Review: Rainier Arms Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle

**Quiet Riot** · 07-14-13, 21:07

I've already come to realize that anything Rainier Arms does is top notch, and the Raptor is no exception. It is extremely well-made, and it is much more useful than I imagined it would be before I started using it.

I compare the Raptor to a USGI charging handle, a PRI Gasbuster, and a BCM Gunfighter Mod4. As you will see, the Raptor really isn't that much bigger than other improved charging handles, yet it has features that others do not. (I wish I had other ambis to compare it to, but I do not.)

A USGI charging handle gets the job done just fine most of the time, but if you're in the market for an improved charging handle, the Raptor deserves a hard look even if you aren't thinking you want something ambidextrous.

**Tonyparson** · 07-14-13, 21:41

As always great video. 👍👍

**justin_247** · 07-14-13, 22:08

Very professional video! You sold me on the Raptor, and you just got a new subscriber to your channel.

Keep up the great work!

**Tonyparson** · 07-14-13, 22:18

Originally Posted by justin_247

Very professional video! You sold me on the Raptor, and you just got a new subscriber to your channel.

Keep up the great work!

I agree, I'm ordering one too. All his videos are professional.

**Cylinder Head** · 07-14-13, 22:35

I have one and it is a fantastic piece. Works perfectly with an ambi AR.

**blgjr64** · 07-14-13, 22:36

Agreed. Very good video!

I have ordered from Rainier Arms multiple times and love their service.

I have always used the BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 and love it. And I have always eyeballed the Raptor but after seeing that very well done, informative video I am considering it. I really like the ease for press checks.

I know in the video it talks about the reliability of the design, but has anyone used both the BCM Gunfighter and the Raptor with heavy use and prefer one or the other? I know Rainier Arms makes great products but I am interested in hearing from others before I make the purchase.

**STONE-YARDER** · 07-14-13, 22:50

"I wish I had other ambis to compare it to, but I do not." Rainier arms is a great company and their ambi CH is no exception. I was on the fence about getting one until these came out. http://www.lwrci.com/p-335-ambidextr...ng-handle.aspx

I just bought 2 of these and they are rock solid and work extremely well.

**Edward_Tz** · 07-14-13, 22:51

Originally Posted by blgjr64

Agreed. Very good video!

I have ordered from Rainier Arms multiple times and love their service.

I have always used the BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 and love it. And I have always eyeballed the Raptor but after seeing that very well done, informative video I am considering it. I really like the ease for press checks.

I know in the video it talks about the reliability of the design, but has anyone used both the BCM Gunfighter and the Raptor with heavy use and prefer one or the other? I know Rainier Arms makes great products but I am interested in hearing from others before I make the purchase.

That's my one criticism of the video. A comparison with another ambi charging handle would be nice.

I have one of the first run Raptors. it's been great but I haven't been torturing it. AXTS has put a few through a million + cycles with out failure. Also I believe the new charging handles are all aluminum. Correct me if I'm wrong on that.

And to the folks looking to buy, go through Aim or AXTS. They have free shipping.

**Badger89** · 07-14-13, 22:55

Great video! Very refreshing to see a video of reasonable length that isn't chuck full of "ummms" and "uhhhhhs". Very smooth, very informative, and very professional. Thank you!

Oh, and you also sold me on the Raptor.