hunter and a mountain guide.