How to pick an AR carry handle?

[Zdeth]

Hey Guys,

I'm building my first AR and trying to pick out a carry handle. I've seen such a huge price range for them and I'm a bit confused. The two criteria I'm dealing with are:

- I already have a scoped bolt action so I want to use iron sites, and be able to hit paper around 200yd+

- I'm currently on a budget, so some of the lower priced options are kinda appealing.

A lot of the carry handles I've seen are 'no name' brands and can be anywhere from 40$ on amazon to $100++.. and usually a big gap between the two prices.

I was wondering if anyone could share some advice about how to pick out an AR (5.56) carry handle. Brands? Things to look for?
Also, what hits am I taking when going with a lower cost one that claim they are for AR-15s, eg, will it not hold a zero well/ will the adjustments be inconsistent?

I know its kinda of a tall order (good quality at low cost)
Bottom line, whats a good AR carrying handle thats not too expensive?
ps, its going on a BCM upper

[Tweak338]

if its going on a BCM upper, why not get a BCM carry handle for it?

Or search through AR15.com's equipment exchange for one.

Just go with a known brand (eg. DPMS, Armalite, RRA)
basically if it has a forge mark, its decent.

[killshot44]

As long as it has the proper A2 sight and 6/3 windage adjustment it will work for you.

PM sent as I just happen to have what you might be looking for.

[dieselpower]

Originally Posted by Tweak338
Just go with a known brand (eg. DPMS, Armalite, RRA)
basically if it has a forge mark, its decent.

As long as it has the proper A2 sight and 6/3 windage adjustment it will work for you.

PM sent as I just happen to have what you might be looking for.

WRONG

Carry handles come in two sizes. most likely a BCM upper has a F-marked front sight base. This means you must use a mil-spec M4 6/3 carry handle. You should NOT use a Commercial A3-A4 6/3 or 8/3.

Just cuz it says 6/3 on the wheel, doesn't mean its for a F marked FSB...they come in two sizes.

If you have a flip up front or a bolt on front post either will do. Just remember the standard battle zero may not work for you.

[dieselpower]

Just look at your FSB, if it is marked "F" on the left side, you MUST use a Mil-spec M4 6/3. BCM, Colt, Stag and LMT. You can not use a RRA, Bushmaster, Olympic ....(and I think Armalite but I am unsure if they went to F marked.)

[RRichie09]

Is the Troy folding front the same as a F-marked FSB?

[Solidsnake87]

The price has to do with quality. Many sellers sell airsoft quality handles as real weapon quality handles. The airsoft ones will work no problem for 2-300 yard shooting though. In general, you can probably find a quality used one for $50.

[dieselpower]

Is the Troy folding front the same as a F-marked FSB?

...and there is the problem. We are dealing with 0.040 here. I have heard this go both ways. Its just better to zero as what is on the firearm, not what the book says when dealing with flip ups and bolt ons. I think Troy made most of theirs the correct height. I think Magpuls are NOT. remember there are FOUR sizes , Gas block and railed guard as well as Rifle and M4 deck height.

I labeled the 1ST pic wrong...dont shoot me. It should read... "Rifle sized Carry handle, do not use with F marked FSB". I am sorry I offended the Bushmaster / RRA guys. Forgive me




edit feel free to take this for your gun files.

[17+1]

My wifes Stag and my CMMG both came with cerro forge handles...her receivers aren't teflon coated and neither is the handle, they're all matte. My receivers are teflon coated and are noticably shinier than the matte handle.

Just something to keep any eye out for if you want finishes to match.

[dieselpower]

The price has to do with quality. Many sellers sell airsoft quality handles as real weapon quality handles. The airsoft ones will work no problem for 2-300 yard shooting though. In general, you can probably find a quality used one for $50.

airsoft has NOTHING to do with it. there are TWO sizes used in the AR15 community. Airsoft isnt even made for real trajectories....they are toy replica gear.

[Boone]

I'd skip the whole carry handle and just get a back up iron sight.

[Nathan Krynn]

Get your self a BCM carry handle for your BCM upper. You are guaranteed it working right.

[Zdeth]

Hey thanks for all the advice guys. Looks like I'll still have some time to make up my mind. I'll probably wait to find a good condition used BCM handle or just wait till money starts coming in and buy a new one with my upper. In time maybe I'll switch to a red dot , Feel free to keep the advice/ opinions coming!

[dieselpower]

I updated and placed the pics into one easy to "click and save" pic for everyone.

[MrPlink]

. there are TWO sizes used in the AR15 community. Airsoft isnt even made for real trajectories....they are toy replica gear.

while I wouldnt want to use airsoft gear, last I checked up is up, down is down, left is left, and right is right, how is it that an airsoft company would screw that up?

I could understand if its a bad idea due to inferior materials which dont allow the sight to hold zero..

Im new to this AR thing, so Im just trying to get this is all sorted out.