An I the only one who like side charging handles more than rear charging handle? Lol
- Thread starter Mike112288
- Start date
The charging handle is only really needed during IA and readying at the beginning, so really it is not a big issue either way for most. The side charging handle usually adds something to wreck the finger against the turning knob or lever of the optic mount, especially in IA aka tap rack bang type of situation. If it is a folding one it slows down the IA. If the charging handle and the bolt catch are not in the right relative position, it is difficult to lock the bolt to the rear and perform type 3 IA - there is a reason the SCAR charging handle is put in that position relative to the bolt catch. YMMV, but I don't think it is an important consideration for a lot of people. In a recreation or a hunting setting, I do see the usefulness to be able to ready the rifle at the firing position without breaking head position. This is probably why a lot of people have a liking of side charging handle.
So either way, both sides are valid depending on the intended usage and priorities.
So either way, both sides are valid depending on the intended usage and priorities.
I think ergonomically that they make more sense, but they are rarely ambidextrous. Side chargers have been offered by a few companies but I don’t think they ever became popular because of proprietary parts. ATRS did they’re Hunter/Varmint series as side chargers, and when they came out, they couldn’t keep them in stock. But again it has always been a parts compatibility issue. Rear chargers rule, not because they are necessarily the perfect option, but because they are 99 percent of the market, and they allow easy modifications with aftermarket parts.
We are not alone.
Chargerguy
CGN frequent flyer
I prefer the side charging handle too, as long as it's on the left side.
My first rifle experience was learning the FN the army way.
"Left hand operated" was a brilliant concept to me as a right handed guy.
The right hand stayed put on the trigger and grip and the left hand did what ever was needed.
There is no perfect rifle and the concept of amnidextruous is mere admission to it.
Stag is probably the only AR builder who address the pronlem by offering mirror image ARs in left hand mode.
Yet, even then they still have the centered cocking handle problem.
That's right, I said problem.
You still have to poull your face away to #### the thing.
The closest thing that I have found to my FMC1 perfection is,,,wait for it,,,, the Robinson XCR.
Left hand charging handle and ambi everything else.
Latest rifle to impress me has been the WK180C with the option of putting the cocking handle on what side you want.
There are a few other rifles with the changing the side option.
Some have stuck with the true ambi concept of the original AR10 like the T97, but folks don't want to hear things like that about the little ol' T97. For leftoes ejection ports matter. My advise is to grow a mustache to hide the hot casing scars.
I like charging handles on the side of the off hand.
"Left hand operated" was a brilliant concept to me as a right handed guy.
The right hand stayed put on the trigger and grip and the left hand did what ever was needed.
There is no perfect rifle and the concept of amnidextruous is mere admission to it.
Stag is probably the only AR builder who address the pronlem by offering mirror image ARs in left hand mode.
Yet, even then they still have the centered cocking handle problem.
That's right, I said problem.
You still have to poull your face away to #### the thing.
The closest thing that I have found to my FMC1 perfection is,,,wait for it,,,, the Robinson XCR.
Left hand charging handle and ambi everything else.
Latest rifle to impress me has been the WK180C with the option of putting the cocking handle on what side you want.
There are a few other rifles with the changing the side option.
Some have stuck with the true ambi concept of the original AR10 like the T97, but folks don't want to hear things like that about the little ol' T97. For leftoes ejection ports matter. My advise is to grow a mustache to hide the hot casing scars.
I like charging handles on the side of the off hand.
Gunnerlove
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island
I never noticed the problem because of my frequent use of the bolt catch.
Lungorthin
Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Left side, non reciprocating for me
The wisdom found on CGN never ceases to amaze me!
There was a time when fencing scars on the cheek were something women went for.
Of course, the closer the scar was to the eye, the more of a nut bar the guy was considerred.
