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Thread: Anyone Used Their Side Chargers in Classes?

  1. #11
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    Change in some areas, can be a good thing. The problem is vetting the reliability and purpose in it's use with the M16FOW. Since the platform wasn't designed with that feature in mind, or thoroughly tested as other known platforms specifically designed for it, nothing is standardized. Similar to the slap on piston kits or various piston AR manufacturers of lesser quality. You don't know what you're getting and doesn't improve the overall design in any significant way. If it did, the military as well as Colt, DD, KAC and other quality manufacturers would have made the leap to side charging handles on the M16FOW by now, since it's been around for almost 50 years. It becomes a solution in search of a problem. Hence the reason I deemed it a gimmick. If a side charging handle is a desired feature, I'd stick to the proven platforms for which it was designed for, AK, FN SCAR, FAL, etc...
    Last edited by RogerinTPA; 07-08-13 at 22:04.
    For God and the soldier we adore, In time of danger, not before! The danger passed, and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier slighted." - Rudyard Kipling

  2. #12
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    Anyone Used Their Side Chargers in Classes?

    I'm eyebanging that ARAK upper from Faxon. Been seeing more pics of it lately, and it seems the company is confident enough to put there stuff out for evaluation. Looking forward to hearing more about them.
    Crossing the Noobicon

  3. #13
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    I still don't see what is wrong with the standard good old charging handle.

    I agree with Roger. Get a SCAR if you want a side charger.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by MistWolf View Post
    Maybe you should. After all, if you really want to know, go try it out. Go shoot the rifle.

    There's little empirical data because not many here want a side charger. I've looked at them myself because I like the idea and a folding, non-reciprocating charging handle on the FAL works very well. However, you have to put out an exorbitant amount of money for that type of upper for an AR.

    The other type of side charger I looked at features a bolt threaded into the side of the BCG. After studying it, I've come to the conclusion that it complicates dis-assembly, looks fragile and is likely to keep loosening up. I also do not want a charging handle on an AR that is reciporcating. I also have a concern that the larger ejection port will decrease the stiffness of the upper (check the upper flex sticky for more information). I don't see how they can offer any advantage over the standard AR charging handle on a precision rifle.

    I do find the standard AR charging handle to be a bit awkward, especially on my new S&W M&P-10 with it's stiffer action spring. But the disadvantages of the side charger (cost, potential for causing malfunctions, loss of receiver rigidity) outweigh the gain. For me, installing a BCM Gunfighter CH is a more practical solution

    Don't let this stop you from trying a side charger upper. Run it hard and let us know how it works. Worse that could happen is you get to thumb your nose and say "Told ya!"
    The JP system uses a non-reciprocating, folding side-charging handle.

  5. #15
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    Interesting. I'll have to take a look at that
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  6. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by MistWolf View Post
    Interesting. I'll have to take a look at that
    Here you go:
    http://www.jprifles.com/1.2.1_PSC_11.php

  7. #17
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    It doesn't look to me like it would make it more accurate, lighter, more reliable, or change anything significant that would be an enhancement...

    Would it be better for clearing jams? Generally easier to operate the gun?

    What is the draw here? Why do people care about this, just because it's new and different?
    Last edited by Moltke; 07-09-13 at 11:25.
    Ken Bloxton
    Skill > Gear

  8. #18
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    I personally like the ASA side charging upper for SBResque type carbines due to the fact that you can go "nose to rear sight" and NEVER move your head even when clearing jams.

    And yes, me and my silly side charging carbine go to classes at least 2-3 times a summer. Current round count on that particular rifle is about 5k with only mag related malfunctions so far.

    edited to add: Only drawback, and a small one, is that it's a few ounces heavier than a standard M4 receiver.
    Last edited by The_Hammer_Man; 07-09-13 at 18:57.
    Quote Originally Posted by markm View Post
    But you should have enough mags that you don't need to see a grief councelor if you destroy or damage one.

  9. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by The_Hammer_Man View Post
    I personally like the ASA side charging upper for SBResque type carbines due to the fact that you can go "nose to rear sight" and NEVER move your head even when clearing jams.

    And yes, me and my silly side charging carbine go to classes at least 2-3 times a summer. Current round count on that particular rifle is about 5k with only mag related malfunctions so far.

    edited to add: Only drawback, and a small one, is that it's a few ounces heavier than a standard M4 receiver.
    Hi Mr Defensive.

    What is an SBResque carbine?

    Nose to rear sight, do you shoot mostly irons?

    Not taking your head away during a jam? OK... What jam would you want to keep a cheekweld for? I can see doing a quick tap/rack and if that gets the gun back into the fight then great but anything other than that and you're going to WANT to look and identify your stoppage so you can fix the problem.
    Ken Bloxton
    Skill > Gear

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