Side Charging Question

[KulG23]

I tried doing some searches (google, youtube, calguns, ar15) and didn't find what I was looking for. I hope I am posting this in the right place! I am fairly new to using and building AR platforms. I saw these:

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1657

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1656

I have a mega arms billet lower with timney drop in trigger, etc (lower is complete). This reminded me the Skar rifle, but if I purchased this upper and BCH with SIDE charging handle... will it still work with .223 lower I have and will I still need a rear CH???

Also, are there any pro/cons to a side charging handle vs the rear CH? ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

[IPSICK]

From the example you showed, I don't like the reciprocating CH.

If I were to go side charger I would go with the American Spirit Arms or JP version. Side charger does not reciprocate.

[KulG23]

Would there be a rear ch for reciprocating or not?

[TKCastle]

It has the cut out for a CH don't know why you would need one though. Weird

[SocomM4]

I think the side chargers are boss, but I would want it on the other side. That way I can keep my hand on the controls without doing an AK reach around.

[jaymz]

Would there be a rear ch for reciprocating or not?

Not.

It has the cut out for a CH don't know why you would need one though. Weird

Maybe they just modify standard uppers?

[FaRKle!]

Also, are there any pro/cons to a side charging handle vs the rear CH? ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

Unless you're a lefty I can't see any advantage with the side charging carrier you posted. I charge my AR with my left hand by just pulling back the left side of my rear charging handle with my palm. My charging handle is a BCM though which was made to make that easier.

[crazychinaman]

I think the side chargers are boss, but I would want it on the other side. That way I can keep my hand on the controls without doing an AK reach around.

ASA uppers ,the handle is like a Fn FAl charging handle.It fold flat,on the left side of the upper.They are great.have one for about 5 years now.

[sigstroker]

From the example you showed, I don't like the reciprocating CH.

If I were to go side charger I would go with the American Spirit Arms or JP version. Side charger does not reciprocate.

Solid handle is better. No forward assist needed and it's much better for clearing jams.

I think the side chargers are boss, but I would want it on the other side. That way I can keep my hand on the controls without doing an AK reach around.

If you put it on the left you make another hole for dirt to get into the action.

[2zero9]

That reciprocating charging handle looks like its going to smack the **** out of anything it touches....

[T dog]

To answer the question your regular 223 5.56 lower and timmy trigger will work fine.The mega/rainier upper you posted can use a charging handle or not it is up to you.I have a couple lars side chargers that don't have the cut out for the charging handle witch i prefer.

[Gutz]

It has the cut out for a CH don't know why you would need one though. Weird

So you can switch between side charging and the stardard CH. Makes no sense to go back to old-fashioned CH with a side charging upper though?

[KulG23]

Thanks all, this is perfect.

[weespeed]

I'm right handed and got the Lar with left side charger.
Makes more sense for me.

Though I'm told the right side charger knob acts as a shell deflector.

[JDPhx501]

I have the ambi LAR side charger. I like it as a range gun.

I've never had a problem with the reciprocating handle on both sides, although sometimes gas gets sprayed in my face when shooting because of the left side charging slot.

The handle is screwed into the handle. I use one of the screws that came with ikea furniture. Keep in mind they do work themselves loose after a few hundred rounds.