Forward charging handle

[riverhawk]

Who makes the best left hand forward charging handle upper? And who makes the best no gunsmithing left, right or ambi forward charging handle system?

[cashooter]

Like the Geissele a lot. It is a nice size, ambi, and is high quality.

And they’re on sale right now.

[hk_shootr]

Don’t think I’ve ever seen an ambi forward charging handle system other than from Advantage Arms.
I don’t know squat about the company, but the system is interesting.

[titsonritz]

Don’t think I’ve ever seen an ambi forward charging handle system other than from Advantage Arms.
I don’t know squat about the company, but the system is interesting.

Seems like one would catch a lot debris and what-not out to the charging handle slot n the upper receiver.

[Tx_Aggie]

A company called Devil Dig Concepts makes a non-reciprocating side charging system made to work on Mil-Spec uppers (charges on the left side). A friend has one and it seems to be well made.

https://devildogconcepts.com/t/side-...-handle-system




For a dedicated side charging upper the ones made by Gibbz Arms are top of the heap. The integrated charging handle is non-reciprocating, and they do allow the use of a standard BCG, but they are billet and so not compatible with some handguards.

https://gibbzarms.com/







ETA: I can't believe I forgot about the JP side charging uppers. They're super nice, but also spendy at $900 for an upper + BCG!

https://www.jprifles.com/1.2.7_Recei...enu_select=GSK

[riverhawk]

Most military rifles use a forward charging handle. One of the most famous is the fal. In my opinion it’s the best system.

[riverhawk]

I’ve seen the devil dog. I’m going to have to research the Gibbs. It looks like I’m looking for.

[titsonritz]

This is the kind of stuff LAV is talking about in his AR-15 Vol. 2 on how the civilian market is the driving force behind development of the platform these days. Wish I had the cash to participate but it is very cool to watch none the less.

[bamashooter]

For the most part, removing the anti-rotation tabs on any given handguard is all that's required on the Gibbz for fitment. I have the right side charge / left side eject model.

Test fit before removal of tabs


Tabs


Removed tabs


Mated assembly


Completed 16" lefty side-charger / I really like it.

[bamashooter]

The rear of the Gibbz receiver has a flap which prevents gas from escaping. It's locked down by the lower rcvr. Additionally, any bcg (left/right can be used but requires this "enhanced" cam pin.