TimeOut

TimeOut forum P.O.W.W.#10: Charging Handle - Colt (stock) vs PRI vs BCM vs Raptor

 

But before we get into the aftermarket charging handles and why you would need one over a factory GI mils spec one.  On the OEM Colt charging handle it's design with a 1/16" roll pin.  Pressure to this pin, especially with extended handles or heavy use, can cause it to break.

Colt's Manufacturing (L) and Rainier Arms Raptor(R):

Over a decade ago I picked up one of the first charging handles that were improved over a factory unit, the Precision Reflex Inc (PRI) Gas Buster.  One of it's most unique features is the patented channel area to prevent gas being blown back to the shooter.  If you shoot a SBR, pistol, or full auto the Gas Buster makes a huge difference. 

The PRI Gas Buster also has a larger surface area on the handle (a Flat Latch and Military Big Latch which is pictured below) for easier manipulation.  The larger latch also helped if you used a optic.

T6 7075 aluminum with a steel latch:

The past few years saw the popularity of the Vltor/Bravo Company BCMGunfighter charging handle. 

Here is the Mod 4 version which has a medium handle that is longer than a factory one but not doesn't stick out too far.

The BCMGunfighter has a raised area to help prevent some of the gas and debris coming back to the shooter.  IMO, the PRI does a better job of this.  Some will even go further and do the 'RTV' modification.  You take Permatex High Temp RTV silicon gasket maker commonly found at local automotive stores and place some around the gap between the upper receiver and the charging handle to create a c-shaped seal. 

The Raptor is available in 556 or 308 AR uppers:

The Rainer Arms charging handle is ambidextrous and features a larger and stronger pin design:

The handles have serrated edges for a improved grip

With a factory colt charging handle on top of the Raptor you can see how much wider it protrudes.  

From the posterior view you can see the ambi mechanism on the Raptor:

Much easier to hook the handle to rack the bolt carrier group on the Raptor:

AXTS also makes the Raptor for Noveske.

On the ejection port side you can see that the ambidextrous handle does not extend too far out relative to the forward assist:

There's debate on how much it matters to upgrade from a stock charging handle to a BCM, PRI, or Raptor.  Many have claimed that even with hard use and high round count that they do not have any problems with breaking charging handles.  IMO, the worth in these upgraded charging handles is in the ergonomics.  While I still like the BCM, the Raptor feels great and makes racking the bolt back much easier.  If you are using optics, it's nice to have an extended handle so your fingers and knuckle don't get caught between the handle and eye piece.   The BCM Gunfighter is popular as it is little more than the standard where as the PRI and Raptor is significantly more.  For me, I'd definitely upgrade over the OEM charging handle!