One of the most annoying parts of a modern Steyr AUG is the factory charging handle. I suspect with the built in A1 style optic it's not as much of a big deal while still remaining small. However, with the new A3's and the associated rail directly above the charging handle it's hard to imagine why Steyr hasnt changed the handle out. Oddly, the factory knows it's an issue as they openly talk about good aftermarket replacements in videos as seen on The Firearm Blogs youtube channel.
Here is the stock charging handle in its forward parked position.
Here it is with the bolt locked back. This is the furthest you can get the handle off the receiver before it releases and slides forward. About .5 inches. It's very tight and it's actually a pain in the ass to even lock it back into it's locked position.
Here is the charging handle out with associated parts. The pin is reused on the Switchback.
The size difference is large. Also, the Switchback is metal construction.
New handle in it's stored position. It will auto store itself in this forward and collapsed position after the charging handle rides home.
This is how the handle looks in it's locked open position - quite a huge difference. look at all that space!
I like it a lot and it solves the last remaining annoyance with my Steyr AUG A3. The trigger has already been taken care of via Rat Worx, and now this is done. I suspect I'll be happy with the remainder of the rifle as it's quite nice.
Link to the part here: https://manticorearms.com/product/switchback-charging-handle-mini/
Here is the stock charging handle in its forward parked position.
Here it is with the bolt locked back. This is the furthest you can get the handle off the receiver before it releases and slides forward. About .5 inches. It's very tight and it's actually a pain in the ass to even lock it back into it's locked position.
Here is the charging handle out with associated parts. The pin is reused on the Switchback.
The size difference is large. Also, the Switchback is metal construction.
New handle in it's stored position. It will auto store itself in this forward and collapsed position after the charging handle rides home.
This is how the handle looks in it's locked open position - quite a huge difference. look at all that space!
I like it a lot and it solves the last remaining annoyance with my Steyr AUG A3. The trigger has already been taken care of via Rat Worx, and now this is done. I suspect I'll be happy with the remainder of the rifle as it's quite nice.
Link to the part here: https://manticorearms.com/product/switchback-charging-handle-mini/
