What about a bolt-on side charging handle for an AR?

[santacruzstefan]

I may have just had a stroke of genius. So what if you basically replaced the charging handle with this thing that came around, hugging the left side of the upper, and then bolted on to the rail at the end of the receiver? It would be like a little track, that contained the charging handle, and perhaps it had a little button that would unlock it as you pulled it back. Its hard to describe what I mean, but if it were done cleanly, it wouldn't look very odd and wouldn't get in the way.

What do you think? Possible? Worthwhile?

[santacruzstefan]

Better idea. It would slide over the rail, basically add a bit of height to the rail, but come down and back to where the charging handle normally would be. The handle would come out the side, and it would still be plug-and-play on existing uppers.

[G1500]

No offense, but sounds like a cheezy side charger. I really can't picture it but it sounds like it would be kind of flimsy.

How much do you figure something like this would cost compared to a regular side charging upper?

[gadjeep]

I think that (if well executed) could be a pretty viable accessory. Sort of like a BAD lever on steroids! I personally dont care for the CH position on ARs but I care even less for the price of Non-reciprocating, side charging uppers. This could meet us half way.

Way to have the balls to throw something like this out into the ring. God knows there are enough knuckleheads on here that live to flame anything that wasn't already being produced by Magpul or KAC.

[G1500]

I honestly can't visualize your idea, but the way I am thinking it looks like you might have the case deflector getting in your way.

[NorCalAthlete]

I think he means it'd attach to the T part of the current charging handle, and wrap around the left side....right? Least that's the way I'm visualizing it. Sort of a U shape with the right "leg" of the U being the current charging handle and the left side being his add-on.

[SpeedTribe]

Both ideas already in the works. Check YouTube for ar-15 side charging. The sidewinder by RARGUNS and the CAD model video appear to be something like you are describing. Keep us posted on your project. New ideas are always welcome

[xxINKxx]

Better idea. It would slide over the rail, basically add a bit of height to the rail, but come down and back to where the charging handle normally would be. The handle would come out the side, and it would still be plug-and-play on existing uppers.

What would be the benefit to add more stuff on the rail, while adding weight? Just to have a cool looking side charging latch??

What would make it better then the already proven and very fast to operate extended charging handle latch (BCM mod4 for example)?

[CHS]

Already done.

[NorCalK9.com]

If the bolt would lock into the carrier i'd be interested. as far as proven system? Proven for what?

[santacruzstefan]

On phone,.hard to reply, but CHS, this would work with existing uppers w/o modification. Ill search around, seee about any thing similar. Problem is it would still slide back towards your face since not all internal but perhaps this could be changed.

[santacruzstefan]

Er, without perm modification, just slide into existing connections

[glock_this]

Already done.

who makes this?

[Bug Splat]

I know exactly what you mean. I've been thinking about that design for years. It can be done but I can't figure out a cheap way to do it. For the cost of a bolt-on device you can just buy a true side charge receiver. If you can come up with something solid and cheaper I'd be interested in buying one

[cmace22]

Why not just do an extended charging handle?

Ive also had this idea. Just extend the charging handle down the right or left side of the receiver a few inches.