Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle
The Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle for AR-15 (Previously AXTS) is hands down the best. Now you might say, damn Berz that is a lofty statement. Yup, I know. But I have used many AR-15 charging handles in the past and the Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle really shines over the
rest. What you first have to look at is defining what makes a good charging handle for the AR-15. Of course construction, duh. But the AR-15 charging handle has some uniqueness. It drives the gun more or less. Without it working properly most
everything becomes difficult. An AR-15 charging handle has to work smoothly. A smooth operating charging handle allows you to be confident. If you have ever had a shady charging handle and tried to do some malfunction drills you will know what I am getting at. You are trying to minimize issues, not create them. The charging handle also has to engage without issue. Think about all the different angles your gun could possibly be in (if you actually go to classes and train). Sideways, forward, almost upside down! Then there is the way you charge it. Palm “blading” or finger thumb charges or even the most disgusting way the peace sign charge. All the ways you have to charge the weapon, your hand is also in those weird positions. So having a charging handle that will operate and be engineered to not fail is paramount.
Radian Weapons does not offer a non-ambi charging handle. Why? Because they sell what should be
sold. If you are putting non-ambi parts on your rifle you might as well be throwing your money away.
But the best, buy once and cry once. Tons of scenarios involves dual sided shooting, always go ambi with parts where possible. This is where Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle sets itself apart. Both sides of their charging handle operate equally smooth and flawless. I have used some in the past, even companies I love like Badger Ordnance, and found them inferior to the Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle. Either I had some times where other charging handles literally failed to engage, I couldn't even charge the rifle. That is where the Raptor kills them competition. It engages in all scenarios. You don't want parts on your rifle that make you nervous, you want parts that work and allow you to put all your attention on the threat in front of you.
If you look around you can find a bunch of decent ambi charging handles. The BCM Gunfighter ambi
charging handle is a good one. But my god is it bulky. The Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle has good purchase on left/right and is not overly bulky due to it's superior design and engineering. It is the perfect amount of purchase area without becoming a risk to get caught on things. It has a slightly bigger right side handle then left side. This is because of the forward assist. Like most other ambi charging handles it is not the same on left/right. They design it thinking of the little things that flaw other charging handles. The handles have serrations on them to increase grip in wet/bloody and weather conditions. They are skeletonized out to save weight. It really is a charging handle that has had lot of thought put into the design.
I have over 4,000 rounds through the three Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handles I have. My friend Nate Murr (Inventor of the GripStop) who has tons of military experience and used more charging handles than I have agrees that the Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handle works the best at the time of this article. If you want a USA made charging handle that leaves you happy and secure in your charging handle purchase decision, I say look at the Radian Weapons Raptor Charging Handles. They have different colored handles allowing you to customize your rifles if you so desire.
