View Full Version : New Rainier Arms/AXTS Raptor Ambi Charging Handle
Got mine yesterday (was lucky to get in on the first batch release). Shot with it this morning.
They really hit it out of the park with this one. Great design and pulls smoothly, easily and evenly from both sides (especially with gloves). It's a lefty's new best friend.
It's a little on the heavier side due to steel latches, but I'd rather have it slightly overbuilt, than under.
Thumbs up, Rainier and AXTS. Well done!
I'll try and post some pics later on.
Anyone else pick one up?
I've been watching the development thread on the other site since the beginning. I got the email notification about 3 hours after they sold out and missed out on the first batch. I'm a right hand ambi-shooter and was considering the Raptor for my Rainier Arms RUC. I am hoping to see a equal length latch version and latches made of aluminum. However, the current offering is a welcomed site for lefties.
I am hoping to see a equal length latch version and latches made of aluminum. However, the current offering is a welcomed site for lefties.
I hear you on the aluminum, but have to say that the steel is very well machined and it's a very positive feel and sure pull. I really like it. I'm almost thinking that because of the extra length and skeletonizing, aluminum latches might be a little soft for this type of cam design. I guess we'll see. It had to be a consideration in the design already.
You are probably right on the steel/aluminum.
sinlessorrow
06-30-12, 22:56
I hear you on the aluminum, but have to say that the steel is very well machined and it's a very positive feel and sure pull. I really like it. I'm almost thinking that because of the extra length and skeletonizing, aluminum latches might be a little soft for this type of cam design. I guess we'll see. It had to be a consideration in the design already.
my concern would be the steel latch will slowly chew away at the upper where it holds the CH in place, over time it will probably flatten it and allow the CH to move freely.
blackops_1
07-22-12, 02:26
From the listing on aimsurplus's site the raptor was aluminum I thought?
"Rainier Arms Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle by AXTS. The Raptor™ is truly revolutionary in design & function. From rapid palm “blading” or finger thumb charges of the weapon, the motion is fluid & fast from either strong or support side. Made from aircraft grade 7075 aluminum and milspec anodized."
Maybe this is Ver 2.0??
I wonder how much of a contender this gonna be for BCM CH. Its release so close to BCM's newest upgrades, I wonder if this is no coincidence..
Maybe down the road on a future build but for now, BCM's CH at $45 seems good enough for me. Won't change what I have but I'll try it down the road. Looks good.
I got in on one in the second, smaller release of 150.. Lucky to get that, if the numbers of people on the e-mail notification list are any indicator. At the intro price, it's a screaming deal... But it would be a good buy at the retail price anyway, as the other offering from Armament Dynamics for the ALCM runs about the same price point and, in a much less complex mechanism. Mine runs in the upper channel smoothly and without flex.. The latches being made of steel are not any detriment to me.. and may be more durable in the long term. The only worry point is the use of roll pins to retain the latch handles to the assembly but, as the stock handle uses them.. I'm not too concerned. This offering looks to address the issue of true ambidextrous charging handles in a smoothly operating, non complicated way.. while doing so with a ergonomically efficient shape. AXTS and Ranier looks to have spent some time on development and testing, and seems to have a winner here..
I just received the charging handle and I absolutely love it. This was the best upgrade I have done to my M4.
I got mine last week. Love it. :D
Army Chief
08-06-12, 14:26
The most indispensible piece of kit I've come across in a long, long time. Every one of my charging handles -- mostly PRI Gasbusters at this point -- is in the process of being replaced. The Raptors are that good.
AC
AZSUNDEVIL
08-06-12, 17:14
my concern would be the steel latch will slowly chew away at the upper where it holds the CH in place, over time it will probably flatten it and allow the CH to move freely.
I too am concerned about this. Steel wearing against aluminum seems like a bad combination. I believe all of the feedback about how great this CH is, but I'll hold off on buying one until we get some long-term reports.
The most indispensible piece of kit I've come across in a long, long time. Every one of my charging handles -- mostly PRI Gasbusters at this point -- is in the process of being replaced. The Raptors are that good.
AC
I had the same impression when i received mine last week from AIM. It replaced a BCM GF Mod4 and as a lefty i couldnt be happier. At this time i believe all of my rifles will have one in the near future.
"now i can manipulate like all the normal kids!" :D
I said screw it and just ordered one since im a lefty and have issues at times with the milspec CH. The main portion of the CH is still aluminum I thought just the latches are steel.
You will love it. I have 2 and am planning for a 3rd in the future for my left-handed girlfriends build.
Curious to see how the BCM ambi handle turns out though.
I'm going to have Rainier send me a few hundred for T&E! :cool:
Is this CH a lot better than the BCM GF? or mainly better for the lefties?
Army Chief
10-25-12, 12:20
Good luck with that. They can't keep up with retail orders right now -- they probably don't need a lot of T&E input on these, now that the word is out on the streets.
Granted, there are some sidebar/variant tests underway from time to time, but if you want to own a Raptor, I wouldn't be wasting a lot of time waiting to order. ;)
AC
Is this CH a lot better than the BCM GF? or mainly better for the lefties?
I think its better for lefties, but for a righty they're about the same. Wouldn't say one is better than the other.
Good luck with that. They can't keep up with retail orders right now -- they probably don't need a lot of T&E input on these, now that the word is out on the streets.
I was being a freeloading wise ass! :p
Really liking this design. Just recieved mine last week. Can't wait to run it.
militarymoron
10-26-12, 09:29
Granted, there are some sidebar/variant tests underway from time to time
AC
doing one of those right now - there's going to be an inline production change to aluminum handles/latches instead of the steel. originally, steel was chosen because of the expected wear at the camming surfaces between the left and right latches. added strength was also a goal. however, after the raptor was released, AXTS came up with a test fixture so that they could cycle the latches, and made some up in 7075 aluminum to test. turns out that wear wasn't an issue after all. they tested one to over a million cycles. i have a couple of the aluminum-latched raptors and they're working fine so far.
they tested one to over a million cycles.
Damn, Raymond! :eek:
That likely exceeds my needs. :p
That's good to hear. Have one in enroute to see how she fairs.
I'm pleased to hear that they are changing the latches to aluminum. I hope that they come out with a equal length latch version as well.
Wormydog1724
10-26-12, 09:54
Ive had mine for a couple weeks and really liking it. The right side doesn't stick out any further than the forward assist and the left side is about the same as a BCM GFCH medium latch. It's solid and smooth like the BCM GFCH. Can't wait to get more trigger time with it. Only about 300 rounds thus far.
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp247/wormydog1724/46836197-3BE7-463D-9098-21E9A46C44E3-8217-00000B40B6680A8B_zps88146deb.jpg
Are the all aluminum Raptors available now?
militarymoron
10-26-12, 12:35
Are the all aluminum Raptors available now?
not that i know of - but it shouldn't be that long. it's really going to be a transparent change to most users. weight savings is 1 oz and i only notice it when comparing both out of the rifle.
concerning steel vs aluminum latch wear on the upper receiver notch, i haven't really seen much info on that, especially for non-extended steel latches. i remember reading somewhere that the extended badger tac latches were causing the notch to get worn, but that's an extended latch. the PRI gasbuster latch as well as some others is steel as well.
when talking about charging handle wear, round count is sort of irrelevant, as you can conceivably shoot a whole session using the charging handle only once to charge the rifle the first time. each reload after is either tactical or speed, and neither need the charging handle. the wear comes from administrative activities and malfunction drills/clearing. i mentioned in an earlier post or thread that my charging handle saw more use in one of mike pannone's malfunction sessions during a class than several visits to the range.
the wear comes from administrative activities and malfunction drills/clearing.
I agree. And although I'm rough on my guns, I have a habit of going easy on the latch notch when in administrative mode.
MikeCLeonard
10-26-12, 22:09
With regard to the steel latch:
I have two of these charging handles, and have noticed that the steel latch completely clears the notch in the upper receiver as soon as you start pulling the handle rearward...whether pulling from the left or the right handle. It does not hit against, rub against, or touch the lip of the receiver notch at all as it is pulled back.
I don't foresee it making any difference what it's made out of.
Where did you find out there was going to be an all aluminum version? Also how come some have white lettering and others dont? An all aluminum version makes me wonder if I should have waited.
militarymoron
10-26-12, 22:47
Where did you find out there was going to be an all aluminum version? Also how come some have white lettering and others dont? An all aluminum version makes me wonder if I should have waited.
i'm one of the people that provides input/feedback to AXTS on their designs, so i was involved in the decision to go with the aluminum latches, and the testing of the aluminum prototypes. as a lefty shooter, i have a vested interest in the development of ambi components, and as an engineer, i can help translate 'shooter speak' into 'manufacturing/design speak' and hopefully provide AXTS with useful input.
pre-production and very early raptors had no lettering.
i don't see a good reason to have waited - as i mentioned above, the change should be practically transparent to the user.
i'm one of the people that provides input/feedback to AXTS on their designs, so i was involved in the decision to go with the aluminum latches, and the testing of the aluminum prototypes. as a lefty shooter, i have a vested interest in the development of ambi components, and as an engineer, i can help translate 'shooter speak' into 'manufacturing/design speak' and hopefully provide AXTS with useful input.
pre-production and very early raptors had no lettering.
i don't see a good reason to have waited - as i mentioned above, the change should be practically transparent to the user.
I have one of the second release handles with the steel latches and no engraved makers marks.. for an ounce of weight savings, I'll probably just hang on to the one I already have. As far as retention notch wear... I see nothing out of the ordinary after a couple hundred cycles. And, I tend to prefer the higher tensile strength of steel when I ham-hand the CH.
I agree as long as there is no excessive wear on the ch notch on the upper I rather have the steel. The original milspec CH can cause wear if not used correctly. The raptor seems like it might actually reduce wear and should have been the design used by armalite when the ar15 was designed.
I have one of the second release handles with the steel latches and no engraved makers marks.. for an ounce of weight savings, I'll probably just hang on to the one I already have. As far as retention notch wear... I see nothing out of the ordinary after a couple hundred cycles. And, I tend to prefer the higher tensile strength of steel when I ham-hand the CH.
Got mine today and all I can say is WOW even better then I thought it would be. If you are a lefty this is a must have! Kinda odd seeing it tho when looking down the sights but it looks great on the weapon.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/spdfrk1990/Raptor009.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/spdfrk1990/Raptor010.jpg
I've got 6 of these. Been waiting 24 years for a great ambi charging handle and this is it.
If your a lefty like me this is a must have.
militarymoron
10-27-12, 14:17
I just posted my writeup on the Raptor which includes some of the thought process and background behind it:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.access3.html#raptor
I just posted my writeup on the Raptor which includes some of the thought process and background behind it:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.access3.html#raptor
Good write up, MM. I am so glad that I have waited as long as I have for an ambi-charge handle. I agree with AC this is the best (my opinion) ambi-charge handle for the AR-15 family and can't wait for the 308 version.
Www.axtsweapons.com is having a 72 hour sale on these for $69.95 + free shipping.
Sale starts at midnight tonight.
Littlelebowski
10-28-12, 18:01
Www.axtsweapons.com is having a 72 hour sale on these for $69.95 + free shipping.
Boom.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
vereceleritas
10-28-12, 18:11
Www.axtsweapons.com is having a 72 hour sale on these for $69.95 + free shipping.
Says sale price is $79.95 on the website unless I'm missing something.
Says sale price is $79.95 on the website unless I'm missing something.
Its starts at midnight
vereceleritas
10-28-12, 19:06
Its starts at midnight
Oh, gotcha. My mistake.
Oh, gotcha. My mistake.
Its all good. Rainier Arms is doing the same price for the next 3 days also after they sent out an email to a bunch of people showing the dealer cost on the raptor.
I wonder if this sale is to move the stock of CH that have the steel handle to make way for the new AL handle CH?
Either way it's good price.
You would know it goes on sale right after I order one. I waited 1 extra day when I ordered my DDM4 and it went up 50 dollars.
That rainier email was funny. I saw the dealer pricing and thought nothing of it.
Figures a bunch of imbeciles would contact Rainier expecting to get that price.
Littlelebowski
10-29-12, 08:39
That rainier email was funny. I saw the dealer pricing and thought nothing of it.
Figures a bunch of imbeciles would contact Rainier expecting to get that price.
Yeah, $10. Whoopty doo. I'll buy two anyway.
Yeah, $10. Whoopty doo. I'll buy two anyway.
Well more like 20 almost I paid 85 plus tax cause im in ohio and I got it from AIM.
Djstorm100
10-29-12, 08:50
Are the Alum. latches out? Would like to get one vs my steel one I have now just for added insurance.
We will be bundling the AXTS charging handle with our selectors, with about $20 saving (compared to purchased separately) :D
Are the Alum. latches out? Would like to get one vs my steel one I have now just for added insurance.
I got mine in the mail Friday on the AXTS $69.99 + free shipping deal. It came with the aluminum handles. Superb piece of kit! :D
Moonlight Again
11-09-12, 19:00
I'd been looking around for pictures of a Raptor on a rifle with no forward assist----sure enough, military moron had the pics. I really like that setup, the Raptor and no forward assist. Dad gum it.
Using the "search" button does pay off.:agree:
I'd been looking around for pictures of a Raptor on a rifle with no forward assist----sure enough, military moron had the pics. I really like that setup, the Raptor and no forward assist. Dad gum it.
Using the "search" button does pay off.:agree:
I agree the FA gets in the way.
Moonlight Again
11-09-12, 19:24
Sometimes I specialise in overthinking things, and I spent a couple of hours trying to figure out the "best" setup to run an AR either left handed, or ambi. (Since I shoot left handed, I started off thinking selfishly.)
At first I was all hot for a side-charger, with a right side lever. Then I did some search here, and thought about it some more, and concluded "Cutting holes in a receiver can't be the world's best idea."
My general theory is that I'm willing to deviate from the standard if its in ways that don't sacrifice parts replacement. I've got a 16" middy BCM with a Geissele trigger and Battle Arms selector----but if the gas system shit the bed, I could pull the barrel and replace it with a 6920's barrel, I could drop in a standard trigger, and I could drop in a standard selector. Adding the Rainier Raptor to that list wouldn't change anything.
I've got BCM Gunfighter charging handles on my two rifles now, and like them. When I did "pretend my Gunfighter is a Raptor" drills, I could see some advantage, but my right hand couldn't get a clean run at the charging handle because of the forward assist.
I know there are at least some proponents of never ever using the forward assist----names like Pat Rogers and Clint Smith. I'll give it a tap when I do a reload, but that's just reflex. I honestly don't think I can say I've ever needed it. Then it becomes a question of trying to evaluate whether giving up the forward assist for easier access to an ambi charging handle is worth it.
Particularly given the fairly rearward location of the charging handle, I think that the trade-off is probably a good one. Hopefully this'll generate some feedback from the more experienced.
Moonlight Again
11-09-12, 19:29
We will be bundling the AXTS charging handle with our selectors, with about $20 saving (compared to purchased separately) :D
Duffy:
You guys ought to consider a "super bundle" that packages your selector, the AXTS charging handle, and a Geissele trigger. I know that's a bundle I'd snap up for any new assembly, and I doubt if I'm the only guy that thinks that way. I think we're living in an exciting time in terms of AR development and refinement. It's cool to be in the middle of it.
Duffy:
You guys ought to consider a "super bundle" that packages your selector, the AXTS charging handle, and a Geissele trigger. I know that's a bundle I'd snap up for any new assembly, and I doubt if I'm the only guy that thinks that way. I think we're living in an exciting time in terms of AR development and refinement. It's cool to be in the middle of it.
This.
Grim Fandango
11-09-12, 20:31
I got mine in the mail Friday on the AXTS $69.99 + free shipping deal. It came with the aluminum handles. Superb piece of kit! :D
Did you know in advance you were getting the aluminium version? Is there any visual way to tell if the handle is the old steel version, or the new aluminum? I'm interested in ordering one or two of these (to replace a gas buster and a G.I. CH), but I don't want the steel version.
Did you know in advance you were getting the aluminium version? Is there any visual way to tell if the handle is the old steel version, or the new aluminum? I'm interested in ordering one or two of these (to replace a gas buster and a G.I. CH), but I don't want the steel version.
Nope. For my use, it didn't matter to me, especially at that price. I believe the steel has a parkerized look that's distinguishable from the anodized aluminum. As soon as I got it out of the package, I knew it was the aluminum due to the weight.
ROG Tactical
11-09-12, 22:08
message deleted...oops wrong forum...lol...damn tapatalk got me confused on which forum i was on.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
We will be bundling the AXTS charging handle with our selectors, with about $20 saving (compared to purchased separately) :D
When? Thanks Duffy!
As soon as we have more BAD-ASS 90 degree selectors in stock, we're down to the last dozen or so :fie:
But AXTS may come to market with the bundle first, most of our dealers have more 90 degree BAD-ASS selectors than we do lol.
I picked up the new cod game today and noticed the raptor charging handle was in the game. Pretty cool.
I picked up the new cod game today and noticed the raptor charging handle was in the game. Pretty cool.
I noticed this too, except in the game there is a huge 'R' and 'L' stamped into them.
AXTS will announce a BAD-CASS-SA or BAD-CASS-ST (dovetailed, semi auto selector, 90 degree or 45 degree) and Raptor charging handle bundle, in time for Black Friday if I'm not mistaken ;)
AXTS will announce a BAD-CASS-SA or BAD-CASS-ST (dovetailed, semi auto selector, 90 degree or 45 degree) and Raptor charging handle bundle, in time for Black Friday if I'm not mistaken ;)
:cool:
wild_wild_wes
12-29-12, 00:59
So, are the handles still made of steele, or are they now aluminum?
theblackknight
12-29-12, 01:08
Rainier arms has been doing some awesome stuff for a little bit now.
They have a new billet lower that looks sicker then some of the bigger companies lowers.
I just got this handle...IMHO this is by far the most comfy and robust handle I have seen...the pins are twice as big as my stock DD handle...to me it is a bit smoother than a BCM.
The new version handles are all 7075 throughout
wild_wild_wes
01-28-13, 22:20
Rainier arms has been doing some awesome stuff for a little bit now.
They have a new billet lower that looks sicker then some of the bigger companies lowers.
I had them build an upper for me. They did an awesome job, and I got it back in a week. Amazing, since you can guess how slammed they must be now.
wild_wild_wes
01-28-13, 22:23
I just got this handle...IMHO this is by far the most comfy and robust handle I have seen...the pins are twice as big as my stock DD handle...to me it is a bit smoother than a BCM.
The new version handles are all 7075 throughout
They are awesome! I bought both an AR15 and a AR10 version. I will buy more once they get more in stock.
Really likeing mine. Will buy more when in stock also.
Just got mine for a Noveske N4 build in the works:)
i've got a raptor on one of my rifles and it is definately one of the smoothest CH's i've used
Chunky Monkey
01-29-13, 16:36
i've got a raptor on one of my rifles and it is definately one of the smoothest CH's i've used
Same here ~ luv it!!:D
Just added an AXTS Raptor CH to my LMT MRP. One of the best mods that I have made to any M4. Next, it gets an ITT Enidine recoil buffer and PWS FSC556 and billet buffer tube.
I have one on order should be here pretty quick. It looks really good. I also have a BCM gunfighter to compare it to.
Next, it gets an ITT Enidine recoil buffer and PWS FSC556 and billet buffer tube.
Get Vltor A5 buffer system and drop the Enidine and billet buffer tube. Search function does wonders if you have questions.
I have one on order should be here pretty quick. It looks really good. I also have a BCM gunfighter to compare it to.
i also have a gunfighter CH, while it is a sturdy and smooth CH, in my opinion the raptor is just a little smoother and more comfortable. we'll see how they hold up in comparison to eachother.
grunt soldier
01-31-13, 18:37
I'm interesting in seeing a comparison between the gunfighter and the raptor. I love my bcm's but if this is truly smoother and all around better I would be interested in trying one out.
Get Vltor A5 buffer system and drop the Enidine and billet buffer tube. Search function does wonders if you have questions.
No thanks! The PWS billet buffer tube is much stronger than a regular buffer tube. I don't see how an A2 spring would make that much of a difference. My system will use the ITT Enidine buffer and a Springco extra power spring. It should prove reliable enough. The rifle is already accurate. I've never had any type of malfunction with it. I'm building the "Ultimate AR" out of the LMT.
Magic_Salad0892
02-01-13, 23:53
No thanks! The PWS billet buffer tube is much stronger than a regular buffer tube. I don't see how an A2 spring would make that much of a difference. My system will use the ITT Enidine buffer and a Springco extra power spring. It should prove reliable enough. The rifle is already accurate. I've never had any type of malfunction with it. I'm building the "Ultimate AR" out of the LMT.
You obviously know nothing about how an AR functions.
First clue: The people on this board with the "Industry Professional" or "Subject Matter Expert" tag under their name advocate the VLTOR A5 system. And how many of them pretty much never mention hydrolic buffers. (Militarymoron tried them out, and said they were pretty much worthless on the 5.56mm gun.)
An A2 spring isn't the entire thing.
ROG Tactical
02-02-13, 00:19
I was told by a Tactical Springs rep that for an A5 setup, their Green spring with their buffer spacer and an Enidine buffer is a very smooth combination. However, when I spoke to a Buffer Technologies rep, he said that ITT is having them cease further production of the Enidine buffer once existing orders are fulfilled. So, if you want an Enidine buffer, better try to find one now while you can.
No thanks! The PWS billet buffer tube is much stronger than a regular buffer tube. I don't see how an A2 spring would make that much of a difference. My system will use the ITT Enidine buffer and a Springco extra power spring. It should prove reliable enough. The rifle is already accurate. I've never had any type of malfunction with it. I'm building the "Ultimate AR" out of the LMT.
I would love to see all the cases of a mil spec or A5 buffer tube breaking, assuming that billet even is stronger (unproven claim).
Enidine Hydraulic buffers have a nasty habit of rupturing, they also don't reduce recoil, they slow the cyclic rate by slowing the return to battery. This is exactly what you don't want. Andrew Tuohy did high speed video of this.
Your "Ultimate" AR won't be unless you stop believing the marketing and start listening to the people who know what they're talking about.
I love this new innovation of Rainier Arms it is very well made though I find the steel to be a bit to hard on the upper latch area as it removed the black anodized on my completely new upper in under 200rounds of firing but nonetheless I love this and second is my gunfighter mod 3
Correct. Seals have known to rupture and I would also suspect that the oil or fluid can change it's viscosity depending on temperature.
I remember seeing several of these hydraulic buffers burst over in Iraq due to the high heat.
The A5 has proven to be 100% reliable to me with close to 20K rounds of combined use.
I would love to see all the cases of a mil spec or A5 buffer tube breaking, assuming that billet even is stronger (unproven claim).
Enidine Hydraulic buffers have a nasty habit of rupturing, they also don't reduce recoil, they slow the cyclic rate by slowing the return to battery. This is exactly what you don't want. Andrew Tuohy did high speed video of this.
Your "Ultimate" AR won't be unless you stop believing the marketing and start listening to the people who know what they're talking about.
I've been shooting AR rifles for close to 40 years. Yes, I know how they work. Don't really like them all that much but I want something proven, so I went back. Never, said the Enidine was the best thing since sliced bread but I'm willing to give it a try. If it breaks so be it. I'll toss it. AR buffers are a dime a dozen. No big deal. At this point, the Enidine is on it's way. I'll give it a shot and consider myself warned about hydraulic buffers. When it fails I'll post here.
Never heard of the A5 mod until someone posted here about it. No, I don't get out much. My concrete underground bunker is very secluded.
Thanks!
EDIT: Ok, I can admit when I am wrong! After reading a lot of information here about the A5, I have decided to look into it more. The ITT has arrived and I will try it out too. Thanks for the information and sorry for the hijack!
I thought this was the Raptor thread. ;-)
-john
Again, sorry for the hijack!
The Raptor CH has been a great addition to my LMT MRP and I'd never go back. I previously used a Noveske/VLTOR CH on it. That CH now resides on my daughter's Noveske N4.
I really like the looks of the Raptor and I am thinking of trying one very soon. I have a BCM mod 4 right now on my DD but I would like to try the Raptor on my other DD for sure.
I love my Raptor CH. I bought the BCM as soon as soon as it came on their site. I have not really tried it out much, I am waiting for my new upper :)
Though, all I can say is that I prefer the larger, easier to use, latches on the Raptor.
wild_wild_wes
02-15-13, 13:50
Took my AR10 with 7.62 Raptor CH to the range for the first time last week. All I can say is, I will be relacing all my other CHs on every other AR I own with Raptors!
Took my AR10 with 7.62 Raptor CH to the range for the first time last week. All I can say is, I will be relacing all my other CHs on every other AR I own with Raptors!
I only have one 7.62 Raptor CH, I have to keep swapping it back and forth between my Centurion Arms .308 and Mega Arms MKM-MATEN. I need to email John and make sure he understands my pain.... :p
Fireman1291
02-15-13, 14:58
Anyone know where to find the raptor in stock? :D
Yes, this is where I got mine. It's 10.00 more than last month but the seller is tossing in a knife: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-Rainier-Arms-Raptor-5-56-Ambi-Charging-Handle-by-AXTS-Ambidextrous/281059159210?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=018&category=73949&cmd=ViewItem
bnanaphone
02-15-13, 17:40
Anybody know where to get a 7.62 Raptor? I just received my 5.56 model and definitely see why they are so popular, especially for a southpaw. My BCM MOD 4s are now playing second string.
We have them (5.56mm and 7.62mm) in stock, either as stand alone, or as a part of Raptor + BAD-ASS bundle ;)
I was lucky to have been a little involved early on in the project, and I have beat the crap out of the prototype, the production version is even better :D
wild_wild_wes
02-15-13, 18:50
Does the latest 5.56 model still have side toggles of unequal length?
Fireman1291
02-15-13, 19:09
We have them (5.56mm and 7.62mm) in stock, either as stand alone, or as a part of Raptor + BAD-ASS bundle ;)
I was lucky to have been a little involved early on in the project, and I have beat the crap out of the prototype, the production version is even better :D
Sent you an email :)
The right side latch is slightly longer to accommodate the forward assist.
Fireman1291
02-16-13, 11:42
Duffy, thanks for the quick shipping on the Raptor I ordered from you! Can't wait!
bnanaphone
02-26-13, 19:06
We have them (5.56mm and 7.62mm) in stock, either as stand alone, or as a part of Raptor + BAD-ASS bundle ;)
I was lucky to have been a little involved early on in the project, and I have beat the crap out of the prototype, the production version is even better :D
Thanks Duffy, just placed an order for a BAD-ASS Raptor bundle today!
Thanks guys! Aside from gear of our own manufacturer, Raptors are the best selling products in recent memory. The products speak for themselves, I'm sure most people have heard ;)
Rattlehead
03-02-13, 03:34
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8469460661_c7c0d211a6_c.jpg
We have them (5.56mm and 7.62mm) in stock, either as stand alone, or as a part of Raptor + BAD-ASS bundle ;)
Too bad you don't have a Raptor + BAD-ASS-ST combo ;)
Oh well, I ordered anyway. You were the only one with a 7.62 Raptor in stock... and I got another BAD-ASS-ST while I was there.
Thanks again Duffy.
We can always take special requests for bundles that don't exist on our site ;)
I read all 6 pages of this thread and didn't see many reviews of its actual use. I know it's just a charging handle but we are talking about me here. I have to take everything and over think it. It's my nature.
As far as the fit, form and function of this handle, I think it is top notch. I am a huge fan of the Gunfighter. I have several of them and the Raptor is the only other handle that I considered using. The first thing I did was add a bead of silicone to the area where the handle comes in contact with the upper receiver of my Vltor VIS-2A. After about a day, I lubed it up and installed it on my upper. I am right handed so the ambidextrous attributes don't really concern me but since this is on my go to gun, I like to have all options open in case of injury during a fight. I did several dry fires and just tried to get a basic feel of the handle. Really there is nothing else for me to say that anyone hasn't already said in this thread.
I took my rifle to the range today for zeroing of a new optic. I use this rifle almost 100% suppressed. Obviously, I want to zero with the suppressor attached so that's what I did. If I really have to say anything negative about the Raptor, I will have to say that there seems like there is much more gas to my face than when using my Gunfighter charging handle that is set up the same way. Because I really can't find any ammunition that is reasonably priced, I only fired about 30 rounds and it was all relatively slow fire except for a 10 round string and all was semi auto fire.
In closing, I guess I have to say that the charging handle is exceptionally well thought out, well built and flawless functioning. The only issue I have is the gas to the face while running suppressed.
wild_wild_wes
03-28-13, 23:51
Raptors in stock anywhere?
Raptors in stock anywhere?
Raptor @ AIMSURPLUS (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRARaptor&name=Rainier+Arms+Raptor%E2%84%A2+Ambidextrous+Charging+Handle&groupid=587)
Cory, re: gas in the face, we're working on something, it's not CH related though ;)
We have both 7.62mm and 5.56mm versions in stock http://www.shop.battlearmsdevelopment.com/Rainier-Arms-Raptor-Ambidextrous-Charging-Handle-RAINIER-RAPTOR.htm, as well as the bundle http://www.shop.battlearmsdevelopment.com/BAD-CASS-3P-Geissele-SSF-COMBO-SPECIAL-FREE-SHIP-BAD-CASS-3P-SSF.htm
:)
Wormydog1724
07-31-13, 17:43
Anybody having their raptor unlatch during fire?
I am.
(10.3" suppressed if it makes a diiference)
Uncle_Remus
07-31-13, 17:52
Anybody having their raptor unlatch during fire?
I am.
(10.3" suppressed if it makes a diiference)
Wow! Not me, but that don't sound good.... Any diagnosis?
Hoot
Wormydog1724
07-31-13, 18:01
Wow! Not me, but that don't sound good.... Any diagnosis?
Hoot
No. That's why I asked.
Approx 800 rounds on the raptor and upper. Just noticed it in the last 250 rounds.
Is the notch chewed out on your upper?
Is the notch chewed out on your upper?
Good question. Wormy, is yours a steel or aluminum latch?
Cory, re: gas in the face, we're working on something, it's not CH related though ;)
We have both 7.62mm and 5.56mm versions in stock http://www.shop.battlearmsdevelopment.com/Rainier-Arms-Raptor-Ambidextrous-Charging-Handle-RAINIER-RAPTOR.htm, as well as the bundle http://www.shop.battlearmsdevelopment.com/BAD-CASS-3P-Geissele-SSF-COMBO-SPECIAL-FREE-SHIP-BAD-CASS-3P-SSF.htm
:)
I just saw this now, only 3 months later.....:lazy2:
You can fill me in sometime......
Wormydog1724
07-31-13, 20:28
Good question. Wormy, is yours a steel or aluminum latch?
Steel latch.. Stand by and I'll get a pic of the upper.
Wormydog1724
07-31-13, 20:33
Is the notch chewed out on your upper?
I wouldn't say its chewed out. The anodizing is gone but there is still a good lip on the notch. I took pics with and without flash.
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp247/wormydog1724/61F39F08-3C07-471D-B946-A44995C699EF-7632-000008AA2B133BF8_zps303c0fad.jpg
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp247/wormydog1724/848ECF30-0D7C-4BD4-AC2C-61A7BAFF7378-7632-000008AA49ED2270_zpsb68fe1ac.jpg
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp247/wormydog1724/FD882E82-ADA4-47C5-9FF7-F7D68D7D0D21-7632-000008AA3431C492_zps14cadbb7.jpg
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp247/wormydog1724/20EFB7D8-50C7-4924-9117-3129B9C9498D-7632-000008AA3EA8AD3D_zps60f45f84.jpg
Yeah, a little rounded but not bad to my eyes
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