Side charging AR uppers

Turf

Turf

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
138   0   0
Location
Vancouver Island
Question for some of you guys that might be in the know.

I had the opportunity to acquire a side charging AR15 10.5" upper complete with BCG (ooops, it's ordered. Impulse buy:redface:)

I can see the definite advantages to this configuration but if you have had experience with them are there any negatives?

They are expensive. I expect to pay about $900.0 for the quad railed 10.5" chrome lined upper, bolt carrier group, complete with POF BUIS.

Looking forward to your input.




397_large_image.gif
 
The pic is linked to American Spirt Arms. A few years ago, these guys got the worst reputation around on the internet because the owner apparently was very abusive to their customers and had anger management problem. Since then, no one really talked about their stuff anymore. I am surprised they are still kicking.
 
IMO the only benefit is for target ARs with scopes which interfere with regular charging handle operation. I had one for a while and was contemplating doing the side charging mod as well... would've made life a bit easier.
 
greentips said:
The pic is linked to American Spirt Arms. A few years ago, these guys got the worst reputation around on the internet because the owner apparently was very abusive to their customers and had anger management problem. Since then, no one really talked about their stuff anymore. I am surprised they are still kicking.
Click to expand...

GT, are you perhaps talking about Warren Mee of Ameetec. I know he was a something of prick and heard he has plea bargained down on some charges he was recently facing. I also heard that most if not all of Ameetec stock has since been sold off to the new ASA. Both companies have the same address and phone number in Scottsdale.

In any event, I've heard some pretty good things about American Spirit Arms lately.

I like the idea of a side charger on an AR15 for the reason darko said and also because it seems to be more convenient than the regular charging handle.

Who knows, I may change my mind after using it. But what the hell, I'll still have something somewhat unique.:D
 
If there is a failure to eject or extract, I want to know how one can pull the charging handle to the back while engaging the bolt stop to perform a clearance, especially with one of those where the round is partly stripped and you have to yank the mag out while at the same time the bolt needs to be fully retracted

I will stick to the old system for now.
 
Last edited:
No, I am talking about American Spirt Arms. The owner was bashing the customers and chasing him out of the door....that was years ago though. He was very famous at one point.


Turf said:
GT, are you perhaps talking about Warren Mee of Ameetec. I know he was a something of prick and heard he has plea bargained down on some charges he was recently facing. I also heard that most if not all of Ameetec stock has since been sold off to the new ASA. Both companies have the same address and phone number in Scottsdale.

In any event, I've heard some pretty good things about American Spirit Arms lately.

I like the idea of a side charger on an AR15 for the reason darko said and also because it seems to be more convenient than the regular charging handle.

Who knows, I may change my mind after using it. But what the hell, I'll still have something somewhat unique.:D
Click to expand...
 
greentips said:
If there is a failure to eject or extract, I want to know how one can pull the charging handle to the back while engaging the bolt stop to perform a clearance, especially with one of those where the round is partly stripped and you have to yank the mag out while at the same time the bolt needs to be fully retracted

I will stick to the old system for now.
Click to expand...

Indeed...looks like something that would be a hassle to do remedial action on. Obviously it would be relatively easy to do immediate action with however. ...EDIT: just noticed the slim profile of the folding charge handle. While this may be ok for the HK semi-auto hunting rifle, this would be most annoying for people who fight.

For the gun fighters out there who would use it on a two way range. The extra slot just seems like something for crud to get into.
 
Last edited:
darko said:
These guys got it right, IMO:

pics_011606_ar15_side_charging_handle_1_large.jpg


It addresses the issues GT brought up and also avoids creating another big hole on the opposite side of the receiver.
Click to expand...

Thats a neat looking setup, but it looks like the shell deflector may get in the way of the side bolt handle. Its also got the standard charging handle?


Looks like a neat idea, who's the make?
 
Joe bought one of those ASA's off of Falcon (sp) years ago. I think Reaper or someone ended up with it on one of their rifles. neat idea, I still want one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom