You need a charging handle. How else are you going to load that first round? There are many different kinds to choose from and we have a pretty decent selection here at Davidson Defense that stood out due to overall price and value. Charging handles are made with ergonomics and durability in mind.
You want it to work, and you want it to last. The job of the charging handle isn’t that complex. It pulls back the Bolt Carrier Group, allowing the round to enter in front of it. Releasing the charging handle allows the spring to carry the BCG and the round forward, putting the round into the chamber. That’s it, that’s what it does, unless something goes wrong. It can also clear any rounds or other obstructions. It helps clear, stovepipe, double-feed, misfires, jams in general. These are all pretty rare with most AR’s, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.
So if you just want something simple that can do all that, we’ve got low-cost charging handles for you. Many of them come in different colors so you can still personalize your AR further without spending any more than you would have anyway. However, there are some other options you may want to consider.
There are tactical or extended latches. These make it easier to unlatch the handle by sticking out further. This is an improvement over the older style handles which could be hard to engage, especially when wearing gloves or in extreme conditions.
Ambidextrous charging handles are all the rage right now. It seems like they will likely become the standard in the future, if not sooner. And why not? They are a superior design, with more advantages than the old standard, and no drawbacks. They still have the latch, however it is activated by either side of the handle instead of just the one side. They tend to have more surface area for your fingers with less of an overall profile on either side. They allow one to pull back the handle from either side, or more commonly, to pull it back with two fingers on either side of it, instead of just one on one side. Symmetry can look good and these provide that as well.
Charging handles are generally made with aluminum, usually either 6061 or 7075. The 7075 is the more durable of the two, though the other is no slouch either. They both perform at high standards, holding up to the needs of the stress put on them. Since these are non-reciprocating charging handles they do not have to put up with the demands that a reciprocating handle might have too. The reciprocating handles are usually side-charging handles and move along with the bolt carrier, so you’ll see them moving back and forth in rapid succession as the rifle is fired.
If you’re not sure if you should replace your current charging handle, look for signs of metal fatigue. This is when the metal loses some of its strength. You might be able to feel your charging handle going, or it might just break on you one day. This is a relatively small part so it might be a good idea to carry a replacement with you. If that’s the case then just grab one on the cheap for less than ten dollars. Or ensure that you never need to replace it by picking out the perfect replacement for it and purchase that replacement. Now watch as your current charging handle lasts for the next 10 years or so.