AR Parts... thoughts?

breamfisher

I'm specifically wondering about charging handles and bolt releases.

Both of my ARs wear optics.  One has a 2-7x scope, the other a 1-4x.  Both also wear stock charging handles.  My question is:  what benefit is there to using an extended charging handle?  I seem to be able to work the handle with the stock one just fine, the optics don't get in the way of manipulation.  I know some of the oversized handles can be a detriment, hanging on gear or poking you in the back or sternum (depending on how you sling it.)  

On bolt releases: again, I am using a stock part.  Any real advantage to using an oversized one?  I see that there are some with a standard sized bolt catch, but the release part of the paddle is bigger.  Others with both the catch and release paddles bigger, some with a HUUUUGE release paddle.  I could see the catch paddle being bigger, but other than that, I don't know.  I've not really had an issue running my ARs with a stock-sized release, but I don't run them hard, either.  

Zee

If they are normal use guns that aren’t being run in comps or for work, I’d leave as is. 

For charging handles, I like the less obtrusive versions of the Gas Buster handles. 

On bolt releases, a slightly larger paddle without any crazy levers is kinda nice. 

Diver43

All but one of my charging handles are stock.  The one that isn't is a M-84 that someone traded for some  233 bulk ammo before the stuff became worth its weight in gold 

Jayhawker

There are a couple of add-ones I typically use on my ARs...primarily because I'm left-handed...A slightly oversize latch and an ambi-safety

Jay

All my guns are pretty standard stuff. One thing I find helpful sometimes is an ambi safety for, well, running the gun right or wrong handed. Just a little easier.   

Zee

I can’t run an ambi safety. I choke up too high on the grip. When I try and flip the safety on an am I, the right side lever contacts my index knuckle and prevents further movement. 

I’ve effectively learned to run a standard safety from either side of the gun without having to roll my thumb to the opposite side. 

Bigslug

Not a fan of big extended charging handles - if you drop the rifle on your 1 or 3-point sling in such a way it hangs up on your other gear, you can be out of battery and not know it..

Some of the more reasonable sized ones are OK.  Those that are designed around reinforcing the latch to withstand the more modern, more abusive motion of running the handle with the first knuckle of the support hand's index finger instead of the Vietnam-era, strong hand "peace sign" technique are good.

Big bolt catches - I'll stick with the standard, and even that I sometimes wish was smaller so the bolt isn't accidentally sent home at the slightest touch from body, tabletop, or anything else out in the world.

The Mag Pul BAD Lever we expressly forbid on work guns as it requires a Master Grip violation every time you do a reload.  If I still shot NRA Match Rifle, and did it with an AR, I'd probably install one since being slung up in the sitting and prone positions pretty much takes your left hand out of play for an effective reload (most guys reach their right hand over the top)

I'm with Zee on the ambi safeties - they're a right-hand knuckle-banger.  None for me, thanks.

breamfisher

I'm guessing that's a jargonized term for "putting your finger in the triggerguard for a purpose other than manipulating the trigger."

A similar violation the M1 Garand and Mini-14 and -30 induce when you put them off safe.

Uncle Fester

I like Ambi Charging Handles because I shoot left handed most of time (right handed, but left eye dominant)

Bigslug

breamfisher said:

I'm guessing that's a jargonized term for "putting your finger in the triggerguard for a purpose other than manipulating the trigger."

DING! DING!

When you consider that the palm or thumb of your left hand are also RIGHT THERE by your bolt catch after you jam in the next mag. . .

shotgunshooter3

Bigslug said:

Some of the more reasonable sized ones are OK.  Those that are designed around reinforcing the latch to withstand the more modern, more abusive motion of running the handle with the first knuckle of the support hand's index finger instead of the Vietnam-era, strong hand "peace sign" technique are good.

My match AR and tacticool AR pistol both have Geissele Super Charging Handles for this reason. Those CHs are pretty nice, BTW, but I got them on sale and Geissele is smoking something strong to thing they're worth the retail price being asked.

No experience with the BAD lever, but apparently they're Service Rifle legal now so I may install one when I overhaul my NM rifle to an optics/quad rail configuration.  

Bigslug

shotgunshooter3 said:

No experience with the BAD lever, but apparently they're Service Rifle legal now so I may install one when I overhaul my NM rifle to an optics/quad rail configuration.  

I know they changed the pistol requirements to increase participation - you just about can't buy a 1911 anymore that would adhere to the old rules of what constituted a "legal" pistol. . .

I know they changed the rules to allow certain optics and allow you to start in your sitting or prone position for rapids to account for the fact that a large percentage of their participants have gotten old. . .

But as for what they allow on an AR-15. . .that rifle has been deployed with so many Barbie Doll accessories in both official unit and unofficial individual configuration that it may now be impossible to define a "standard" service rifle.

Varmintmist

shotgunshooter3 said:

No experience with the BAD lever, but apparently they're Service Rifle legal now so I may install one when I overhaul my NM rifle to an optics/quad rail configuration.  

I looked at the BAD lever and decided it was a BAD idea. I went with the Creedmore straight lever and dremeled off 1/8th of an inch.

I dont think any of them are a good idea for off the range. In the world of "the safety isnt used, ever" and dropping the bolt while on target is a good idea, they work well.

bolt open

Bolt closed

Varmintmist

Bigslug said:

shotgunshooter3 said:

No experience with the BAD lever, but apparently they're Service Rifle legal now so I may install one when I overhaul my NM rifle to an optics/quad rail configuration.  

I know they changed the rules to allow certain optics and allow you to start in your sitting or prone position for rapids to account for the fact that a large percentage of their participants have gotten old. . .

But as for what they allow on an AR-15. . .that rifle has been deployed with so many Barbie Doll accessories in both official unit and unofficial individual configuration that it may now be impossible to define a "standard" service rifle.

You can start in position, if you do you are firing out of competition. The scorer marks and initials that you start from standing on every score card.

About the only changes you can make from as issued is the trigger to 4.5lbs, add weight, adj for length stock, scope which is issued now, free floated bbl and not a lot else. Nothing real out of the norm.The bbl can be a better quality with a different twist, but it still has to be std config.