Planning on building or modifying an AR-15? You’re going to need a charging handle!
Like every other AR-15 component, the charging handle has dozens and dozens of different options. Picking the right one can be a challenge.
We’ve gathered together the best AR-15 charging handles from companies far and wide, and through testing and evaluation, we’ve narrowed it down to our favorites.
Here they are!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Budget
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Best Lightweight
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Best for Suppressors
Table of Contents
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AR-15 Charging Handle Comparison Chart
| Ambidextrous | Material | Weight | Colors | Price | |
| Geissele Super | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | 1.5 oz | Black, desert dirt | $104 |
| Aero Precision Ambidextrous | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | 1.9 oz | Black | $94 |
| Strike Industries ARCH | No | 7075-T6 aluminum | 1.2 oz | Black | $30 |
| Radian Raptor-LT | Yes | 7075 aluminum, polymer | N/A | Black, gray, FDE | $79 |
| Radian Raptor-SD | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | N/A | Black, gray, FDE, OD | $109 |
| BCM MK2 | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | N/A | Black | $74 |
| Breek Arms Warhammer | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | 1 oz | Black, gray, FDE, OD | $34 |
| Aero Precision Breach | Yes | 7075-T6 aluminum | 1.4 oz | Black, Kodiak brown, OD | $79 |
How We Tested the Best AR-15 Charging Handles
For this article, we gathered up a bunch of AR-15 charging handles and tested them side by side with an assortment of AR-15 carbines and pistols. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review.
Testing included regular manual of arms, loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions. Each charging handle on this list has seen hundreds of rounds during our testing, so they’ve all earned a thumbs-up from us.
And don’t forget that we’ve tested a lot more than charging handles. Learn everything you want to know in our AR-15 Definitive Resource!
Best AR-15 Charging Handles
1. Geissele Super Charging Handle – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Easy to grip in bad conditions or with gloves
- Ambidextrous
- Very well-built
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Color: Black, desert dirt
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Want to add a splash of Geissele awesomeness to your AR-15 for just about $100? You can with the Geissele Super Charging Handle!
The ambidextrous Super Charging Handle is machined from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum.
It features a checkered texture inside the handles to improve grip, even in poor conditions or while wearing shooting gloves.
The size and curve of the handles are a nice balance; they’re not so big that they hang up on things, but they’re easier to grab than a stock charging handle.
In addition, the rear lip was raised to help keep some of the gas out of the shooter’s face when running a suppressor, or using an AR-15 pistol or short-barreled rifle.
The SCH is on the upper end of the price scale but that’s only because it’s excellent. If you cough up the extra change to buy one of these, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Aero Precision Ambidextrous – Best Value
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for rifles with large optics
- Rugged
- Super easy to grip
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Massive size might not work for lightweight or smaller builds
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 1.9 oz
- Color: Black
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
If you want a massive charging handle, the Aero Precision Ambidextrous charging handle has you covered.
It’s perfect for AR-15s with optics that are larger than a red dot, like LPVOs and DMR scopes.
These massive handles will clear the eyepiece of any modern scope. It’s my go-to on my budget Recce rifle.
The Aero Precision charging handle is one of my favorite all-around charging handles ever. I like it on any rifle, and its large size works with my massive hands pretty well.
I love how it glides backward when pulled, and the extra size means extra leverage.
What do you think of the Aero Precision model? Rate it below!
3. Strike Industries ARCH – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Mil-Spec, but better
- Keeps your AR-15 looking stock
Cons
- Basic with no frills
Specs
- Ambidextrous: No
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Color: Black
- Country of Origin: N/A
If you want an affordable, mil-spec option, then the no-nonsense Strike Industries ARCH has you covered.
On the outside, this is a pretty standard-looking charging handle, but upon closer inspection, you can tell Strike put some work into it.
The ARCH is hard-anodized and exceptionally smooth. That allows it to glide rearwards with ease, like you just gave it a fresh coat of gun oil.
The most significant difference you’ll see is near the rear of the charging handle.
It’s rounded off at the back but features a raised lip where it meets the upper receiver. That helps divert gas out of your face.
The inside is also textured for a better grip, and the latch is only as large as it needs to be. While the differences are subtle, once you start running the charging handle, they make a difference.
A textured grip is excellent for clearing jams when your hands are sweaty or if you are wearing gloves.
The smoother finish reduces the effort needed to charge the weapon, clear jams, and more.
Plus, it just feels nice. The ARCH isn’t necessarily sexy or fancy, but it functions better than a basic charging handle for a reasonable price.
4. Radian Raptor-LT – Best Lightweight
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Well-made
- Easy to grip
Cons
- Might not work for all builds
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075 aluminum, polymer
- Weight: N/A
- Color: Black, gray, flat dark earth
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
AR-15s can weigh well under 6 pounds these days, and some builders are taking that to the extreme. If you’re one of them, think about switching to a Radian Raptor-LT charging handle.
Coming in at only 1.2 ounces, the Radian LT is a functional choice.
It’s got two massive wings on the sides that make the charging handle easy to grip and rip regardless of the situation. This is especially true when it comes to using the charging handle with an optic.
The Radian Raptor LT is made from 7075 aluminum and is hard anodized with a mil-spec type 3 finish.
It is also reinforced with high-strength reinforced polymer for saving weight but maintaining strength.
The Radian Raptor LT is lightweight, well-made, and priced affordably. It’s a great option for your lightweight build or just a standard build that needs a great charging handle.
5. Radian Raptor-SD – Best for Suppressors
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Vented to account for increased backpressure
- Oversized wings
- Great build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Minimal benefits if you shoot unsuppressed
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: N/A
- Color: Black, gray, flat dark earth, olive drab
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
For builds that involve buying a suppressor, we also like Radian’s Raptor SD.
The Radian Raptor SD is vented extensively down the sides to decrease gas blowback by directing it out the sides.
This makes shooting your suppressed AR a much more pleasant experience. Nobody likes getting dirty oil sprayed all over their eye pro.
At the same time, you get a quality charging handle that you can count on for years of hard use.
6. Bravo Company Manufacturing MK2
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for lefties
- Mil-Spec
- Easy to use
Cons
- Kind of basic
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: N/A
- Color: Black
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
The BCM MK2 is an ambidextrous option for Bravo Company.
Its mil-spec size and dimensions make it nice and compact — at least compared to other charging handles on this list.
Each side features a latch that releases the charging handle with ease.
The MK2 is a great option for righties or lefties seeking a mil-spec-sized charging handle. It’s straightforward to use and is made from 7075-T6 aluminum.
I’m a right-handed shooter, but I appreciate being able to use this charging handle with either hand.
Even though it feels unnatural for me to charge the rifle with my right hand, I find it surprisingly easy with th the MK2.
It’s priced affordably for a premium-grade charging handle, and we know BCM is famous for making products that can take a beating.
7. Breek Arms Warhammer
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Simple and straightforward
- Good ergonomics
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Not a lot of frills or features
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 1 oz
- Color: Black, gray, flat dark earth, olive drab
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
We dig the Greek Arms Warhammer because it’s simple, straightforward, works well, and has a nice shape to the handle.
It is ambidextrous and has a deflection piece to get excess gasses away from the shooter’s face.
When it comes down to it, that’s the two most popular features for a charging handle to have, and the Breek does both very well.
The arms of the handle are a bit larger than most, which makes it nice to grab with gloves but can also snag on your chest rig or plate carrier. Apparently, high-speed and low-drag don’t always go together.
The trade-off is up to you, though.
8. Aero Precision Breach
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ambidextrous
- Lightweight
- Two handle size options
Cons
- Small handle isn't the best for gloves
Specs
- Ambidextrous: Yes
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 1.4 oz
- Color: Black, Kodiak brown, olive drab
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Made from 7075 Aluminum (the good stuff), the Aero Precision Breach has two sizes and two platforms on offer — a large handle and a small handle for the AR-15 or the AR-10.
It’s lightweight, sturdy, ambidextrous, gas-deflecting. In other words, it’s everything we look for in aftermarket charging handles.
But Aero Precision executes it better than most.
Plus, we just really dig the look of these.
We’ve been running them in an AR-9 lately and have zero issues.
The small handle is still easy to grab but has reduced snagging potential also. It’s a bit hard to get a good grip with gloves, but that’s what the large handle is for.
If you’re in the cold often or just like shooting gloves, the large handle has a lot more room for you to get a good grip.
How to Pick the Best AR-15 Charging Handle
Do you shoot right-handed or left-handed? Most charging handles these days are ambidextrous, but some work better for righties or lefties. If you have a preference, start narrowing down your search here.
You’ll notice some pretty significant size variation on this list. Charging handles can be skinny and streamlined or downright massive.
Which one is best for you depends if you care more about making sure your charging handle doesn’t get snagged on your gear or getting a good grip in as little time as possible.
Finally, think about any special considerations you have for your build. Are you going to be running a suppressor? You you want to keep weight to a minimum? These factors will influence your decision.
Meet the Experts
Heading up this article is Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike. Travis spent a lifetime shooting and hunting before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. Travis is also an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry instructor in the state of Florida.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
I’ve gone through a lot of charging handles — and I do mean a lot of them. When testing these designs, I got a nice case of tennis elbow and a bruised palm.
I did, however, learn a ton about charging handles, and there is more to learn than I expected.
The bottom line is that you have options. Buy what’s best for your build, not someone else’s. Then remember there’s always the option to do another AR-15 build down the road!
Did we miss your favorite charging handle? Let us know in the comments. For more AR upgrades, check out Best AR-15 Upgrades for everything from triggers to handguards and more!
Latest Updates
- June 2025: Removed the Blackout Defense Stryker and BCM MOD 4×4. Added BCM MK2.
- February 2024: Removed 6 models.
55 Leave a Reply
I used the Raptor SD for about a month and literally didn't notice any difference between that and a regular raptor while shooting suppressed. I think the best charging handle for a suppressor is the new BCM Mk2 charging handle.
The new BCM Mk2 charging handle is the best one on the market imo. It drastically reduces gas to the face while shooting suppressed. Unlike the Radian SD, which with I literally couldn't notice a difference from the regular Raptor. I think the SD is the biggest scam ever
I just checked spec weights and the Aero Precision Ambidextrous is the same weight as the Radian Raptor LT Ambidextrous.
With this info, using the arguments in this article, isnt the Aero precision the "best charging handle for lightweight builds"?
Do your photo editor not know a reversed image when they see on? Every image with the meat bag and an ejection port visible is reversed. Details matter.
Agreed. It's just a charging handle... Anyone who blows more than $35 on a charging handle has more money than brains.
I'm surprised in a review of charging handles you didn't include the innovative Springfield LevAR handle. I had a lot of problems with stuck casings using cheap steel ammo which had me mortaring the rifle every time to clear. I installed this handle and it ratchets the casings out every time easily.
Regarding Radian Raptor SD and shooting suppressed; this charging handle is still recommended even if you have a Superlative Adjustable Gas Block dialed in correctly?
The LWRC ambi charging handle is better than and heavier duty than all of these. Disappointed it's not even on the list let alone #1 which is should be.
Don’t buy the Breek Arms Warhammer. Mine just broke with less than 500 rounds. Latch pin fell out and the charging handle began reciprocating. That caused malfunctions of course. Garbage product.
LWRC ambi charging handle , would have been nice to see up against the others .
I always enjoy your reviews .
Every post more and more feels like it is driven by who donates the most that week. Though I am surprised to not see PSA on here
You missed two stellar charging handles, arguably the best on the market I do love Radian SD on my supressed rifle I also love the Forward control design ACF really helps prevent gas in your face. Second on my list is the Badger gen 3
Oh come on. No mention of the Geissele URGI Airborne Charging Handle?
I still don't know which one I'll buy next!!! LOL Great write-up Travis! OOOhhh....RAH!!
C’mon man- I’m gonna make the third request for an AR-10 (specifically the PSA PA 10). I’m having a hard time getting around my scope. Also, any info on a side charger? Seems to be a sizable crowd that lean on and value your opinions. Thanks for all that ya’ll do for us!
I really enjoy my Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2 on my PA-10.
I would love to see your take on AR10 Charging handles. I just received a PA10 from PSA. And a after market charging handle would be great.
I went with the Breek Arms on my PA10. Works very well.
Do we have an opinion on slide charging handles, the over the cheek rest on the AR shoulder butt. They are ambitious and seem to be out of the way
All I run is a non reciprocated mean say charging handle on my lower sometimes an ambidextrous sling sometimes the right side of my knee but I'll never go back to a regular charging handle I think it's easier to clear quicker but you don't have your forward assist they can sometimes get in the way of an object with the magnifier behind it it's just all around a much simpler and easier and quicker for me but everybody's different
Radian Raptor. No other charging handle compares.
Many are much better. The geissele and the bcm stuff is worlds better. Im glad you like your radian, but nonsense like "nothing else compares" is laughably false.
I'm not sure if they're actually incomparable or the best in the world but I do have two of the Radian Raptor charging handles & they do work very well.
Will you do a similar article for AR10s? Just curious what people are putting on their bigger brothers to the AR15s, especially when there are scopes mounted. It's always a chore using the charging handle when having to work around the scope.
Death to the useless latch!!
Boomer talk radian, FCD and badger are world's ahead
Question about the Strike Latchless Charging Handle. It says on their website "Not for use on SBRs or pistol length barrels (<14.5")", but you mention it working great on a 7.5" pistol. Do you know why they say it is not meant for use on pistol length AR builds.? I ordered one for my 10.5" 300 blackout build and did not see this warning on the site I ordered from and just wondering if I need to get another model/brand. Thanks for any info.
I have the VLTOR BCM Mod 4 and it's a great handle. I will probably buy it for my next one as well. I might consider the Raptor as well.
Lol that bcm model 4x4 pic that's not a bcm it looks like the radian.
Thanks for these articles i like the feed back on yalls opinions with parts yall actually had your hands on. I've been real happy with everything yall have suggested.
I appreciate your article. I'm a lefty and was frustrated with the right handed charging handle on my AR-15. Your article gave me some good insight on what ambi charging handles are available. This week I bought a Bravo Company 4x4. Got it today and it works nicely. Keep up the nice work on your reviews.
I have the radian raptor on both of my rifles. My arpistol has a bunch of strike industries red parts and the radian raptor competition red charging handle matches them nicely
What about the Geissele Airborne charging handle, which leaves the rest of them in the dust? Simply the best.
owned Geissele, Radian, Daniel Defense Ambi, LWRC Ambi, BCM, etc. Radian Raptor is clearly the best. I would possibly take the LWRC or DD over the Geissele, I could see how people think Geissele is the best, there is no way it trumps Radian Raptors, laughable.
the fact that the top 3 were all made by Strike Industries really makes me question whether or not I should take this website seriously anymore
The first three listed were made by Strike, the list is not in order of best to worst.
In your opinion wich would be best with a scope just over top. Have a stock a2 I guess and can do it but obviously could be better
I have Radian Raptor LT on all of my rifles, I really like them. They're durable, easy to use, and a decent price most of the time. Highly recommend it!
Maybe try reading comprehension. It clearly states in the article that they are in no particular order.
I once saw a picture of a very unorthodox AR-15 charging handle that hugged the top of the stock and you pulled it back like the slide of a pistol. I was hoping you’d mention that. I have no idea who makes it or what it costs, but I’m sure some of your readers have seen it.
There is a couple of them I think, the one I've seen the most is the HABU MOD 1 for $65 at Brownells. I've only used it a small amount, but I wasn't a big fan. It's a bit akward, the grip doesn't feel super positive, it's much harder to use if you need to aggressively charge the rifle to clear a malfunction, and I had to change my cheek weld or risk getting poked in the face with the back of the handle on recoil.
The PRI gasbuster and any of the POF Ambis I've used the tomahawk and it's pretty awesome and low pro.
Be interested to see how the new ambi ArmaSpec stacks up. Supposed to be gas busting type as well
I was very surprised none of those got a mention.
To the points raised below about not needing more than a $6 handle, there ARE good reasons to choose something else. Some of these designs--the BCM in particular (and I think the SI)--take pressure off the roll pin so the part doesn't fail. Some may want to run optics. Putting an extension on the standard mil-spec handle exacerbates the torque on that little pin. There are some handles that rely on bearings instead of pins. Some handles keep gas from blowing back in your face as much. Some give you greater purchase for those with weaker fingers or hands. I look for good handles on sale cheap. Still more expensive than a mil-spec. To each their own. To some the extra cost is worth the peace of mind or the ease of use. To others it's not. That's why we have choice. Whatever you shoot, enjoy what you do and let others do the same.
Badger ordnance gen 3 ambidextrous charging handle
I run the MFT Minimalist while my wife runs a Magpul MOE. we love them both.
I have a Strike Industries Latchless, simply because it's a great ambidextrous/lefti solution that doesn't cost $80+. So far, no problems with it. The instructions explicitly say it's not for suppressed setups due to the increased gas blow-by, but not an issue for me.
Keep I hate the Apple look-ahead typing assistant.
My apologies for the gross typos in my comment below.
I meant to say "please do not reverse a right-handed picture..."
As a left handed shooter I appreciate having at least one ambi charging handle detailed.
But, PLEASE do not reverse a rlaw gut handed picture to illustrate a left handed option. Sheesh. Or, hide any writing that may be on a garment.
Keep up the good work, not the picture reversing.
Sorry about that, unintentional mistake.
I believe Travis was using a selfie mode to take the picture and then I incorrectly captioned the image as being a left-hand ejecting rifle. I've edited the caption.
To be clear: All of the charging handles were right-handed or ambidextrous. Images that look like they are left-handed is due to the photo mode, not editing.
Totally my fault. I forgot to unreverse the images when I sent them in.
I am using DS Arms NFTE Coated Extended Latch Charging Handles. I like them for their slick finish.
It's a charging handle, it serves one purpose to "cock the gun" to fire. You can spend $12 or $100
I feel the same. Spend money on optics.
I agree. That's why I spent $6 on a MFT Extended Latch and installed in on the milspec changing handle I had.
The Habu by Falcon 37 is something you guys should look into and test.