The AR-15 is one of the most versatile platforms in the gun world. With the ability to basically build these things like Legos, you can really customize the gun to fit your wants and needs.
Side-charging AR-15s can offer some advantages over standard systems, all while giving you a more unique build.
So, let’s dive into why you might want to upgrade to a side-charging AR, how they work, and talk about some some of the best side-charging options out there.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Editor’s Pick
-
Best for PDW Builds
-
Most Unique
-
Best for Builders
-
Best Budget Option
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Chose the Side-Charging Uppers
Input for this article came from the editorial staff and freelance writers at Pew Pew Tactical. We have hands-on experience with various models on the list, ranging from full reviews to recreational use to hunting and field use.
Models on this list were selected based on features, price, value, durability, and user-friendliness. Every side charger mentioned is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower, so you won’t have to worry about buying a complete rifle! So, if you’re sold on the idea of a side-charging upper, you have a surprising number of options to choose from.
Best Side-Charging AR-15 Uppers
1. Foxtrot Mike FM-15 Gen 2 – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Bufferless design
- Adjustable charging handle
Cons
- Only available in 5.56/.223
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde
- Operating system: Modified direct-impingement
- Barrel Length: 9″ – 16″
- Charging handle side: Left
- Reciprocating charging handle: No
The Foxtrot Mike FM-15 upper has quickly become one of the most popular alternative AR uppers on the market.
It utilizes a monolithic upper with a forward-mounted left-side charging handle, much like the HK G3. The charging handle can be adjusted in four different orientations depending on user preference.
However, the biggest draw is the proprietary self-contained recoil system that allows the upper to function without a buffer tube on the lower.
This means you can put any folding stock on that your heart desires. You can even fire the gun with the stock folded. Couple this with a solid 41v50 .223 Wylde barrel that is available in a few different lengths, and you have yourself a winner.
Foxtrot Mike also offers buffer tube to Picatinny adapters to be able to easily convert your existing lower into one that can accept any standard 1913 folding stock.
While Foxtrot Mike has upgraded some things with their Gen 2 version, we were still impressed with the original model. You can check out our full review here!
2. Brownells BRN-180 Gen 2 – Best for PDW Builds
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Bufferless design
- Available in multiple calibers
- Short barreled options available
Cons
- Reciprocating charging handle
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39mm, .350 Legend
- Operating system: Short-stroke gas piston
- Barrel Length: 10″ – 18.5″
- Charging handle side: Right
- Reciprocating charging handle: Yes
Brownells was on a bit of a retro kick a few years ago. They released various classic AR-15 designs, but also something that no one was really expecting.
They took the design of the original Armalite AR-180 and modernized it into what we now know as the BRN-180.
The BRN-180 features a short-stroke gas piston system, reciprocating charging handle, quick-detach handguard, and captured BCG/bufferless design.
As mentioned, this charging does reciprocate, and it is also located on the right side — think AK-47. Like the FM-15, the bufferless design means you can run a lower without a buffer tube if you so wish.
Brownells offers the BRN-180 in .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39mm, and .350 Legend. Various barrel lengths are available depending on the caliber.
A BRN-180 in .300 Blackout with a short barrel and a folding brace is a compelling choice for those looking to squeeze a lot of firepower in a compact package.
Want to know more? Check out our video and full review of the BRN-180 Gen 2 upper!
3. Faxon Firearms ARAK 21 Upper – Most Unique Upper
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Fully ambidextrous
- Monolithic upper
- Easily adjustable gas block
- Bufferless design
Cons
- Short handguard
- Can be difficult to find in stock
Specs
- Caliber: 5,56 NATO, 7.62x39mm
- Operating system: Long-stroke gas piston
- Barrel Length: 12.5″ – 16″
- Charging handle side: Ambidextrous
- Reciprocating charging handle: No
Let me get this out of the way now…I freaking love the Faxon ARAK-21 Upper.
This upper is designed from the ground up to be a side charger. It moves the charging handle forward a good bit, like on the FM-15 and HK guns.
The ARAK was also designed to be a cross between the AR-15 and the AK-47. It truly brings you the best of both worlds.
Like the AK, the ARAK operates via a long-stroke piston that also features a dual recoil spring system. But like every other gun on this list, it slots right on top of your standard AR-15 receiver.
The charging handle is located further forward and can be swapped to either side of the upper. Another neat feature is that this gun can be set up to eject left or eject right, meaning it is completely ambidextrous!
The upper is extremely reliable and comes with a 4-position adjustable gas system, so you can tune your gun for suppressed use or even manual operation with the charging handle. It is available in 5.56 NATO or 7.62x39mm.
These uppers were unobtanium for some time, and are still tough to find, but Faxon has recently rolled out a production run. If you are looking for something truly unique, this is your guy.
What do you think of the Faxon ARAK-21? Give it a rating below.
4. Gibbz Arms G4 Side-Charging Upper – Best for Builders
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Easy-to-reach charging handle
- Great for custom builds
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Hard to find in stock
- Not available as a complete upper
Specs
- Caliber: Multi (barrel-dependent)
- Operating system: Direct impingement
- Barrel Length: N/A
- Charging handle side: Left
- Reciprocating charging handle: No
Gibbz Arms specializes in side-charging uppers, and their G4 upper receiver is a good-looking and hard-working upper that won’t let you down.
They’re designed to work with standard AR-15 lowers. Other than a modified cam pin you have to install, there are no changes needed to the rest of your setup.
The G4 uppers are manufactured right here in America, Arizona specifically. They are some of the best-machined uppers I’ve put my hands on.
Instead of a far forward charging handle like the first few uppers, these have charging handles on the rear of the receiver right in line with the bolt carrier group.
Gibbz sells the G4 as a stripped upper, so if you want to do a fully custom build-out without any other weird (or a lot of weird) shenanigans, this is a great option.
5. Quarter Circle 10 Side-Charging Upper – Best PCC Upper
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Great build quality
- Well-designed charging handle
Cons
- Not all models feature a full-length top rail
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Operating system: Direct blowback
- Barrel Length: 5.5″ – 16″
- Charging handle side: Left
- Reciprocating charging handle: No
Quarter Circle 10 specializes in pistol caliber parts, and their QC10 side-charging upper is simply awesome.
This upper is modeled on the left-side charging Gibbz G9 upper. Quarter Circle 10 worked with Gibbz’s engineers to produce something reflective of their pistol caliber expertise.
This upper is designed specifically to work with pistol-caliber AR lowers, making it the perfect choice for PDW builds. The latching, non-reciprocating charging handle is one of the most well-designed and easy-to-operate charging handles around.
This is the upper I’d choose for a 9mm Glock-compatible lower and would be my first choice for a PDW-style build, especially a pistol-caliber SBR or AR-style pistol.
6. Bear Creek Arsenal Side-Charging Uppers – Best Budget Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Wide caliber selection
- Various barrel lengths available
Cons
- Reciprocating charging handle
Specs
- Caliber: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, .224 Valkyrie, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39mm, .300 Blackout, .410 GA, 350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM, 12.7x42mm
- Operating system: Direct impingement
- Barrel Length: 7.5″ – 24″
- Charging handle side: Right, left, ambi (model-dependent)
- Reciprocating charging handle: Yes
Bear Creek Arsenal is the true champion of the everyman. They offer side-charging uppers far cheaper than anyone else, with some going for less than $200 for a complete upper.
When I say complete upper, I mean complete. Barrel, handguard, BCG, and charging handle.
Not only that, but BCA offers these uppers in various barrel lengths, 15 different calibers, and with both left and right-side charging models.
To cut costs, these models just use charging handles that screw directly into the standard bolt carrier group. This means they do reciprocate, and no dust cover can be used since the charging handle is fixed.
While they may not be the cream of the crop when it comes to features and overall build quality, they typically have it where it counts.
Our editor bought a 16-inch side-charging .350 Legend upper on a whim from BCA some years back and has gotten consistent MOA accuracy and solid reliability. Not bad for the $250 it cost him.
Why Use a Side-Charging Upper?
Besides cool aesthetics, some side-charging uppers have cool tricks up their sleeve.
For example, side-chargers with the charging handle on the left side allow you to clear a jam and charge the weapon without breaking your firing grip or changing your shooting position (assuming you are right-handed).
They also make it easier to charge the weapon one-handed in an emergency or to cycle the weapon manually in the event of a gas system failure.
Other side-charging uppers can offer further benefits, such has having self-contained gas and recoil systems. These allow you to ditch that pesky buffer tube and have a true folding stock.
Having a gun that can fire with the stock folded can make for a great compact truck gun or backpack gun, where space may be at a premium. They also just look cool as hell.
How Do Side-Charging Uppers Work?
A normal AR-style rifle charges from the rear. You pull back on the charging handle, which extends from the rear of the receiver, that retracts the bolt and cycles the gun.
On a side charger, you might have guessed…the charging handle is on the side of the receiver.
Depending on the model, they can come in various configurations. You may see non-reciprocating charging handles (they don’t move back and forth), while some do reciprocate.
Some will have the charging handle on the left side, and some may have them on the right side. Some are also located further forward, like you’d see on an HK rifle. Conversely, some are further back on the receiver.
Final Thoughts
Side-charging uppers are a great way to add some pizzazz to your AR-style rifle, and they bring some practical benefits and functional improvements as well.
If you’re looking to upgrade your AR, start a new, unique build, or just want to try the side-charging life, there’s never been a better time to get one.
What do you think of these side-charging uppers? Do you want one for your next build? Let us know in the comments below! Ready to put a great optic on your rifle? Take a look at the Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics!
Latest Updates
June 9, 2024: Removed JP Enterprises PSC-12, CMT Tactical UPUR. Added Foxtrot Mike FM-15 Gen 2, Bear Creek Arsenal, Brownells BRN-180 Gen 2. Added supplemental data and media for each product. Also, added information on how we chose the uppers on this list.
40 Leave a Reply
The CMMG Dissent has side charging. Available as full rifles or just uppers for multiple calibers.
I agree with Fal Phil on this one… The only company to get it right, is LWRC. Left side charging handle so you can maintain fire control of your weapon. Short stroke piston fully adjustable for addition of a suppressor and for different powered rounds. Ambidextrous safety, magazine release and bolt release. What more could you ask for? All they need to do is make one in 5.56 and they’ll steal the market because theit REPR is the best weapon I’ve ever owned!
Personally, I think that the LWRC REPR arrangement which is an adaptation of the FAL para charging handle is superior for a gas impingement gun. But then, some may think I am biased. :)
Using a Smart Designed & Well thought out Left side charging Non-Reciprocating Upper Receiver makes All the Difference in the World when it comes to accuracy, easy of use and making the unit more user friendly. Holland Automatic rifles at somewhere dot com shows these operating & the copyrighted piston system as well.
BCA adding bufferless to their complete side charging upper repertoire.
I just got a BCA 20" side charging upper to use for NRA High Power matches. My only issue may be that I can't use my Troy ambidextrous bolt release on it. This may be an issue on slow fire stages. It does shoot 1 MOA groups for me so I guess I can't really complain.
I personally love a side charging upper. I hope to one day actually own a nonreciprocating side charging upper. Like the Jp enterprise version. That being said. I just have to figure out which organ or limp, I can live without. so I can sell it, to be able to afford a side charging AR upper. Then there is the Foxtrot Mike forward charging upper which I like very much allot, but to tell you the truth. I will probably end up with a Bear Creek Arsenal side charging upper. they offer a complete side charging upper with BCG, for the price of any one of the stripped side charging upper receivers options mentioned in the article, and from what I hear they are not a bad option for their parts being built 100% in house. just don't expect perfection and somewhat of corners being cut in the machining process. But yet till a good viable alternative for a low cost budget side charging 100% complete upper receiver with BCG. for around give or take $250. Now that is a reasonable price that leaves room for improvement. Plus now you can get piston side charging complete uppers as well at BCA. At a little higher cost but still worth checking into. I hope this helps everybody for viable option to the side charging option mentioned in this article, that are ridiculously high priced just for the stripped side charging upper but very nice non the less they are all great options if you have that kind of money but why spend it. Because unfortunately BCA doesn't offer a nonreciprocating version, so be carefully where you place your thumb or fingers it hurts pretty bad to get you finger smashed by hardened steel. If you have ever smashed your finger with a roofing hammer then you will have an idea of what it feels like. God bless all of you and "LETs GO BRANDON"
FoxtrotMike side chargers are an interesting compromise
Personally I think you may want to update this subject of side charging uppers. especially considering a few that you mention are no longer in existence, beside the fact that you can get a complete BCA side charging upper receiver, for less then the price you would just pay for just the side charging upper alone, without a Bcg. Just sayen not engender to offend anybody.
Hey Aaron, thanks for the feedback. We're in the process of updating a lot of our older content and this article is definitely on the list! So keep an eye out for upcoming updates. Thanks!
I realize this is old, but I just checked out Bear Creek. You can get a complete side charging upper in most calibers for less than $250. Anyone tried these?
Yes I have several different calibers from Bear Creek Arsenal and they are well made and work fantastic best bang for your buck highly recommend them
I have one on an AR10 in .308 and one on an AR15 in 300 BO. Both work really well. I'd get another if that's what I was in the market for. I have a Gibbz receiver on another, actually have two, and they work really well too. For some reason I've always felt side charging was a more natural method, but that's just me.
I've got a few, and a couple buddies I know have them. We've had no problems whatsoever, haven't had any failures with them. One buddy just got a 7.62 and it ran flawlessly, granted only a couple 100 through it. But some 7.62 in the AR platform don't play nice.
One thing if you do try Bear Creek, just tighten the screws on the handguard...I have had mine come loose.
Forgot brownells BRN-180uU
American Spirit is dead dude, been dead well before this article was last updated.
I really want a side charging 9mm AR pistol for home defense and range fun, but I'm relatively new to the AR world and don't want to venture into building one myself until I have more experience. Say I was to get the Gibbz or Quarter Circle (most likely Gibbz because they have a complete upper assembly), could I use any 9mm BCG and any 9mm/Glock mag compatible complete lower receiver?
If you're using a Glock lower then yes, any Glock cut BCG will work as will any Glock lower.
I’d say another advantage of a side charger is if you have an adjustable cheek riser (like the XLR), you can have it closer to the scope. The standard charging handle limits you how close you can get the riser without the charging handle hitting the riser on pull back, especially on an AR10.
Truth......I make the Sorbothane cheek pads and that's the biggest grip I hear about AR's ! Michael @ godagrip.com
Thanks folks for the input. My interest in side chargers is due to a life changing accident. My hands and fingers work so poorly that it is hard for me to manipulate any top charging handle. I am hoping the straight back pull with my best hand, ( the left ) will be an easier process. Does anyone find it easier to pull then from the top ?
I can't answer your question directly, but I can say the stroke of side-charging uppers seems to be shorter, no? If that's the case, the spring tension would be higher than what is experienced on a standard charging handle.
I did a build using the Bear Creek Arsenal side bolt. Actually, seeing this piece online inspired my build. Works smooth and clean, no operational "flaws" to report. Just put a bit of blue Lock-Tite on the handle threads. After roughly 1000 rounds, no complaints at all, still smooth as silk in operation. Only (small) downside is you have to remove the handle to get the BCG out for cleaning.
What about New Frontier Armory or Wolfpack Armory?
Gibbz makes NFA's stuff too
Any recommendations for a 300 AAC pistol build? Anyone familiar with Sanders Armory?
I don't disparage anyone's choice in AR-15 modifications, but I don't agree that side-charging is functionally better or faster for clearing jams than rear. Side charging introduces another dust & debris intrusion path. It's not ambidextrous. There is nothing to be gained from being able to use the support hand for charging the handle. Unless the weapon jams, you'll hardly ever be using the charging handle--you use the bolt release to engage the bolt into battery after changing magazines. On the rare occasion of a jam (every 1000 rounds or so), using the rear handle is as effective as a side charger, maybe better since you get more leverage in case brass is really stuck in there.
I have to call BS on this inexperienced opinion. With a left-side charging handle, you can keep your right trigger finger on the trigger and ready to fire in a multitude of scenarios:
1. Once a jam is cleared, no matter how rare, because if it can happen-it WILL happen, and if you don't have to lose your sight picture or your finger on the trigger, why choose a weapon that insists you do both?
2. When shooting with the gas system set for shooting suppressed and/or long-range precision shots from a prone position, the shooter need not decompose their position so they can use the awkward rear charging "T" handle (for you slower readers, that means moving your head away from the charging handle - or vice-versa). This allows them to keep their target picture stable & sighted without interruption from the aforementioned awkward rear charging handle.
3. If a combat-designed rifle cannot deal with field conditions that includes sand, dirt and mice, it isn't worthy for the field.
4. If properly designed and implemented, a non-reciprocating left-side charging handle WILL NOT allow any more dirt into the receiver That's what makes the ARAK-21 such an unmitigated success (that means there's no downside to using it).
I remember when short-stroke pistons were poo-pooed even worse than the left-side charging handle. I consulted with an inventor who developed it for LWC back in the '90s and that's about all they offer now (along with a LOT of other worldwide manufacturers). Personally, I would never buy an AR-type rifle until the short-stroke piston and left-side charging handle became standard equipment because of all of the gasses and unburnt powder being forced into the receiver and ending up in my face. I considered it barbaric. Evolve, people!
I am not understanding your explanation in your first section. If one needs to clear a jam, with a side charger one can certainly keep their trigger finger in the ready to fire position and simultaneously not disrupt his line of sight on target. This is specifically the main practical point of improvement over rear charging handle operation, unless as the Prosser C mentioned above that rear charging will be more difficult now due to physical impairment, and of course what has since become the very best advantage to having a side charger (not including one made by the aforementioned JP Enterprises and CMT Tactical) is for running suppressed. The gas to the face is nearly completely gone with a side charger.
Sorry man, I replied to the wrong comment.
Side is better.
The REAR is in your face and you have to totally disengage.
Some mfg have optional sides if it is so important. What military style AR is ambidextrous?
And dirty? Get a piston system, the best! If you use the old style, clean after each session, not 1000 rounds. Piston leaves chamber spotless...
Dirty gun stuck brass, use piston gas system...time to get with the improvements.
I have a Rocker River Arms LAR-PDS. It operates very well & have no issues with it at all. A lot of fun & great shooting for a side charge, piston carbine rifle.
great overview. been wanting an faxon arak but they've been sold out forever. guess ill keep waiting.
I have a Bear Creek Arsenal Dual Charging Upper and love it. Like the first upper mentioned above, mine has the standard charging handle, as well as the side charging handle on the BCG. I got the entire complete upper for under $250 about a year and a half ago. Have had no problems with it. The only very small issue is that you have to remove the side charging handle from the BCG with an Allen Wrench, in order to remove the BCG from the receiver. Can't just slide it out like you can with a standard AR upper. Not a big deal.
I purchased a Bear Creek 300BO 16" HB upper after shooting one at a local OD range and I was really impressed with the quality of the upper so much so I got another 16" in 223 Wylde in 410R SS and I got .75 groups @100 with Walmart ammo. Sure one can spend a lot more but why? when this is fine really well made
The one from X-Products works great.
no mention at all of the Bear Creek side charging, and dual charging receivers and complete uppers? I know they are budget components, but anyone can afford them. Spend the money on a good barrel and optics.
Bear Creek may be the best buy for the money.
You must need a special BCG for a side charger does that come with those outrages priced striped uppers ?
It depends on the upper. Some of them require a different BCG, some can use a standard BCG, and some need a standard BCG that they then mill to fit.