Best AR-15 Charging Handles 2023

Radian Weapons – AR 15 Raptor charging handle 5.56

The radian raptor LT charging handle is fully ambidextrous. Made by American manufacturer Radian Weapons (formerly AXTS) boasts revolutionary design and function.

This charging handle is made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum and is finished with a mil-spec type III anodized hard coat, creating a tough and durable aftermarket product.

The Raptor is built with double latches on either side of the handle, enabling ambidextrous operation. It also features deep serrations and forward angling to ensure that you get a secure grip when you need it. I found the wide design makes it extremely easy to operate, and the ambidextrous control allows you to easily lock the bolt to the rear while keeping the weapon to your shoulder.

Although this is one of the pricier products on the list, it’s worth every cent. I was impressed with how smooth the operation of this handle is, no matter if you grab it with your palm or fingers and the texture, which feels like just the right balance between smooth operation and preventing slipping.

Moreover, Radian runs the Raptor through more than a million cycles as part of its quality testing. This promises you a high-quality product from a reputable and trusted manufacturer, making it one of the best AR-15 charging handles for sure.

Bravo Company – AR-15 BCM Gunfighter charging handle Gen

Bravo’s Gen 2 charging handle introduces an improved, upgraded, and refined version of their already excellent original BCM Gunfighter.

FEATURES

• Built with high quality and durable materials – 7075 T6 aluminum
• Robust design that prevents the pivot pin from breaking
• The anodized hard surface coating gives a durable and robust product
• Beveled edges for anti-snagging and ease of grasp
• Gas buster shield to prevent gas blowback

The Gen 2 features a more substantial handle than the original. In addition, the robust forged aluminum construction that this handle is built from allows you to yank on it with no possibility of the pivot pin breaking, which was a problem with the original design.

The redesigned geometry takes the stress off the latch pin and redirects it into the T-handle itself. The result is a straighter pull that keeps the energy closer to the centerline of the rifle, so you don’t twist the handle, risking a snap.

The BCM Gunfighter Gen2 also has a redesigned gas buster shield that prevents gas and dirt from blowing back into your face. Furthermore, the handle rates high in reliability with its Mil-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard coat anodized finish for enhanced surface strength and durability.

This black charging handle features a much larger hand engagement surface than a standard handle. In addition, beveled edges optimize the contours of the handle for an easy-to-grasp, snag-free profile. It’s available in Mod 3B (large latch) and Mod 4B (medium latch) configurations.

The Gen 2 fits all mil-spec direct-impingement AR-15 upper receivers but is not compatible with adjustable-gas-keyed bolt/carrier groups.

One negative of the BCM Gunfighter is that it does not have an ambidextrous design. But, other than this drawback, it’s a great, standard-priced aftermarket AR-15 product that will improve the reliability, ease of operation, and look of your rifle.

Geissele Automatics – AR-15 Airborne charging handle

Geissele created the Airborne charging handle at the specific request of an elite US army organization that was looking for a low-profile charging handle that does not interfere with a red dot sight or similar low-mounted optic.

FEATURES

• An ambidextrous design
• Designed on the request of an elite US army organization
• Machined with super-strong 7075 T6 aluminum
• Black hard coat anodized finish
• An excellent option for use with low profile optics
• Raised lip blows smoke and gas away
• Provides a secure and sturdy grip

Geissele developed the Airborne handle with a low-profile lever that reduces the chances of snagging on vegetation and other gear. However, this low profile doesn’t mean that accessibility or ease of use is compromised. The ACH’s shortened levers have concaved radius cuts in vertical and horizontal planes giving your hand a secure grip.

The lever also has checkered surfaces to ensure a sturdy gripping surface further. I tried this out with wet hands and when wearing gloves, and both times I had a positive grip. Another cool feature of the Airborne charging handle is the raised lip at the aft end. This sends gas blowback away from the shooter when using short-barreled or suppressed weapon systems.

Moreover, the ACH has a reliable ambidextrous operation, and like many others on this list, it’s a robust and durable handle machined from 7075 T6 aluminum and finished with type III hard coat anodization.

If you use low-profile optics, this will easily be the best AR-15 charging handle.

Geissele Automatics – Super charging handle

Machined from tough aircraft grade 7075-T6 Aluminum and with a type 3 hard anodized finish available in either black or DDC, Geissele’s ambidextrous Supercharging handle offers a solid and durable option for AR15 shooters.

The Supercharging handle is very similar to the Airbourne handle also from Geissele. Still, the main difference is that the Super is not explicitly made for low profile optics use, like the Airbourne.

This Geissele model is designed with a unique raised lip, which smartly prevents air, smoke, and gas from blowing into your face. Additionally, the handles on this product are made with textured grips, giving easy use with gloves and generally a better grip overall. Finally, I found it clears the forward assist button on the right side of the rifle just enough to allow easy manipulation yet doesn’t stick out too far.

I learned that this charging handle works excellent with suppressed and short-barreled guns from testing. If you work with these rifle styles, you will find that the Super is a smooth, solid, and easy to operate handle that fits perfectly to your needs.

The only negative is the price. It’s relatively expensive for a charging handle. However, I do not doubt that this is a top-of-the-line product that will last for many years. If you want the best, and can afford the best, this is the best AR-15 charging handle for you.

Bravo Company – AR-15 BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle Gen 2 Ambidextrous

If you liked the sound of the BCM Gunfighter Gen 2 but were put off by its non-ambidextrous design, I have good news. Bravo has created an ambidextrous version of its popular, highly rated BCM Gunfighter Gen 2.

FEATURES

• An updated version of the BCM Gunfighter Gen 1
• Allows both right-hand and left-hand use
• Built with high quality and durable materials – 7075 T6 aluminum
• Robust design that prevents the pivot pin from breaking
• The anodized hard surface coating gives a solid and durable product
• Beveled edges for anti-snagging and ease of grasp
• Gas buster shield to prevent gas blowback

All the features are pretty much the same as the non-ambidextrous version, meaning this model has just been put out there for all the lefties. Like the standard Gen 2, this model boosts strength and durability with its rock-solid forged aluminum construction and type III, class 2 hard coat anodized finish.

Bravo offers the BCM Gunfighter Gen 2 ambidextrous charging handle in two configurations: Mod 3X3 with a large latch and Mod 4X4 with a medium-sized latch. This is a high-quality, ambidextrous charging handle for an affordable price, making it one of the best charging handles on the market today.

Precision Reflex – AR-15/M16 Gas Buster Charging Handle

The Precision Reflex Gas Buster AR-15 charging handle is a great option for shooters concerned about gas blowback. It has a special gas deflection groove that deflects gas, oil, or other debris blowbacks away from your face. This PRI Gas Buster is a high-tech feature to protect you from situations such as failed primer or other cartridge failures.

Like most handles on this list, the Gas Buster is machined from an extra-strong 7075 T6 aluminum alloy. However, this handle also features extra metal at stress points to resist twisting or breakage from hard use. The matte black hard coat anodized finish helps prevent surface wear and tear too. Moreover, the latch is made of steel so this small but critical part gives you supreme reliability, and won’t fail you at the worst possible time.

The Precision Reflex Gas Buster is available in three configurations.

1. Flat latch model – This model most resembles the standard mil-spec charging handle, but it has a deeply hooked latch face to give a super-secure, non-slip hold.
2. Military big latch – This oversized latch has a straight front edge that is easy to locate, grasp, and operate. The edges are rounded to protect your fingers, too.
3. Combat latch – This model has a similar contour to the Military big latch but is 17% larger, with serrations on the front edge for quick and comfortable operation.

All versions of the Gas Buster handle are smartly designed giving you reliable and quick operation under stress when time is of the essence. The handle looks great and functions flawlessly but unfortunately, it isn’t the best choice for lefties. It doesn’t work as well for left-handed shooters because of the gas porting properties.

Luth-AR – AR-15 .223 Charging Handle

Compared to the others on the list this is a very basic charging handle, but it is still a good option for those on a budget, as it’s significantly cheaper than most alternatives.

This charging handle from Luth-AR has the standard mil-spec design that you will find on many complete AR15s, therefore, it does not boost the features of the higher quality aftermarket handles. Because of this, I feel it would better suit beginners or as a back-up part to have around should any problems occur with your main handle, rather than purchasing as an upgrade to your current one.

After testing more premium options, this handle did feel a bit grainy and not as smooth to hold and operate. Despite this, the .223 charging handle fits all standard AR-15 rifles and is a good quality and low-cost standard charging handle to have.