Except when you’re charging the weapon or clearing a malfunction such as a failure to feed, you probably don’t give much thought to your AR15 charging handle.
Since it is the component by which you manually manipulate the action, it is, however, a fairly important and critical part.
This short post will investigate the two main types of AR15 charging handles – which are rear-charging and side-charging configurations.
Rear-Charging Handles
The majority of AR15 charging handles are rear-charging configurations. In this configuration, the AR15 charging handle typically hooks over the bolt carrier group’s gas key, and it has a flanged rear end that you grip and pull rearward to open the action. Because rear-chargers are designed primarily to withdraw the bolt carrier group, if it doesn’t return to battery under the action of the buffer spring when the handle is released, there is a small plunger-like device slightly forward on the upper known as the forward assist that can be engaged to fully close the bolt.
Rear-chargers are typically more common and therefore they are more widely available on the market, and generally at lower costs than side-charging configurations. Because they are so common, most rear-charging configurations are more widely compatible with other AR components, whereas some side-chargers require proprietary parts.
Side Charging AR15 Charging Handles
Whereas the AR15 charging handle is located at the rear up the upper in a rear-charging configuration, in a side-charging upper, the charging handle is located on the side of the upper receiver, usually on the same side as the ejection port.
The AR15 charging handle itself is usually connected to a transfer bar that’s set into a channel on the upper, and which communicates with the bolt carrier group. To cycle the action, the charging handle must be pulled rearward; to charge, it can be released or manually pressed forward. Usually, side-charging uppers lack a forward assist, because if the BCG does not return to battery, the charging handle itself can be pressed forward.
Side-charging AR15 charging handles are associated with a number of benefits over rear chargers. Among these are that they can offer more intuitive operation, and that the lack of a rear-charging handle offers better relief over the receiver for mounting optics. There are some that are better for left-handed users as well, and some shooters argue that the ergonomics of side-charging operation are superior.
Side charging uppers tend to be less common and more expensive than rear-charging uppers, and some manufacturers require the use of special components. One, however, Gibbz Arms, features a charging handle that is compatible with effectively any mil-spec BCG. For more information on their side-chargers, please visit their website.
Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, both rear-charging and side-charging configurations will yield a perfectly suitable and serviceable rifle build. Which is best for you depends on what your preferences and needs are.
If you prefer the traditional approach and want more guaranteed compatibility with other parts, or you don’t need to mount a large optic over your receiver, go with a rear charger.
On the flipside, if you prefer the faster cycling, intuitive operation and easier manipulation of a side charger, or if you want to mount a larger optic on your upper, go with a side charger.
Either way, you can customize your rifle with the appropriate components, and since AR-style rifles are among the most popular repeating sporting rifles in America, there certainly is no shortage of parts.
