Oversized charging handles and low optics

J

JeffinPA

New member
I've got an AR with a Leupold VX-L on top. You know, the one with the notched objective to allow for lower scope mounting? Anyhow, I bought an oversized latch to make it easier to rack the bolt (the one that looks like a little square, open in the center--can't recall the make). Even with the extension, it can be challenging to pull back the charging handle.

That said, I've been considering upgrading the whole unit (handle and latch both). The BCM Gunfighter gets lots of good press. I've also read where you can go too wide with the latches, such that it gets hung up on backpacks while slung, or stabs you mercilessly in the back. I'm interested in the best of both worlds--easy retraction without a grossly disproportionate width.

Anyone have suggestions for what would best suit? A pic of your rig would be helpful so I can get a feel for the width. Finally, where should I purchase?
 
i'm running a PRI gasbuster charge handle with oversized "combat" latch, got one on my both my mini and Super SASS, 80$$$ but you get what you pay for right???
 
I've got the Badger Tactical Latch on a home made Gas Buster Charge Handle and I love it...works great. But it does have a tendency to stab you in the back on occasion, but then again...if I flip the rifle over...the forward assist does the same thing. I feel the occasional poke or prod is acceptable. No different than the bolt handle on a traditional rifle.

I'll likely be going with the BCM Gunfighter latch on the next build.
 
I have the gunfighter and love it. Had a badger tac. latch on a plain charging handle and the gunfighter is a huge improvment. I went with the model 4 medimum latch and that seems big enough for me.
 
I run the BCM large and really like it. I made my setup for cold hunts where I'm wearing bulky gloves and the bcm is just right.
 
Originally Posted By: JeffinPANot afraid of the cost. How low is your scope mounted, and how far does it protrude from the side of the upper? Got a pic?
on my Super SASS i running a NF unimount (20MOA cant) so it lifts the rear of the scope up a bit, on my mini i'm runnin Knights Armament Hi rings so on both sticks i got plenty of clearance, i'll get some pics up here for ya soon.
 
I've got the gunfighter mod 4 medium on my hunting setup and about to get a mod 3 large for my tactical build. Best charging handles out there IMO.
 
I can't imagine why anyone would try to put a low mounted scope on an AR-15 rifle. This rifle is designed to have the scope centerline about 1.5 inches above the top of the sight rail. This arrangement allows scope objectives above 60MM with ample clearance. If your having trouble with the Badger Tactical latch the problem is your selection of scope mount. You certainly don't need a VX-L on a properly set up AR-15. A Larue or Burris P.E.P.R. mount would solve all your problems. You can still use the VX-L scope but it won't be any advantage on an AR-15.

As you can see in the picture, the charging handle and the 50MM objective bell have plenty of clearance as well as the eyepiece of the Leupold scope. The Leupold VX-L would be better suited to a conventional rifle.

100_0557.jpg
 
just do what the guys in the sandbox with low scopes are doin and what i am gonna do the just tie a loop of 550 c0rd to the charging handle and be done with it
 
Originally Posted By: AZcoypopperjust do what the guys in the sandbox with low scopes are doin and what i am gonna do the just tie a loop of 550 c0rd to the charging handle and be done with it
or, if your...Originally Posted By: JeffinPANot afraid of the cost.
spend the $$$ and get a PRI!!!
 
Back
Top