Are they all they same? I can see some differences in ergonomics but to me it seems hard to justify 5 or 6x the price. FWIW, I'm a lefty and saw this one among many others.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ambidextrous-Charging-Handle-223-308/172281255410

It also doesn't bother me to drop my left and and charge it like everyone else using something like this.

http://www.primaryarms.com/rfcharge/p/rfcharge/

Anything I missed?

Thanks

yup... but that's not being very tacticool of you to not have a name brand version... hahahahaha...
I've had an el cheapo for years. not a problem...

I don't think the quality would justify much price difference, but if you shoot lefty the ability to naturally work the rifle would justify it to me. If you're left handed but shoot right handed, it wouldn't matter. I would go for one that operates the same from either side, not the brand.

I always get something with a larger latch, makes it much easier to charge the weapon if you run a scope on top. Not really needed for red dot or iron sights

I don't like the big ones where the handle sticks out it gets caught on stuff and scratches stuff up. I let mine ride around with me at the lease and if I had the big handle it would kill my center console.

Good advice here, thanks guys.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that the extended charging handles are a nice thing to have. I'm a competitive shooter and the extensions are fantastic for fast loading of a "cruiser ready" rifle staged in a barrel. For hunting scenarios they are nice to have if your scopes eyepiece is large and partially blocks access to the charging handle. You can still reach the charging handle without an extension but the extension sure makes it easier.

If you don't want to spend big money on a name brand handle you can add an extension to your existing handle for a few bucks. My personal favorite charging handles are the BCM Gunfighters. They are much less than some that are out there, work well and are pretty durable.

If I were a southpaw, I'd spend a few buck and get a lefty/ambi charging handle. Anything that makes handling the rifle more user friendly isn't a bad thing...even if some will call you tacticool.


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Misfire has a very good point, if your not into branding Brownells or Midway have the replacement lever in different size and styles. If you can pick your teeth (or tooth) you can change it real easy.

The BCM Gunfighter large is what I use because of the optics. They are helpful to make things more ergonomic

I'll look into those, it makes sense to get it out of the way of the scope.

Thanks again.

I am left handed as well. Two of my ARs have the cheap charging handles and one has a BCM Gunfighter. For me, I see no advantage as I charge it once when I get out of the truck and I'm on my way. I do notice the BCM has a nicer feel to it, but not of any consequence.

If I were shooting competition or plinking hundreds of rounds a fancy would be nice...

AXTS Raptor Ambi . I would check them before buying a cheapie...

Just one more option if charging handle annoys you. You can have this on left or right. Ones on left are non reciprocating
http://eisenacharms.com/pages/why-side-charge

BCM at minimum. I run it with scopes and I hate the handle that sticks out. I will go small to medium next time mainly because of snagging or poking the console / seats and poking me in the ribs while in a hunting situation

Those are neat but really not in line with the budget I have planned.

Ive got the BCM medium latch. Its a noticeable difference and much easier to operate.

BCM Gunfighter on all mine. That are solid and work great. I've had some latches that would flex if not pulled straight back

I usually run the PRI Gasbusters with the combat latch.

The mil-spec handle has served me fine.

I always change out the stock latch to a PRI. It rides pretty close, doesn't snag much, and I can get a good purchase on it. I normally charge with my weak (left) hand while keeping on target, haven't broken one yet.

If I'm running no optic, or a red dot, hollosight, etc. - stock mil spec charging handle for me. If I'm running a scope optic though I always run a BCM Gunfighter medium. Works for me anyways.

I would like one I could operate with my left hand. My scope makes it tougher to grab the mil spec one.