The charging handle, while (hopefully) rarely utilized, is one of the core manipulation implements of any rifle. We have several options tailored to meet a wide range of user needs, preferences, agency requirements, and budgets.
J.O.E.® MIL-SPEC
This charging handle is exactly as it sounds. At its core, this option is a tried and true, asymmetrical USGI-style charging handle. It features a forged 7075-T6 Aluminum body that won't shear and bend like cheaper alternatives. It is available with a standard latch for a slim profile or an extended latch for easier manipulation.
RADIAN™ RAPTOR™/RAPTOR-LT™
Over the past decade, the Raptor™ from Radian Weapon Systems has become the gold standard for modernized ambidextrous charging handles. It is the go-to choice for both experienced civilian shooters and armed professionals the world over for its ease of use, excellent balance of latch access and snag prevention, and durability. Just like the J.O.E.® charging handle, the Raptor™ is made from a robust forged 7075-T6 body that can more than withstand the rigors of duty use that we coat in our MicroSlick DFL for a smooth, gliding actuation even when things get a little crusty. The distinction between the two models lies in the latches. The standard model features a single piece Aluminum construction while the LT variant has aluminum base with an ergonomic polymer overmolding that saves on cost and weight while being less prone to develop sharp edges when encountering non-permissive rocks in your operational theater (the ground). Both are excellent options and function very similarly, so you really cannot go wrong with either.
