alexander arms side charging upper

Used to like them a lot. No longer a fan though.

I don't like having to take my hand off the trigger in order to charge the rifle or extract a misfire and I don't like that big hunk of steel kicking back on every shot. Yes, my shotgun and 10/22 do the same thing, but not with a 3" x 1/2" steel rod.

The American Spirit Arms version is a superior design in my opinion, but also...not cheap, and requires one of their uppers and one of their BCG's (they can modify your's though) The charger does NOT reciprocate with the BCG. It's not permanently attached to the carrier like the AA version is.
I've talked with Dan over at AmericanSpirit and seems like a great guy to deal with and talk to.
American-Spirit-Arms---Flat-Top-Side-Charger-Upper-Receiver.jpg




There are some new systems that can be charged from clear up at the rail and gas tube. The R.E.A.C.H. KR7 comes to mind.
IMG_4658_edit.jpg
 
To me one of the major down falls to a side charger it that BCG and upper or stuck together ,,, I just like the idea if i ever have a problem with my BCG on my 223 i can just take the one out my 6x45 are any of my other AR's for that matter and just change the bolt out. And you back hunting and not waiting on parts to arrive.

Just my 2 cents on them.
 
I'm fairly sure the R.E.A.C.H. KR7 has no mods to the existing factory BCG or Upper Receiver. All the the things that make it 'go' are in front.
I guess they are coming out with a mod for use on existing rifles, but I haven't read much about it.
 
I have one in .223 from Specialized Dynamics and love it. I also had one put on a 6.5 im going to pick up from Scott at the PM hunt.
 
I currently have Scott at S.D. putting a 6.5 together with one. I like the ability to let the bolt down quitely with more ease then a standard charger. It was quite a bit heavier then I expected when it showed up. I've never noticed myself keeping any digits near the ejection port and if you don't like it just unscrew it and use a conventional charging handle. Personally I thought it was way cool looking but I guess I'd have to say that after dropping 3 hun for it?
 
I am also planning on using a side charger on my next wildcat build we just ordered reamers for.
 


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