Ambidextrous AR Charging Handle: Opinions

[Abraham]

Awhile back, I bought a BCM Gun Fighter charging handle for one of my AR's, but it's only operable on one side. Since I'm right handed, and the latch (I guess that's what it's called, not sure...) is on the left side, no problem.

Now, I'm thinking about getting another C.H. for my other Barbie, um, I mean AR, I wonder if paying the extra for an ambidextrous C.H. will be of greater benefit than the single side, if you will, though I'm not sure about that.

Opinions on A.C.H.'s?

Thanks!

[Pawpaw]

Personally, for me, I don't see the need. I believe in the KISS principle and adding more parts adds more potential points of failure.

I am, however, willing to be convinced. I'm interested in seeing what other opinions this thread gathers.

[MoJo]

I have found little difference between ambi and non ambi charging handles. I do find the larger "tactical" latches to be better than the Mil Spec latch. If you want to put an ambi latch on your rifle buy the latch only and change it yourself you will save a bucket of money. Amazon and Ebay are great places to find parts like these for cheap.

Disclaimer: I am right handed but, I am ambidextrous in many ways.

[The Annoyed Man]

I added a Mech Armor ambidextrous charging handle ([urlhttp://mechdefense.com/]http://mechdefense.com/[/url]) several years ago, and I have another one on my AR10. I am left-handed, and it is at best clumsy and uncomfortable for me to use a right-handed unit. At worst, it is actually painful. Even though I like the Mech Armor unit OK, I will probably replace it with a Ranier Arms Raptor some day because of its cleaner lines.

[EyeToEye]

I am left handed with everyone else in the family right handed. It is a must for me to have the ambi items such as the safety and charging handle. I have tried a lot of the ambi charging handles and the two that I like best are the BCM A44 and the Rainier Arms Raptor. The Raptor is my favorite with enough meat on the levers that I don't have to think or look for the tabs to utilize the handle especially when practicing hurry up scenarios.

[Abraham]

I bought the BCM Gun Fighter C.H. for the larger latch it's equipped with as getting to the stock smaller latch C.H. was difficult given the scope being somewhat in the way of accessing it.

The large latch on the BCM made a big positive difference, plus the overall C.H. is much more rugged in general.

Now though, I'm still trying to decide if I ought to buy the same BCM for my K.I.S.S. rifle as the smaller, stock latch isn't as efficient.

Or, if the Ambidextrous C.H. offers further benefit for right hander's like me. Perhaps the Ambidextrous is only beneficial to lefty's.

So far, it doesn't appear so...so I'm still appealing to those who may have further insight.

[Distinguished Rick]

Being a lefty I run a Raptor on my Daniel Defense. No issues at all, works as advertised.

[Abraham]

D.R.,

I finally concluded there's a benefit for A.C.H. for left handed folk, but overall not much benefit for righties.

[Rrash]

I have the BCM ACH and like it a lot better than mil spec. It also appears more rugged.

[psijac]

I like the Rainier Arms. But I have not used other a.c.h. so grain of salt and all.