The Hard Charger AR-15 side charging handle

I seem to remember this design (can't remember if this is the exact product though) being tested and breaking after repeated use. Or maybe it was binding. Either way, you're better off just buying a side charging upper if that's what you're looking for. Or a Scar 16.
 
JRHorne said:
I seem to remember this design (can't remember if this is the exact product though) being tested and breaking after repeated use. Or maybe it was binding. Either way, you're better off just buying a side charging upper if that's what you're looking for. Or a Scar 16.
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The review did say that it was critical to get the mounting screws tight or it would bind, the MFG recommends locktite.

I was just curious about it, not quite ready to scrap the gun and go to a SCAR, or even toss the upper over it :) I have not had any issue with the standard charge handle, but I will probably go up to an ambi one at some point in case the finger on the right side isn't fully engaged.
 
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doesn't seem like something I would need to drop 150 bucks on, who pulls on their charging handle that much ( don't make it into something perverted)
 
Zedhound said:
doesn't seem like something I would need to drop 150 bucks on, who pulls on their charging handle that much ( don't make it into something perverted)
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For competition it could be handy, the 9mm PCC guys seem to like them... (and see, nothing perverted LOL)
 
I don't see the benefits honestly. I mean maybe it's because I already use my standard CH in the same motion. Maybe this would work for the people who still do the old school 2 finger over the top method of charging theirs

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I agree with Wahoo...I'm not sure I really see the benefit other than adding something else that may fail to the rifle. I would fall in the camp of "If you want a side charger, get a side charging upper".

There are a lot of "enhanced" charging handles of various sizes that basically do the same thing and don't really add any more points of failure to the rifle.


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Zedhound said:
doesn't seem like something I would need to drop 150 bucks on, who pulls on their charging handle that much ( don't make it into something perverted)
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I had the same thought during this - I rarely use the charging handle on my rifle at all.
 
HMP said:
I had the same thought during this - I rarely use the charging handle on my rifle at all.
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once per outing unless there's a jam right? and how often does that happen? unless you don't empty a mag and you need to clear the gun and keep the chamber open, and that doesn't need to be tactical at all
 
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I'd just buy a Gibbz side charge upper.
They are around $200. Easy swap.

After using the Gibbz on my PCC, I want one on everything. So much easier to use.
 
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Zedhound said:
once per outing unless there's a jam right? and how often does that happen? unless you don't empty a mag and you need to clear the gun and keep the chamber open, and that doesn't need to be tactical at all
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Once per outing is at max, sometimes I never use it.
Mag in, hit the side release button on the left (sorry, dont know what the name of it is, it engages the bolt) and go have fun.
Usually end the day after a full magazine (not 1, just saying after I finish my last mag) and the bolt is back already...

Im not in the 'Stan. Im not in the jungles of Vietnam. Im not in combat. I dont have jams (yet), no need to spend all that money on a fidget
 
Thanks folks! I get all of the arguments, and if i want side charge, I should just put on the Gibbz...(or a similar, well known, reliable, side charging upper).

One comment for the range only folks.. I am not in 'nam or 'stan or anywhere like that. I am at a range competing, and due to the rules, I work the handle at least twice every stage (start bolt down on a chamber flag, open to load, rack at the end to empty and show clear and put the flag back in). That is no biggie, but if I have a dud or miss feed/jam, that is where it gets exciting, I need to clear and get going again with the clock running. A lot of guys keep the gun shouldered and rack with the left if they have a side charge. That is pretty much the reason for considering side charge, saving a second or two with the clock running.

For the record, I have never had a miss feed or jam, so this is all hypothetical for me... My AR is the most reliable gun I own (a dressed up M&P 15 Sport).
 
Mounted right where my scope base is!

I've found I like left side chargers. But I would only do it if it was a whole quality upper. Which means likely never, lol.
Too po.
 
Slacker said:
That will change quickly once you start loading for it!

;)
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This actually reminds me of that thing you had on your Sabre defense AR. But that handle wasn't captured in the front.

What was that charger dealie you had? If I remember, you hated it.
 
OldSchool said:
They do a versions that use the first, last or third slot on the flat top... So that wouldn't be the killer... :)
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Depends on setup. Can get crowded up there with optic and buis.

Just playing devils advo.

I like the idea!
 
NKD said:
Depends on setup. Can get crowded up there with optic and buis.

Just playing devils advo.

I like the idea!
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Oh yeah, with BUIS it would be busy up there! I think that is what their 'tactical' version is for, rear sight gets the rear two slots, the side charge handle base the third then the scope gets everything forward of that.
 
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NKD said:
This actually reminds me of that thing you had on your Sabre defense AR. But that handle wasn't captured in the front.

What was that charger dealie you had? If I remember, you hated it.
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That thing was a knuckle skinner from hell. What a POS. I paid way too much for it, insult to injury type deal.
I think it was made by the same company thejoo linked to.

;)
 
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