I have switched to BCM's. I use the mediums on my patrol style rifles and large on my bench/varmint guns.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by samnev:
Be careful of the latch size on the new BCM charging handles.I read thread a while back that the size of the latch of the new models is different from the old models. Don't remember the specifics.

Really?

If that's true, I'd be interested in some more details.
It's been a couple years since I've bought any BCM charging handles.

The new BCM Mod 4b has a smaller latch than the reg Mod 4.
I have one on a ar9 pistol only because it looks better on the smaller ar's.

The Geisselle charging handles came.

Wow! I didn't expect them to be this nice.

Bigger, smoother, ambidextrous. They look very strong and durable, too.

I don't know if I will get rid of any of the BCM handles but I won't be buying anything other than Geisselle, going forward.

Bruce

Yeah, the Geissele SCH / ACH is very well executed - I love how the whole handle / latch moves, unlike others with just the latch portion.

I liked the BCMs but they started pinched my fingers from time to time. I know they have changed their design as well but I am already "all in" with SCH on scoped ARs and ACH on RDS ARs.

I am still a fan of the BCM medium handle

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
All of my ARs have BCM Mediums.

Same here.

Just picked up one of the less expensive Radian Raptors. Seems just as sturdy as the other one. I’ll check in if it breaks.

quote:

Originally posted by smithnsig:
less expensive Radian Raptors.

At the time this thread started, Geissele was still running their Black Friday sale, with ACH and SCH models at $49.00.

It was a buy-cheap-stack-deep opportunity for quality charging handles.

For the price, it is hard to beat the BCM. I have a couple,(large size) and really like them.

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:

At the time this thread started, Geissele was still running their Black Friday sale, with ACH and SCH models at $49.00.

It was a buy-cheap-stack-deep opportunity for quality charging handles.

And a year later......., this deal is back. Just ordered one. $49 shipped.

BCM just posted a Cyber Monday 30% off deal so their Medium Charging Handles are now on sale for $27.95 each...

NOTE - Discount does not appear until you put item(s) in your cart....Mark

https://www.bravocompanyusa.co...m-gfh-mod-4b-556.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sigarmsp226,

I stick with the Milspec CH.

How much use does it get among all these operators?

Too used to it to change. Might be an Arizona thing.

quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
I stick with the Milspec CH.
How much use does it get among all these operators?

I'm not an "operator", just a weekend shooter who competes.

In matches where we consistently engage small-ish steel targets at 200-400 yards, most of us use magnified optics on our ARs. Many have a fairly large ocular lens that sits right above the charging handle, especially if we don't shoot nose-to-charging-handle. Such scope eyepieces can make it challenging to grab a milspec CH, especially with two fingers. Larger CHs -- especially ambidextrous models -- are easier to use with these scopes.

Most competitions have time constraints on stages or groups of stages. Such time limits really come into play in team events, multi-gun events, and complex stages. When the person is finished shooting the AR, range safety officers almost always require the shooter to drop the mag, clear the chamber, lock the bolt back, and show the RSO that the AR is safe prior to moving on. Thus, we use the CH constantly, and newer CH models are superior to the milspec design for this use.

If the milspec CH works for you, that's great.

The older and now discontinued BCM Model 5 charging handle is standard on my ARs. I do I have a couple of scoped ARs which wear AXTS/Radian Raptor charging handles.

I'm not an operator just another weekend plinker that found a mil-spec handle is pretty much useless when I plopped a scope on it. PITA wearing gloves as well.

I have Radian Raptors on mine that work much better for me.

Strike Industries ARCH-EL extended latch replacing a stock GI style charging handle on my only AR.

my take --

iron sight rear : not needed

scoped : BCM medium is a nice upgrade

---------------------

Raptors on all of mine except 1 that has a POF Tomahawk. It works really well but is a bit big when the rifle is slung.

I just buy standard CH and then swap out the latch for a PRI weenie latch. Extended enough I never have issues grabbing it, easy on the hands without gloves, and the only one I've found that is big enough but without poking the crap out of my chest. Of course, I'm not usually wearing a chest rig or plate carrier.

I used to swap out the latch on the milspec handle for the Badger extended latch. It does put a lot of stress on that roll pin but I never did have one break.
This thread reappearing "forced" me to buy more Geissele for me and some BCM for presents. Those are some great deals!

Bruce