At a Glance: Best AR-15 Charging Handles
- OUR TOP PICK: Radian Weapons – AR-15 Raptor charging handle 5.56
- RUNNER UP: Bravo Company – AR-15 BCM Gunfighter charging handle Gen 2
- BEST AMBIDEXTROUS OPTION: Geissele Automatics – Super charging handle
Comparison of The Best AR-15 Charging Handles
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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OUR TOP PICK
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Radian Weapons – AR-15 Raptor charging handle 5.56 |
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View Latest Price |
RUNNER UPk
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Bravo Company – AR-15 BCM Gunfighter charging handle Gen 2 |
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View Latest Price |
BEST AMBIDEXTROUS OPTION
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Geissele Automatics – AR-15 Airborne charging handle |
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View Latest Price |
Guide To Buying The Best AR-15 Charging Handles
The AR-15 is perhaps the most customizable rifle there is, and with almost all parts being changeable and upgradable, personalizing your AR-15 can quickly become a very costly project. Because of this, it’s good to know which AR-15 parts are the most worthwhile and cost-effective upgrades to make.
One of the easiest changes you can make is upgrading the charging handle. However, like most other AR-15 parts, there’s an overwhelming range of charging handles on the market. Figuring out which handle will best improve the quality and performance of your rifle can be challenging.
I’ve put together this guide to give you some direction in your decision. In addition, I’ve tested and reviewed the seven best AR-15 charging handles on the market to provide you with all the information you’ll need to pick the best charging handle out there.
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.
Pros
- Best bang for your buck
- Anodized hard coat for durability
- Ambidextrous design
- Super smooth operation
- Gives a very secure grip
- Made in the USA by a reputable manufacturer
- Put through rigorous quality testing
Cons
- None
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.
Pros
- Good Value
- Easy To Install
- Works With Many Guns
- A significant improvement on the original BCM Gunfighter model
Cons
- A non-ambidextrous
- Not compatible with adjustable gas keyed bolt/carrier groups
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.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Great design – more narrow than other ambidextrous units
- Very smooth operation
Cons
- Not the most suitable option for those wanting longer levers
- Heavier than standard issue
- Expensive in comparison to similar products
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.
Pros
- An ambidextrous design
- Great for open for suppressed or short-barreled rifles
- High-quality aluminum build and hard coat anodized finish
- Raised lip design prevents gas blowback
- Textured grips allow ease of use for gloved shooting and a firm, secure grasp.
Cons
- Not ideal for low profile optics
- An expensive choice
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- High quality material
- Smooth operation
- Strong/Durable Design
Cons
- Not compatible with adjustable-gas-keyed bolt carrier groups
- Others reporting it is a touch too small
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pros
- Features a high-quality gas buster
- Solid 7075 T6 aluminum alloy construction
- Steel latch for increased reliability
- Features extra metal at stress points to prevent twisting or breakage
- Available in three configurations for your individual usage needs
Cons
- One of the most expensive handles on the list
- Not ambidextrous
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.
Pros
- Very low-cost handle
- Good ‘no frills’ option
- Can serve as a useful spare part
Cons
- Has the standard mil-spec design so does not offer any additional features
- It’s not the highest quality
- The feel and operation is not as smooth as others
What is an AR-15 charging handle?
The charging handle’s importance is often overlooked. Yet, the charging handle is essentially the part of your AR-15 that makes your gun ready to fire.
Also known as a cocking handle, located in the rear section of the rifle above the buffer tube, which connects the buttstock to the main body. It works by a manual mechanism that moves the hammer, striker, or bolt into the ready position, allowing the weapon to be fired.
The charging handle also has other functions, including:
- Verifying that the weapon is clear of rounds or other obstructions
- Ejecting any spent shells or unfired rounds
- Clearing stoppages such as malfunctions, jams or double feeds
- Redirecting gas, oil, and debris blocks back away from your face
The charging handle is a useful mechanism to ensure your gun is cleared and ready to use. You can quickly check this by pulling the handle back and forth and feeling any fluid motion in the chamber.
How AR-15 charging handles work
- Charging handles operate using a simple manual mechanism, and most handles are extremely easy to use.
- To operate, pull the handle back and then release it.
- If your rifle is appropriately maintained, the bolt will move all the way forward.
- This movement loads a cartridge/round into the firing chamber and creates a seal.
- The rifle is then ready to fire.
Why You Should Upgrade Your AR-15 Charging Handle
Most AR-15s come fitted with a standard mil-spec charging handle. This is sufficient for casual shooters who use their rifles for a day at the range here and there. However, if you frequently use your AR15 for prolonged shooting activities, you may find a regular AR charging handle offers plenty of room for improvement.
Additionally, if you’re a left-handed shooter, you will benefit from upgrading your charging handle to an ambidextrous one. Most standard handles on AR15s are manufactured for right-handed shooters only.
If you don’t upgrade to an ambidextrous handle, you will likely struggle when trying to operate your handle behind a scope or other large optic. However, you can easily find a suitable handle without having to spend much money as there are many affordable, high-quality ambidextrous AR-15 charging handles on the market.
Furthermore, other factors may inspire you to upgrade your charging handle. These include:
- Appearance
- Feel
- Weight
- Durability
- Strength
Core Features of an Aftermarket AR-15 Charging Handle
Aftermarket AR-15 charging handles are designed differently from the regular versions. However, their alternative designs can provide some useful features.
Ambidextrous
As I already mentioned, a key feature of aftermarket charging handles is that they are built to be ambidextrous, unlike the standard mil-spec versions. This means that you can operate them equally well with both right or left hand. This is great news for lefties as they no longer have to struggle with the standard versions or try to fire their rifles right-handed.
Extended latches
An extended latch allows you to grasp it and charge your rifle or manipulate the bolt carrier easier. For example, the latch of an aftermarket charging handle is extended to allow easier engagement during nighttime shooting, with gloves, or in complicated conditions when you need to act quickly.
This extension gives you a bigger area to grip, making it easier to grab the charging handle especially while wearing gloves. You also won’t need to remove your firing hand from the grip. The extended latch means that you could even engage your AR-15 with your foot if needed!
Gas busters
When firing at a high-rates, gasses can often get blown back along the charging-handle channel into your face. This quick burst of gas can be distracting and disorientating, as well as pose a serious safety issue for your eyes.
The ergonomic gas buster design has a special gas deflection groove that prevents gas, oil, or dust particles from blowing back into your face when firing. It has special channels on the top and bottom that divert these gasses off to the side. The gas buster design is particularly helpful if you use a silencer with .223 or 5.56x45mm ammunition
How to pick the best AR-15 charging handle
When choosing an aftermarket charging handle for your rifle you will want to look for a product that delivers the following:
- Made from high-quality materials – for the highest quality, look for a handle that has been machined from solid 7075-T6 aluminum.
- Lightweight – Many aftermarket charging handles have a lighter build than the standard ones. Opting for the most lightweight AR15 parts when customizing can contribute to a significant weight reduction for your rifle.
- A durable, long-lasting product – opting for a handle design that reduces stress on the roll pins along with a hard anodized finish will result in a handle that functions well in tough conditions and lasts for years to come.
- Easy to use – I have found that textured handling surfaces with aggressive serrations offer the most ease of use in adverse conditions, including when wearing gloves.
- Value for money – You can purchase a high-quality ambidextrous charging handle with an extended latch, and gas buster for as little as $30. For a bit more, you can nab one with extra features, or one that is more aesthetically pleasing. However, you should not have to spend more than $100 for a charging handle that meets all your needs and more.
What is the best charging handle AR15?
While I was impressed with the quality of all the charging handles on the list, the one that stood out most for me was Bravo Company’s AR-15 BCM Gunfighter Gen 2 Ambidextrous Charging Handle.
Because this is an upgraded version from their original, it has a smarter design to deliver the utmost quality and performance. It rates high in all areas, including strength, durability, reliability, and ease of use. It features a gas buster and a large hand-engagement surface as well as an ambidextrous design. Moreover, I like how it’s available with both a medium and a large latch to better suit each shooter’s needs.
I hope the information provided in this guide can assist you in choosing the best aftermarket AR-15 charging handle that will greatly upgrade your rifle’s performance.
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