Side charging AR?

D

Don Armstrong

Member
Can I just get a side charging BCG or is there something I would have to do. Could I take my BCG and drill and tap, make a handle if the all I need is a BCG. Thanks, Don
 
I thought that was what it was.. Kind of hard to explain but I believe this handle (side charger) will work on any standard upper by allowing the BCG (handle) to remain outside of the upper reciever throughout the activity of charging the AR. The other SC have to have an upper reciever that is milled out to allow the BCG to be manually pulled rearward through the reciever .

Per Dons post : I don't believe he will be able to simply motify his BCG as he explained due to the fact that a regular upper reciever is not milled out in a way that will allow the bolt to come rearward enough for function. This new item you posted I guess gets around that???
 
Originally Posted By: Shurshothere is the one I put on my last build



That's not considered a *side charge*.

That's commonly called an extended latch/charge handle.

 
it's called an enhanced charging handle. not sure how it functions any differently than what you are talking about but I am not an expert on the subject... it works for me.
 
Yeah: I see how it's connecting or is part of the charging handle .. Pretty sharp!! It's not the traditional side charger I'm accustomed to but another way to get it done from the side I guess??!!

Shurshot: Is it fairly easy to charge?? Curious if you have owned or operated a traditional side charger and how the two compare!!?? Thanks!!
 
this is the only one I have owned so I can't compare it to anything other than a standard charging handle but it just takes a quick pull for it to work. I wanted it because I have large hands and it is difficult to reach under the scope for me but this works great for me without interference from the scope.
 
I'll be interested in how sturdy the extended side handle is after some long term hard use...For those that use the charging handle on an occasional basis, it will probably hold up reasonably well, but for those that shoot action competitions where racking the bolt carrier under the pressure of speed and the excitement of the moment, I can see some outward pressure being applied as well..And that extension will allow a lot of torque to be accidentally applied..
 
you could be right about that OT. it should be fine for me the way I intend on using the gun since I don't shoot action competitions.
 
That's a great option.. Sturdiness may come into play in certain scenarios but for hunting and the needs shurshot described looks like a great solution... thanks for the info!

How long have these been on the market.????
 
That GFG thing is hideous!!! And seems a bit pricey too. For what LAR sold their SC for and what you got, I would be hard pressed to buy that GFG thing (if you could get the LAR). To the OP, I personally wouldn't try to alter a standard BCG and receiver. It is difficult to see in the pic below, but their is a plug in the location of the CH. If that weren't there I would imagine there would be gas in your face as well.....just something else to address with the "conventional" setup.


 
The only advantage to the GFCH is it doesn't move back and forth with the BCG. I could see where a finger in the wrong place could get an ouchy with the SC upper, correct me if I'm mistaken. I'm not sure about the hole left by the charging handle removal. I might give GF a call and ask that question. I will agree it is a little pricy but what does a LAR cost. The GF is 150.00 and takes 10 seconds to install. Just trying to get info. Not trying to get anything started. I have fairly good machinist skills and have access to some REALLY good ones but will pass on a modification. Thanks, Don
 
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Don....if you got the tools and skills, I don't think there is anything too special there. If you don't like the reciprocating handle there is a manufacturer that makes one (can't recall who)......nevermind, didn't see Kevlar post.

I believe the LAR was about $350 for the receiver and chrome BCG.
 
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