Mustang Jon
Well-Known Member
Who has a side charging AR and can provide feedback on how you like it? Is there any pros/cons vs rear charging.
I have a Gibbz side charger for my 300 blackout. Way less gas in the face when shooting suppressed.
I have the exact opposite problem. It's incredible the amount of gas in the face I get from mine.
Odd cause those are based off the gibbz patent. Mine locks up real tight at the back. I had tried different gas buster charging handles before changing out the upper. It was night and day, could finally smell something other than burnt gun powder after a range session.
The biggest drawback I can mention so far is the ergonomics are quite different from a standard AR. Trying to lock open the bolt is cumbersome until you develop a routine that works and doesn't violate range /match safety rules.
I had a BAD lever, but I removed it when I started using a Stern Defense mag block. The mag release is right next the the BAD lever, and that's too much going on with the trigger finger.I have a Spartan sidecharger. A Magpul BAD lever helps this a lot if you are right handed. Hold the grip like normal. pull handle to rear and with index finger engage the lever/bold hold open.
I only have it on a 45acp DI (not blowback) gun. Gas to the face is not a problem.
Machined/built my own Ambi-Side Charge rifle with charging handles on each side of the upper receiver. I have a removable machined Delrin block that fills the gap in the hole where the regular charging handle would locate. It is held in place with spring/ball detents. No gas/blowback issues.
Machining the Case hardened Mil-Spec bolt carrier was a challenge, but I used some specialty carbide micro drilling/facing tools in the CNC machining center and went slow. It worked out well.
It is great to be able to mount the gun and charge it without dismounting the scope. Side chargers are fun!!
Here are a few pics of it under construction, a pic of the finished gun next to a Nitro Hemi, and a pic of Morgan Lucas ( Lucas Oil ) checking it out in the pits at Z-Max Dragway. This gun was used in some of the tests for Lucas Gun oil prior to commercial release to the civilian/retail market.
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Show off!