Advice on tactical latches on AR-15?

[xcrunner805]

Here's my setup:


I hate racking a round or clearing because my scope interferes with the charging handle. Anyone have advice or used a "tactical latch" like the Badger Ordnance Tac latch?

Any recommendations?

[Capt. Speirs]

I like this one;

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=713034

[BroncoBob]

Or how about this one? I have one of these on all my AR style rifles. Shown is my Spikes ST-22T with one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=368233&t=11082005

[rct442]

I like this one;

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=713034

Doesn't that interfere with a BUIS or optic mounted on the upper receiver? I would think in a high stress/combat situation, the inability to quickly access the charging handle would put you in a life or death situation.

[Josh3239]

Doesn't that interfere with a BUIS or optic mounted on the upper receiver? I would think in a high stress/combat situation, the inability to quickly access the charging handle would put you in a life or death situation.

They make those because using the charging handle is already a pain in the butt and when you have optics mounted over the charging handle it is nearly impossible to pull the handle back. These are larger so they are easier to pull back and it is just the latch so it is offset to the left, that way you don't have to dig under your scope to pull the charging handle.

IMHO, the charging handle is just unusual all together. Now that I have ASA's side charging upper, it is so worth it. The charging handle design on top of the upper is overall just a pain.

[ar15barrels]

The extended charging handles like the 1st gen badger linked above are fine as long as you will not sling the rifle.
When you sling it, they dig into your chest or get tangeled in wwhatever gear you may be wearing on your chest.
If you only shoot on the bench, which is my guess with a rig like pictured in the first thread, they would be good.

The 2nd gen badger is much smaller as is the PRI "big weenie" military latch.

[rayra]

I like the look of the various aftermarket latches, but they just seem to add to the snag factor.
How about changing your approach to the charging handle and use your thumb on the latch portion and index on teh other side, reaching around the end of the scope, rather than using index and middle and having to reach under the scope?

[tsname]

I know nothing about optics on firearms, well, because I prefer using iron sights, but would moving the scope a few notches forward alleviate the problem? I realize it might throw off your doo-hickey, but it might help?

[ar15barrels]

I know nothing about optics on firearms, well, because I prefer using iron sights, but would moving the scope a few notches forward alleviate the problem? I realize it might throw off your doo-hickey, but it might help?

It would most likely create an eye-relief problem where the image in the scope is not properly visible.

[pacrimguru]

I like this one;

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=713034

yes, to clear your optics, i say go with either the badger gen 1 or the buffer tech one like mine here (i think they're the same):



i have the badger gen 2 as well, but don't think it'll stick out enough for you.

[Timberland]

This is nice but it sticks very far out, people complain they break, mine hasent, but it would work nice if it did. Notice how the latch can be opened from either side.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=767704&t=11082005

Badger is nice too and dosent stab you in the gut as much if you use a 3pt. sling.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=713034&t=11082005

Dont pay more than you have to as they all do a very simmilar job.

[Casual Observer]

The extended charging handles like the 1st gen badger linked above are fine as long as you will not sling the rifle.
When you sling it, they dig into your chest or get tangeled in wwhatever gear you may be wearing on your chest.
If you only shoot on the bench, which is my guess with a rig like pictured in the first thread, they would be good.

The 2nd gen badger is much smaller as is the PRI "big weenie" military latch.

quoted for truth.

Most people here though don't have to worry about their latch catching on a chest rig.

[Stockton]

PRI Gas Buster Charging handle or just the big weenie latch. Index finger charging without the stab/snag in the chest.

[gunsmithcats]

Badger Gen 1s are great, i used it in iraq.
But as mentioned, they snag on everything.
Like no ****, its almost dangerous how easily they can snag.
Not that you should ever be condition three and have the rifle slung across the body (1 or 4 only, in my opinion), but being in condition 3 with a tac latch can have it inadvertently load a round into the chamber when it snags. And be the idiot that doesn't notice it and lead to a negligent discharge because you fail to clear your rifle properly when its time to get fatty fat fat at the chow hall.

yea, seen it happen. Not me thankfully.

[Capt. Speirs]

Doesn't that interfere with a BUIS or optic mounted on the upper receiver? I would think in a high stress/combat situation, the inability to quickly access the charging handle would put you in a life or death situation.

Nope, works great.