Charging Handle Buyer’s Guide
Whether looking for the best AR-15 Charging Handle upgrade for your current rifle, or evaluating different charging handles for a new AR-15 build, there are a few key things to consider.
Budget Considerations
Since the charging handle is a key component of the AR-15, it has gotten a lot of attention. There are hundreds of options from different manufacturers ranging from basic to meticulously engineered. AR15Discounts.com has a satisfaction guarantee so you can buy with confidence. Here are some helpful links to view charging handles based on budget:
- Charging Handles under $30 – Some popular items in this price range are the NBS Enhanced Mil-Spec Charging Handle, machined from 6061 Billet Aluminum and the Presma Ambidextrous Charging Handle which is a budget-friendly imported ambi charging handle.
- Mid-range Charging Handles in the $30-$60 range – This group contains some of our most popular items. Such as the Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging handle which at time of writing has over 142 5-Star reviews. You’ve also got quality ambidextrous options in this price range with the Seekins Precision AR-15 DNA Charging Handle.
- High-end Premium Charging Handles over $60 – This is where you get into some of the Gucci stuff. For the most part Radian owns this part of the market with it’s highly regarded line of Radian Raptor Charging Handles which are all ambidextrous. There are other very solid options though like Geissele’s Airborne and Super Charging Handles.
Other things to consider would be operation of the charging handle. If you’ve got a bulky optic mounted toward the rear of your upper receiver, you probably want something with an extended latch so you can get a good grip on the handle. If you’re left handed, then you definitely want to try an Ambidextrous Charging Handle although there are many other good reasons that shooters choose an ambidextrous charging handle as well.
