AR-Tenner
11-28-17, 16:53
Hi Y'all,
I have been stockpiling AR parts more than usual lately, as well as preparing for another build, and I noticed that the Colt charging handles sold by Brownells are insanely expensive ($63.99), compared to the standard charging handles from most other manufacturers, which run from $15 to $35.
Although many people like the various non-standard charging handles, I have no interest in them. I tried the BCM Gunfighter with both the small and medium latch, and I can honestly say that it is the only AR part I have ever truly HATED. The latch stuck out so much, even on the small-latch model (I know this is what they are supposed to do, but it caused so many problems for me), that it got in the way all the time. I carry my rifles (and HD shotguns) on Viking Tactics 2-point slings slung across my chest, and that darn Gunfighter charging handle was constantly not only poking me in the chest, but would unlock and do spontaneous press checks all the time, even when I was just wearing a T-shirt. When wearing a mag carrier chest rig out in the field, it actually would spontaneously cycle the action. Therefore, I have always used and been totally satisfied with standard-model handles (heck, I'd take triangle-type if they were well-made today at an attractive price).
Am I correct in assuming that the premium features of a top-end standard charging handle are the 7075 T6 material and forged construction? If that is all the difference between a Colt and, say, a CMMG, wouldn't the forged 7075 T6 handles from places like Spike's, PSA, and Stag be just as good as the Colt, or am I missing something?
Thanks!
I have been stockpiling AR parts more than usual lately, as well as preparing for another build, and I noticed that the Colt charging handles sold by Brownells are insanely expensive ($63.99), compared to the standard charging handles from most other manufacturers, which run from $15 to $35.
Although many people like the various non-standard charging handles, I have no interest in them. I tried the BCM Gunfighter with both the small and medium latch, and I can honestly say that it is the only AR part I have ever truly HATED. The latch stuck out so much, even on the small-latch model (I know this is what they are supposed to do, but it caused so many problems for me), that it got in the way all the time. I carry my rifles (and HD shotguns) on Viking Tactics 2-point slings slung across my chest, and that darn Gunfighter charging handle was constantly not only poking me in the chest, but would unlock and do spontaneous press checks all the time, even when I was just wearing a T-shirt. When wearing a mag carrier chest rig out in the field, it actually would spontaneously cycle the action. Therefore, I have always used and been totally satisfied with standard-model handles (heck, I'd take triangle-type if they were well-made today at an attractive price).
Am I correct in assuming that the premium features of a top-end standard charging handle are the 7075 T6 material and forged construction? If that is all the difference between a Colt and, say, a CMMG, wouldn't the forged 7075 T6 handles from places like Spike's, PSA, and Stag be just as good as the Colt, or am I missing something?
Thanks!