http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s47rYcJdFc4
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Yep, much appreciated.
So I was finally able to test and review the new SNACH charging handle this weekend.
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It appears to be very well made and comparable to the Raptor. The latch sizes were similar & weight (as measured on my scale) was identical, with both at 1.4 oz. The Raptor latch, IMO, was "grippier" than the SNACH. The SNACH; however, has user configurable latches available.
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The rear of the SNACH was taller (thicker) than the Raptor, and was flush with the top rail of the upper. I figured this would be more effective in blocking any gas out the rear.
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There is a large compression spring visible on the rear of the SNACH. At first I thought that there may be an issue of it popping out but after further inspection, it is captured in the rear body of the CH. Being exposed; however, does elevate the possibility of introducing dirt/debris into the spring. Mine also seemed to be overly stiff & it makes me wonder if it will accelerate wear on the upper catch.
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Now on to the testing. I was sorely disappointed in its capability to mitigate the gas to the face. In fact, it was significantly higher than when I use a Raptor.
It became obvious to me why after I used it. With the Raptor, the only gas that I get is any that happens to get by through leakage out the rear. That amount, in my experience, is very minimal & not an issue.
With the SNACH, any gas is freely directed out the port & wafts right into your face. There was little to no wind when I was testing, so it lingered.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11...7548ba5f30.jpg
While the concept of the port seems to make sense, IMO, it only seemed to make it worse.
I was testing this with an 11.5" SBR suppressed with a GA M4SDII can using my target reloads (55gn FMJ/H335).
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11...52e2e07aa6.jpg
I purchased the SNACH for $69.95 delivered, so while it was somewhat of a deal, I'm still disappointed I wasted $70. If you're not shooting suppressed, it's a great charging handle. The fit/finish & overall quality is excellent, as is my experience with all of Griffin Armament's offerings.
When I get a chance, I'm going to compare it to a 20" AR, with a Gunfighter CH. That rifle in particular, I experience the most gas to face when shooting suppressed. If the SNACH works better than the GF, I'll leave it in there. If not, I'm going to probably tap threads into the port & install a set screw to block the port.
It is a great, high quality charging handle but it didn't, in my experience, do what it was designed to do and that's mitigate the problem of gas to face. In fact, it made it significantly worse.
Thanks for the review. Good point about the gas lingering around when there's no wind. Reminds me of several piston AR's I've shot. Even though there is quite a bit of gas vented near the front of the gun, it finds its way back and stings the eyes and chokes me up.
Excellent review. I only wish I had waited for your testing before I let you convince me to buy one.
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If it's already a problem with this AR15 then why wouldn't it be a problem with your other AR15 that you say has worse gas to the face? Maybe you can just try to trade it for a Ranier Raptor?
Because I have several ARs, all with different upper receivers, barrel lengths, and charging handle configurations. Maybe, for some reason, it'll work better in a different AR. Obviously, the manufacturer thought it worked well enough to bring it to market so maybe I can find what they saw.
Besides, it's really not that difficult to try it out in different rifles.
I'll echo what you said about the construction of the SNACH. It's built like a tank. Even if it doesn't meet expectations regarding gas redirection/mitigation, it is a well built piece if equipment and definitely not a waste of money at the price we paid. I'll have to get back to you on the suppressed qualities. I've yet to get permission to play. :(
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