Side charging handle on AR platform...

[je25ff]

So is this even do-able? I've always been kind of annoyed at the placement of the AR charging handle and would totally prefer to have a left side charging handle similar to the AK, for example.

Anyone ever attempt this?

 

[LuvDog]

Am I missing something? They make side charging uppers.

There was just even a group buy which included some side chargers from matrix.

 

[MAD Geary]

Best option is to just buy a side charging upper and BCG. Only thing is most of them are reciprocating, so depending on whether your a right/left handed and the side charging BCG could interfere.

 

[je25ff]

Am I missing something? They make side charging uppers.

There was just even a group buy which included some side chargers from matrix.

Oh no shit? Hm, I thought there was more to it.

 

[M1911]

So is this even do-able? I've always been kind of annoyed at the placement of the AR charging handle and would totally prefer to have a left side charging handle similar to the AK, for example. Anyone ever attempt this?

There are a number of uppers with left side charging handles.

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spa...ocating_Billet_Upper_p/jb-non-recip-upper.htm

 

[je25ff]

Awesome. Thanks, guys.

 

[Eta-Carinae]

Adcore Defense makes a piston operated AR upper with a forward non-reciprocating ambidextrous charging handle.

 

[Stryker]

Built one as an SBR from the Matrix group buy:

Also have one waiting for an AR9 build (New Frontier Armory):

Like them quite a bit and as easy to use as a standard charging handle

 

[je25ff]

How do you like it, Stryker? Any odd obstacles to consider?

 

[Stryker]

How do you like it, Stryker? Any odd obstacles to consider?

The only challenge I had is that the upper (on the Matrix) was non-standard shape so I had to jury-rig an upper clamp to install the barrel and had to grind ~ 1/8 to 1/4" inch off a small part of the handguard (seekins) to make it fit tight. Other than that no issues.

I am guessing that most side charger may have non-standard shapes (?) so their might be some minor fit issues if you are building your own

Also like to use a magpul BAD level, but would fit with the billet so used a Phase 5 one piece BHO/finger release

 

[Stryker]

ETA - and I need to locktite the screws that hold down the side charger handle as one of two popped out during recent range visiit

 

[Salyeica]

http://eisenacharms.com

 

[M1911]

http://eisenacharms.com

If I was going to get a side charge AR, it would be a left side charge, not a right.

 

[hminsky]

some of the extended 'tactical' charging handles stick out pretty far, almost like side charging.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

some of the extended 'tactical' charging handles stick out pretty far, almost like side charging.

I thought of that too but the thing is the travel is too far rearward along the stock as opposed to one that is right up in front along the upper receiver.

I'm left handed and love the AK rifle charging handle design, it suits me perfectly.

 

[M1911]

I thought of that too but the thing is the travel is too far rearward along the stock as opposed to one that is right up in front along the upper receiver. I'm left handed and love the AK rifle charging handle design, it suits me perfectly.

Yup, for a lefty a right side charging handle makes sense. As a righty, I would prefer left side charging.

 

[MachineHead]

Yup, for a lefty a right side charging handle makes sense. As a righty, I would prefer left side charging.

Good to know for my next project. A side-charging upper seems like a pretty cool idea.

 

[hv55maxx]

http://store.devildogconcepts.com/products/hard-charger


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rob Boudrie]

JPrifles.com offers side handle charging on both .223 and .308 EBRs.

 

[bsaks]

Any side charging uppers have the charging handle more forward into the handguard area e.g. bushmaster acr style?

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

 

[Salyeica]

If I was going to get a side charge AR, it would be a left side charge, not a right.

They just introduced a left side charger:

http://eisenacharms.com/collections/ar-products/products/gen-iii-t-6-7075-left-charge-upper-receiver

Still reciprocating, though.

 

[KMM696]

I can certainly understand Eisenach Arms deleting the forward assist from their upper, since they've got a handle attached to the bolt that can do that - but why would they delete the brass deflector? They just don't want to sell to those wrong handed lefties??

 

[xtry51]

Grab a BCM dual side gunfighter.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

If I was going to get a side charge AR, it would be a left side charge, not a right.

JP

 

[M1911]

JP

I'm thinking about it. Did you get your PCC yet?