ar-15 charging handle differences

[bohoki]

i got a small question you guys seem knowlegeable

my question is

i was looking at my handles and saw the most common type has a little lip that i think people call a gas deflector and my other does not but looking at the design; having the gas tube inside the inner hollow of the handle how would gas even get above the track and carry handle to blow back in your face it seems like it may sneak out under the handle but never above it



also this site seems to think this happens

i personally have never had it happen i mostly just get a spotty shoulder from stuff from the drain hole

http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/do-it-yourself-gas-buster-charging-handle

another crazy question

why does my old one have a grey receiver and black buttstock and the new one have black receiver and grey buttstock its not just mine it seems like they are all that way