Best AR-15 Charging Handles
When it comes to building your own AR-15, the charging handle is often an overlooked piece. However, it plays an important role in the operation of the rifle, and more important, it has the opportunity to make the rifle more comfortable. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the best AR-15 charging handles and help you make an educated choice.
What to look for when choosing a charging handle.
Design Features
There are a few common designs when it comes to charging handles. Each of these design features has their own pros and cons.
Some people need left handed charging handles, some like single side grips, and some like large grips for easy access.
Each one of these design features is a matter of preference. Find a changing handle that helps you operate your firearm more efficiently.
Brand Reputation
The world of AR-15 upgrades has a lot of great manufactures, but some manufacturers are just garbage. In my opinion, the most important factor when choosing a charging handle is brand reputation.
This is true for all AR-15 parts.
What is the best AR-15 charging handle?
Here are my top picks for the best AR-15 charging handle.
- Radian Raptor-LT (Editors Choice)
- Radian Raptor (Best Overall)
- Strike Industries AR-15/M4 Charging Handle (Best Budget)
- Radian Raptor-SD (Best Suppressor Design)
- Aero Precision Ambidextrous Charging Handle
- Geissele Super Charging Handle
- BCM w/ Mod 3B
Radian Raptor-LT (Editors Choice)
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Lightweight
My Take
This was the first upgraded charging handle that I purchased, and it something I still use to this day. It is slightly cheaper than the original Radian Raptor, but after thousands of rounds, it has performed it’s purpose flawlessly.
Radian Raptor (Best Overall)
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Color Options
My Take
The original Radian charging handle, and in my opinion, the gold standard.
Not only is it easy to operate and well constructed, but the color options match Magpul colors if you are interested in a colored build.
Strike Industries AR-15/M4 Charging Handle (Best Budget)
Specs
Material : T-6 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Minimal Design
My Take
There are a lot of cheap “high speed” or “Call Of Duty” parts for AR platforms. However, cheap usually just means that you are opening yourself up to potential malfunctions.
However, every once in a while there is a part that is both reasonably priced and reliable. Strike industries charging handle is just that.
Radian Raptor-SD (Best Suppressor Design)
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Gas Dispersion
My Take
If you are going to be shooting suppressed, there is an increase in the amount of gas blowback that comes back through the rifle. This can be uncomfortable.
The Raptor-SD is a silencer-optimized charging handle that features a ported shaft designed to redirect gasses down and forward.
Aero Precision Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Wide Grip
My Take
Smooth and easy to operate. If you like to wear gloves or have big hands, this charging handle could be a good choice for you. It is extremely easy to operate and rack your rifle.
However, it is a little wide. This means, that on a sling, it does catch sometime on your kit.
Geissele Super Charging Handle
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Ambidextrous
Design Pro : Unique Design
My Take
Geissele has a very unique design. I am a big fan of this design, but it is a personal opinion.
As far as functionality, Geissele is one of the manufacturers on the market. The heightened rear lip of the Super Charging Handle aids in mitigating gas blow back, similar to the Raptor-SD.
BCM w/ Mod 3B
Specs
Material : 7075 aluminum
Hand : Right
Design Pro : Single Side Charging
My Take
I have never used this charging handle; however, I had to include it because everyone on Reddit seems to love it. I have shot a lot of BCM rifles, and I have always been impressed with the quality of their rifles.
So this goes back to my original point. Buy from a reputable manufacturer.
What is the best AR-15 charging handle?
My favorite charging handle brand is Radian. I am also a huge fan of Geissele products. When it comes to brand recognition, there are lots of good options out there.
But ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Get out there and test some different charging handles and get the one that feels the best.
