Popular models like the Radian Weapons Raptor feature large, talon-like latches, skeletonized for both aesthetics and for weight reduction. We won’t recommend you sacrifice functionality for appearances, but in this case, appearances often coincide with performance characteristics. The aggressive styles of an extended-latch handle will certainly enhance your rifle’s ergonomics, but the color, design, and form factor can also make an appreciable difference in the aesthetic of your rifle. After all, your rifle reflects your own style, so you shouldn’t be afraid to add some personality.
EAGLE ARMS EA 15 BI POD ADAPTER UPGRADE
Sometimes, people want an upgrade for aesthetics-and there’s nothing wrong with that. Not every upgrade has to be strictly practical. If you’re left-handed, this is an obvious improvement to the standard controls, but even right-handed marksmen can enjoy the added flexibility of an ambidextrous design.ĪR15s are beloved for their customizability, and the charging handle offers yet another avenue for individualism. The wider gripping surface makes it much easier to clear jams under duress, and for most shooting activities, snagging isn’t a major concern.įor even greater control, many gun-owners invest in ambidextrous charging handles, which puts latches on both the right and left side. That’s why extended-latch charging handles are one of the most popular upgrades for any AR15 rifle. The small latch can be hard to grip under duress, limiting the user’s leverage when clearing tough jams. This compact design is great at preventing snags against gear or underbrush, but it comes with a noticeable weakness. Standard MIL SPEC charging handles will have one small latch on the left side of the handle. Forged charging handles will do the job just fine, but billet charging handles are usually more feature-rich-particularly when it comes to latch design. Billet-machined charging handles are more expensive than their forged counterparts, as the manufacturing process takes more time and materials, but it offers a slightly greater variety in design and ergonomics.
Most charging handles are made of durable aluminum, though the machining process can differ from product to product.