PRI Gas Buster Handle, why?

[zykopat]

Just out of curiousity... I've seen those on 16", 20" ARs and I'm wondering why? I know they are made to prevent gas from getting to the shooter's face on SBRs or suppressed ARs.
I've shot my 16" AR and didn't notice gas getting to my face or if it did, it didn't bother me. So I'm wondering why guys pay the extra cash for those when not shooting SBRs or suppressed ARs?

 

[foxbat]

Happens with a lot of AR's....
Have it happen once....you are sold on the concept....and product.

 

[highspeedlowdrag]

I've experienced gas blowback from numerous 20" AR's - so the problem isn't only isolated to SBR's. I haven't tried them myself, but if it takes care of the issue - why not?

hsld.

 

[Paulinski]

because we can.

 

[Hungry]

I particularly like the Military Latch of the PRI product family. I bought the latches and installed them on both my carbines back in 2007. The latch comes with a slight longer surface, but it's rounded to ease that aluminum bite on wet fingers/hands in the fall weather.

Here's a link: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279687

I have experienced that "puff" of gas, but I'm always wearing shooting glasses. There are temporary fixes out on the Internet so that you don't truly need to sink in $ 160 (quoted price for 2009 January from one of our CGN site dealers) Cdn. These fixes involve spreading some automotive silicone (Cambodian Tire ?) along the rear of the T-handled latch, yada , yada, yada. You can google this search, but I cannot remember that exact location. Rest assured it can be done so that you can save $ 160 for practice ammo, then come to my matches in Connaught!

 

[DAR 701]

I must be lucky! I have been shooting AR's are all different barrel lengths and brands for many many years and never had gas blow back in my eye.

 

[greentips]

It is mainly for suppressor

 

[Dsiwy]

Greentips is right
Unless your using a suppresser, you probaly dont need one. But if it makes you feel cool then go ahead.
Oh and leftys it will put more gas in your face FYI

 

[furet]

It's also a stronger charging handle, making it riggid enough for runnning the hadle on the latch side only (one finger rather than using two fingers.)

 

[greentips]

I use it because it is a bit oversized and it is easier to grab -

 

[MikeH]

Oversized for me, also i like the heftyness of it

 

[Paulinski]

I use it because it is a bit oversized and it is easier to grab -

Ditto. Same reasons for me.

 

[Boltgun]

reason 1 - wiener latch is bigger to grab
reason 2 - handle portion is easier to grab
reason 3 - one handed cycling is easier to do
reason 4 - it minimizes (doesn't eliminate) gas in the face

It accomplishes the first 3 so well without getting in the way or accidentally getting hooked on gear that it becomes a no brainer. When you use one for a while and then go back to a standard, it will become painfully clear why they are better.

I can't wait till Brownells gets the newer serrated version too.

Boltgun

 

[Savage]

works great on the subcal kits

 

[Clobbersauras]

Those running SBR's with some kind of gas booster/flash hider like the Noveske KX3 etc, would probably benefit from having one or you risk getting rancid gas in your face. Also used for suppressed.