Reciprocating charging handles (RCH) vs non-reciprocating charging handles (NRCH)

[halmbarte]

Subject came up elsewhere in the context of why the AR has a NRCH vs the other choices Stoner could have made. (I'm specifically not talking about kludges that add a RCH to the AR, those are just silly.)

My take is that from a design standpoint there are several compromises to both:

RCH advantages:
1)Simpler to implement. Can be made unitary with the bolt carrier (AK) or a simple removable piece (Sig 550, FNC).
2)Typically stronger because they are bigger and more robustly engage the bolt carrier, if it's a separate piece of steel at all.
3)Eliminates need for separate forward assist.
4)Useful for diagnosing what's going on inside the gun. If you have stoppage where that RCH has stopped will tell you a lot about what caused it.
RCH disadvantages:
1)Snag prone. If it's big enough for the trooper to get his hands on then it's likely to catch on things.
2)Possibility of causing stoppages. Get that RCH too near cover (or your thumb) and you will make the rifle quit working.
3)Requires a slot in the action. The slot either has to extend all the way to the rear take down point (AK, FNC), be in a open action (M1 Garand and carbine, Mini-14) or the CH has to be removable (Sig 550, SCAR). The slot is a way for dirt to get into the gun. The slot can be closed by a spring loaded plate (FNC), rubber lips (Sig 550), or by the bolt carrier (SCAR).

NRCH advantages:
1)Can be made folding easily, reducing snag potential.
2)Nothing is moving outside the gun, so hitting the CH during firing isn't a problem. Operator can't get caught up in the moving CH.
3)CH can cover the required slot (Uzi, FAL).
4)CH is always in the same place for user to grab.
NRCH disadvantages:
1)More complex than RCH. Even more parts if CH incorporates FA function. (AR CH part count should really include the FA part count if you're comparing, since the AR splits those two functions).
2)Typically not as strong as a RCH. NRCHs just aren't as robustly made as the parts are smaller. You might be able to kick a FAL open a few times but don't try that on a AR.
3)Not useful for diagnostics. CH is always in the same place so you don't have a additional clue as to what type of stoppage you have.
4)Requires additional manipulation to engage FA function. Push, turn, pull, there is almost always additional activity required to get a NRCH to engage as a FA.

Personally, I own rifles with both RCH and NRCH. Both designs are a compromise. I see the advantages of both, but both have drawbacks too.

H

[MistWolf]

Never ever kick or pound on a charging handle to clear a case stuck in the chamber. Use the pogo maneuver (or what AR guys call "mortaring") instead. Kicking or pounding will damage the charging handle and will make a stuck case worse

[halmbarte]

Never ever kick or pound on a charging handle to clear a case stuck in the chamber. Use the pogo maneuver (or what AR guys call "mortaring") instead. Kicking or pounding will damage the charging handle and will make a stuck case worse

I agree that most NRCH won't stand such treatment.

Not really a problem on a AK, Sig 550, FNC, SCAR, SKS, or Galil.

H

[MistWolf]

Kicking or pounding on the charging handle, regardless of charging handle type, will only make the problem worse. It's more likely to cause damage to the rifle and more likely to cause the extractor to jump the rim or tear the rim off. "Kicking open the action" is clearly on the "Don't Ever Do This To Your Rifle" list no matter how solid you think your charging handle is

[Jippo]

Kicking or pounding on the charging handle, regardless of charging handle type, will only make the problem worse. It's more likely to cause damage to the rifle and more likely to cause the extractor to jump the rim or tear the rim off. "Kicking open the action" is clearly on the "Don't Ever Do This To Your Rifle" list no matter how solid you think your charging handle is

Yep, it is. But IMHO it is stupid because you would typically be looking into the muzzle of your weapon whilst doing so.

With AK I have seen malfunction clearances been done against anything from tables and door frames to concrete walls and I do think you really can't damage the gun by banging the CH. (AK can be hanged from a tree by smashing the CH in it, seen that too.)

BTW. BM ACR sports a NRCH which can be used as a forward assist.

[bp7178]

Whoa. Hold on there buddy.

AKs don't malfunction. Just ask anyone that has one. Most reliable firearm in the world.

[Atg336]

Yep, it is. But IMHO it is stupid because you would typically be looking into the muzzle of your weapon whilst doing so.

With AK I have seen malfunction clearances been done against anything from tables and door frames to concrete walls and I do think you really can't damage the gun by banging the CH. (AK can be hanged from a tree by smashing the CH in it, seen that too.)

BTW. BM ACR sports a NRCH which can be used as a forward assist.

Did you see that being done by firearms trainers/ experienced and educated operators or by Somali pirates/Afghani rednecks or similar riff-raff?

Doing that to ANY weapon is full-on retard, similar to kicking a dog or slapping a baby seal.

[Clint]

Very good analysis.

I've added a few comment in RED

NRCH advantages:
1)Can be made folding easily, reducing snag potential.
2)Nothing is moving outside the gun, so hitting the CH during firing isn't a problem. Operator can't get caught up in the moving CH.
3)CH can cover the required slot (Uzi, FAL).
Slot in the AR is just a hole at the rear of the receiver and IS covered by the handle. (AR)
4)CH is always in the same place for user to grab.
5) CH can be easily upgraded ( Gunfighter, Raptor )
6) CH is typically easier to use with either hand / ambi


NRCH disadvantages:
1)More complex than RCH. Even more parts if CH incorporates FA function. (AR CH part count should really include the FA part count if you're comparing, since the AR splits those two functions).
2)Typically not as strong as a RCH. NRCHs just aren't as robustly made as the parts are smaller. You might be able to kick a FAL open a few times but don't try that on a AR.
3)Not useful for diagnostics. CH is always in the same place so you don't have a additional clue as to what type of stoppage you have.
4)Requires additional manipulation to engage FA function. Push, turn, pull, there is almost always additional activity required to get a NRCH to engage as a FA.


H

[halmbarte]

Yes, the AR's rear set CH is an example of the CH covering its slot into the rifle.

But I'm not sure that a left handed person would agree that a stock AR CH is lefty friendly.

H

[sinlessorrow]

Yes, the AR's rear set CH is an example of the CH covering its slot into the rifle.

But I'm not sure that a left handed person would agree that a stock AR CH is lefty friendly.

H

maybe not the stock, but there is a plethora of ambi ones that are $40 and under.