Charing handle popping loose - CMMG MK-3 308

[MustangGreg66]

I have a CMMG MK-3 308 and when I shoot it, the charging handle is popping loose when it's fired and reciprocating, sometimes hitting me in the face.

This was my fault. I reloaded some ammo that didn't get sized enough, got stuck in the chamber during a rifle match and I had to mortar the rounds out. When I did so, I suspect I didn't depress the charging handle latch enough and caused damage to the surface of the upper receiver where the latch sits.

Has anyone else had this happen with an AR? What's the fix?

The "gunsmith" in me wants to take a Dremel to it and square up the ledge and make the contact surface deeper for more engagement...

The receiver has a matching set of contact surfaces on the other side and I wonder if a company makes a charging handle with hooks on both sides. I have an image of one in my mind, but can't remember what manufacturer it might have been.

 

[msgriff]

Most large frame charging handles use the same latch spring as an AR-15 charging handle. If yours does, Tromix sells extra power AR-15 latch springs, which may solve your problem.

 

[LRRPF52]

The Dremologist option will also cut away more into the anodizing, but you do have an angled surface now instead of a clean edge that retained the latch.

One thing I learned after buying was that CMMG used 6061 Aluminum receivers on some of their uppers for the AR-15, though I’m unsure if they did this with the Mk-3 .308.

If you do go the modification route, you really would want an anodized surface, because the anodize penetrates deep into the aluminum.

I would actually reach out to them and say, “I know this is probably my fault. I don’t know where else to turn. Can you guys help me out?"

 

[MustangGreg66]

The Dremologist option will also cut away more into the anodizing, but you do have an angled surface now instead of a clean edge that retained the latch.

One thing I learned after buying was that CMMG used 6061 Aluminum receivers on some of their uppers for the AR-15, though I’m unsure if they did this with the Mk-3 .308.

If you do go the modification route, you really would want an anodized surface, because the anodize penetrates deep into the aluminum.

I would actually reach out to them and say, “I know this is probably my fault. I don’t know where else to turn. Can you guys help me out?"

Reading through their "Support" and partial warranty scared me away, but you're right. No harm in asking. I sent in a support message. Thanks.

 

[AR shooter]

I had one doing the same thing. I compared it to another one and the latch spring was weaker. Put a new one on it and it stays latched now.