Updated Feb. 2024: Removed 6 models.
The AR-15 as a platform is upgradeable to an extreme degree.
It seems like every part can be upgraded to be a little better. But that can often mean costing you an arm and a leg!
One of the smallest and easiest upgrades you can make to your AR-15 is swapping the charging handle.
Like every other AR-15 part in the world, the charging handle has dozens and dozens of different options.
Navigating AR charging handles can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right one for you. So we want to help you a bit.
We’ve gathered together charging handles from companies far and wide, and through testing and evaluation, we’ve narrowed it down to our favorites.
Note: These appear in no particular order. All of them are awesome in different ways and for various reasons.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best on a Budget
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Best for Lightweight Builds
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Best for Suppressors
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Editor’s Pick
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Best for Lefties
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Best for Gloves
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve spent a lifetime shooting, starting with a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.
In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification and used my knowledge to help guide students.
I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, you name it. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.
Best AR-15 Charging Handles
1. Strike Industries ARCH
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Affordable
- Mil-Spec
Cons
- Basic with no frills
If you want an affordable, Mil-Spec option, then Strike Industries 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 this simple charging handle.
The SI ARCH is hard anodized and exceptionally smooth.
This smooth finish allows it to glide rearwards with ease. 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 sharp straight angle on the inside of the charging handle.
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 are significant.
A textured grip is excellent for clearing jams when your hands are sweaty or if you are wearing gloves.
The smoother finish makes the charging handle glide backward; it reduces the effort needed to charge the weapon, clear jams, and more.
Plus, it just feels nice, really lovely. The SI ARCH isn’t necessarily sexy or fancy, but it functions and does so well.
2. The Radian Raptor LT
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Well-made
- Easy to grip
Cons
- Might not work for all builds
AR-15s are getting smaller and lighter.
Guns come in at well under 6 pounds these days, and some builders are taking that to the extreme.
My friend Rex Nanorum over at The Loadout Room built a lightweight AR under 6 pounds when it’s outfitted with a suppressor and optic.
From talking with him, I’ve learned that guys taking on these projects are looking to trim ounces, and even half ounces, as much as possible.
If you are chasing this kind of build and still looking for a lightweight but functional charging handle, then the Radian LT is an excellent choice.
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 well. It’s a great option for your lightweight build or just a standard build that needs a great charging handle that’s priced affordably.
For suppressed builds, we also like Radian’s Raptor SD.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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It’s the same old Raptor grip we know and love but vented explicitly for suppressed ARs.
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 lovelier experience.
3. Aero Precision Ambidextrous
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Great for rifles with optics
- Rugged
- Super easy to grip
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Massive size might not work for lightweight or smaller builds
If you want a massive charging handle, then Aero Precision has you covered.
The Aero Precision Ambidextrous charging handle is quite likely one of the most significant charging handles on the market.
This makes it perfect for optic’s equipped AR-15s. Especially when it comes to large variable optics.
These handles will clear the eyepiece of any modern scope. It’s my go-to on my budget Recce rifle.
This ambi charging handle sports two massive latches, and it’s simple to blade the weapon, even with an optic on the gun.
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.
The 7075-T6 aluminum design makes it a rugged and capable charging handle for your build.
I love how it glides backward when pulled, and the extra size means extra leverage. This makes blading pretty easy and not too painful on the hands.
The Aero Precision charging handle is my personal favorite, and it functions as an absolute champ.
What do you think of the Aero Precision model? Rate it below!
4. BCM Gunfighter MOD 4×4
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Great for lefties
- Mil-Spec
- Easy to use
Cons
- Basic
The 4X4 from BCM 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 GFH 4X4 is a great option for 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, so maybe I can’t get the full effect of this charging handle, but I get the concept.
Even though it feels unnatural for me to charge the rifle with my right hand, I find it surprisingly easy to do with this charging handle.
The MOD 4X4 is priced affordably for a premium-grade charging handle.
5. Breek Arms Warhammer
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Simple and straightforward
- Nice shape to it
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Not a lot of frills or features
We dig the Warhammer because it’s simple, straightforward, works well, and has a nice shape to the handle.
Does it do anything special? Not really.
But simple and works doesn’t need to be special every time.
It is ambi, though, and it does have a deflection piece to get excess gasses away from the shooter.
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 gear. The trade-off is up to you, though.
6. Aero Precision Breach
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Ambidextrous
- Lightweight
- Two handle size options
Cons
- Small handle isn't the best for gloves
Made from 7075 Aluminum (the good stuff) the Breach has two sizes and two platforms on offer — a large handle and a small handle for the AR-15 or the AR-10.
Lightweight, sturdy, ambi, gas deflecting, and two handle size options…much of that is what we’ve come to expect from 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 on with gloves, but that’s what the large handle is for.
If you’re in the cold often or wear gloves either way — then the large handle has a lot more meat for you to get your digits around.
7. Geissele Super Charging Handle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Easy to grip in bad conditions or with gloves
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Pricey
Geissele Automatics, well known for its triggers, didn’t take long to move into other accessories. The Super Charging handle soon followed.
Machined out of a solid block of anodized aircraft grade 7075-T6 aluminum, the SCH is an ambidextrous charging handle with a symmetrical approach.
It features a checkered texture inside the handles to greatly aid with grip, even in poor conditions or while wearing gloves.
The size and curve of the handles are a nice balance, not so big that they hang up on things, but big enough to be 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 suppressed or short-barreled applications.
The SCH is on the upper end of the price scale but is sturdy and should provide years of service.
8. Blackout Defense Stryker Charging Handle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Heavy-duty latch
- Easy to grip
Cons
- Pricey
Having handled a few products from Blackout Defense, we’ve really been impressed with their quality. The Stryker Charging Handle is no exception.
Made of aircraft grade 7075 aluminum, it has a hard coat anodizing and is Cerakoted in a number of different colors. It also comes with a heavy-duty latch to hold it in place when not chambering a round.
Fully ambidextrous, the Stryker features wings on both sides for grip. The surface of these wings is covered with a heavy-duty serration that is easy to hang on to.
Thankfully, the edges are also rounded, so they don’t grab onto gear like slings, plate carriers, or chest rigs.
Final Thoughts
I’ve gone through a lot of charging handles; I mean a lot of them. So much so that when testing these designs, I got a nice case of tennis elbow and a bruised palm.
Maybe it’s the charging handle elbow?
Whatever you want to call it I got it. I did, however, learn a ton about charging handles, and there is more to learn than I expected.
The best thing I learned was I have a ton of options when it comes to AR-15 builds of all kinds.
What do you think? Did we miss any stellar charging handles? If so, let us know in the comments below. For more AR upgrades, check out Best AR-15 Upgrades for everything from triggers to handguards and more.
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.