Re: Why don't you see more side charging handle setups
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigjohnintexas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where the hell did the OP mention that he wanted opinions about gas-piston uppers. Read the f'ing title and don't make everyone read through this entire thread picking out info about side charging handles from the damn never ending debate about gas piston blah blah blah blah...
As far as the side charger goes, I have one being built right now. It is a right side charger and is a billet square walled Alexander Arms upper. This rifle will only be a competition rifle so I thought I'd try it out. My problem with the left side charging handle in a duty rifle is much the same as the extended "tactical" latches people put on their traditional charging handles. I have seen more than once those extended latches catch on body gear or LBVs just enough to take the bolt out of battery and cause a malfunction. Anything on the left side of the rifle that is related to the movement or placement of the carrier can cause this if you sling your rifle across your body. It really depends on what you plan on doing with the rifle as to whether or not a charging handle should even be considered. This might be one of the reasons you don't see more of them, but who knows.
I have seen and handled a JP upper with the left side charging handle and I was very impressed, but for duty I like the KISS principle. </div></div>
I have the ASA non-reciprocating on one rifle,never had a FTF but would not trust it in a SHTF situation,very well made though.
My other is a Fulton with the handle on the bolt carrier which can also act as a FA if need be,does not stick out much at all,have used this one for 5+ yrs no problems.
I think the cost of a side charger/modified BC is as a big reason you don't see too many of them compared to a standard A4 upper.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigjohnintexas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where the hell did the OP mention that he wanted opinions about gas-piston uppers. Read the f'ing title and don't make everyone read through this entire thread picking out info about side charging handles from the damn never ending debate about gas piston blah blah blah blah...
As far as the side charger goes, I have one being built right now. It is a right side charger and is a billet square walled Alexander Arms upper. This rifle will only be a competition rifle so I thought I'd try it out. My problem with the left side charging handle in a duty rifle is much the same as the extended "tactical" latches people put on their traditional charging handles. I have seen more than once those extended latches catch on body gear or LBVs just enough to take the bolt out of battery and cause a malfunction. Anything on the left side of the rifle that is related to the movement or placement of the carrier can cause this if you sling your rifle across your body. It really depends on what you plan on doing with the rifle as to whether or not a charging handle should even be considered. This might be one of the reasons you don't see more of them, but who knows.
I have seen and handled a JP upper with the left side charging handle and I was very impressed, but for duty I like the KISS principle. </div></div>
I have the ASA non-reciprocating on one rifle,never had a FTF but would not trust it in a SHTF situation,very well made though.
My other is a Fulton with the handle on the bolt carrier which can also act as a FA if need be,does not stick out much at all,have used this one for 5+ yrs no problems.
I think the cost of a side charger/modified BC is as a big reason you don't see too many of them compared to a standard A4 upper.
