BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle - Worth The Cost?

[Abraham]

According to BCM, the design of their charging handle is such that it takes a lot (not all) of the pressure off the roll pin compared to the smaller, less robust, standard charging handle that comes with a new fully assembled AR, such as a Colt LE6920.

Is this so? Or, marketing hype? Or, if it is so, it's really only necessary for guys who shoot thousands and thousands of round annually, but for the average guy, simply not necessary?

I do know that the medium sized latch charging handle is definitely easier to operate than the one the AR came with by virtue of having a larger latch, thus more to grab and easier on the hands...and especially advantageous with optics that somewhat block access to the charging handle.

Also, the BCM C.H. says they're made of better metallurgy.

However, I wonder if better metallurgy is necessary if you're only going to expend say a thousand rounds or less per year?

What say you?

Thanks!

[Scott B.]

"...medium sized latch charging handle is definitely easier to operate..."

It's what I've put on my latest rifle. I've not gone back and retrofitted the others because of cost. But, if it was a rifle I was going to shoot a lot - I'd do it for the comfort reason alone. Durability? I can't answer, but they've sold crap ton of them so there's plenty of users who would be complaining if it was coming up short.

[n5wd]

Your post reminds me that I need to order one for my AR.

I used one my son has on my AR, on which is mounted a Nikon P225 scope in Nikon rings. With the standard handle, it's hard to manipulate barehanded - with gloves, it's near impossible to to do rapidly.

With the Gunfighter charging handle, no pain, no miss. Your mileage may vary, of course, but for the cost I consider it a very nice to have accessory. the only problem was he wanted his back.

Note: I teach in a high school, and I'm way past war-fighting age. I'm not a weekend warrior, and won't be accepting any personal protection contracts from anyone soon. I use my AR as a recreational device, not for dawn patrol on our ranch. I'm not someone that has to have tactical underwear.

[Abraham]

n5wd,

Which one did you use?

Thanks!

[n5wd]

n5wd,

Which one did you use?

Thanks!

It was a Large.

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[The Annoyed Man]

Abraham, I can't speak specifically to the BCM charging handle as I have no experience with it, but I have experience with other charging handles than the original Mil-Spec, and I have found that they are generally superior. A good friend of mine recently ordered a complete upper from PSA, including BCG and charging handle. The charging handle was so crappy that the bolt got stuck in battery a couple of times while trying to manually cycle the action, because the charging handle simply wouldn't release so it could be drawn rearward. This is his first AR, and he was scared that it was a major issue. He brought the rifle over to my house last Saturday, and that is what I diagnosed. Shortly after, my son arrived, who is a gunsmith and builds custom ARs all day long, and he looked it over and came up with the same diagnosis.

So yes, a standard charging handle can be poorly made, and for what you pay for the upgraded charging handles, you not only get a better product mechanically, you also tend to get one that is better materially, and that has been more carefully assembled, with better quality control.

BCM's has a good reputation. Also, Rainier Arms has a proprietary design which is highly regarded. Both are considerably more expensive, but you do get what you pay for.

[shooter76blue]

I have two ARs and have the BCM charging handle on both. They are superior to stock and I am very happy with them...

[Abraham]

Wow, great feedback.

Thank you everyone.

Now, I have to decide on Mod 3 Large or Mod 4 Medium.

n5wd and Andy prefer the Mod 3.

It would seem the large latch model would be quicker to charge (more to grab) but, with the Model 3 sticking out a bit less and thus (maybe...?) having a smaller chance of snagging on something or other? I'm not certain which benefit outweighs the other...?

TAM, your input has me convinced to upgrade. One way or the other. Model 3 or Model 4. The standard charging handle works, but yes, it's could stand upgrading. I do like the idea of a larger latch. Just not sure which one to opt for.

[Scott B.]

I went with Mod 4 (Medium). YMMV.

[MechAg94]

I have the medium. You can find it on sale occasionally. I like it over the standard.

[Abraham]

Doing a bit of research one reviewer said he chose the Medium C.H., but the latch dug into his abdomen when his AR was carried in his 2 pt. sling, so there's a consideration I would'nt have thought of.

Presumably, the largest latch would dig a bit more...and all my slings are 2 pt.

Hhhhmm, decisions decisions.

[Abraham]

AndyC,

Thanks for the help.

I just found at Primary Arms a sale for $38.21 for the BCM Model 4 (med.) and even with tax and freight, (USPS) it was just under $45.00.

For this particular C.H. that's not bad.