AR-15 Charging Handles: Old vs. New

In this informative video, Reid Henrichs of Valor Ridge discusses the older and newer type charging handles. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. Many other considerations are covered in this video as to whether an upgrade is needed or not. Traditional techniques for use are covered, as are newer methods.
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[@TiborasaurusRex]

Man, you nailed it. I agree 100% on all points.

[@ReidHenrichs]

Keep killing it on your end Rex. Good stuff you are putting out.

[@Isaac_5.56x45]

👍🇺🇸

[@SwheatCents]

Yall should do a collaboration!

[@derrickvarnadore1682]

I second all of this...

[@beardedbowhunter6139]

@@SwheatCents I agree

[@hunterman600cc]

Reid is the human embodiment of the saying: It's the Indian, not the arrow.

[@GmanGSW]

I agree with you there, brother... Reid is "the Indian, not the arrow!"

[@warriorhealth2172]

That comment hurt my feeling's. You said "Indian". 🙄😏

[@videodistro]

@@warriorhealth2172 LOL!

[@warriorhealth2172]

@@videodistro 😂😂

[@Hisslave1]

@@warriorhealth2172 Yeah, I'm offended too. Hah.

[@skim2958]

I bought an oversized ambidextrous charging handle recently. Could not believe how much of a difference it made. The biggest improvement was that instead of a little lever in the handle that you need to depress to unlock the charging handle, the handle itself becomes the unlocker, on both sides no less. Trust me. It made a huge difference.

[@colinsanders9397]

"I like it when it throws some of that moisture back in your face." Yup. Still a Devil Dog.

[@LordEagle]

My kinda woman,,,,😲😲😲👍😎

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

I came to the comments section just for this comment.

[@josephrobison8886]

@@Mockturtlesoup1 same here

[@brich2929]

@@LordEagle hell yeah

[@peachfuds]

Moist

[@BERTalert7]

The new ambi handles are quite nice for us southpaws.

[@videodistro]

Agreed!

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Yeah, although I have been forced to learn to do EVERYTHING, just about, with my right hand, it is super nice having something feel natural right off the get go..

[@ragheadand420roll]

I shoot ar left handed Its all abt trng

[@unlikemuffin4439]

Or you can just hook it with your index and middle fingers like right handers... it still works.

[@BERTalert7]

@@unlikemuffin4439 You are 100% correct. But all my ARs will have ambi latches. It's the one concession I make to help me out. Plus in the video Reid was racking it only from the left side.

[@saltyrebel2037]

My brother was a USMC scout/sniper so I trust his judgment as I do yours, Reid. He was taught the philosophy, "Bells and whistles are for your dress blues, not your firearms!"

[@sheepdog5799]

Agreed

[@dragontalontsiawd]

O621 here Oo fucking rahhhhh devil dog!!! People always want extra this extra that oz's equal lbs

[@georgemoran1017]

Every one of his rifles were covered in bell's and whistles though. Maybe you should trust his judgment a little less.

[@dragontalontsiawd]

@@georgemoran1017 Who? Which rifle?

[@georgemoran1017]

@@dragontalontsiawd his brothers sniper rifles. For the last 35 years each one has had multiple attachments to increase the usability of the rifles.

[@MrToad-actual]

My M1A’s charging handle is perfect 👌

[@Marcus_972]

Guntubers are screaming right now, Reid has failed to shill as required. I love it, good job being honest and having some integrity.

[@mikelekston698]

No one speaks with more common sense, honesty, and practicality than you. Thank you.

[@Shackleford_Rusty]

You and Clint are the only two subject matter authorities I feel I can trust to be straight forward.

[@michaelblacktree]

As a lefty, I can appreciate an ambi charging handle. But aside from that, I totally agree.

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Yeah, as a lefty you probably have gotten mostly used to EVERYTHING in this world being made for right handed people, right!? Which at this point, 47yrs later, I'm glad to have learned to do everything ambidextrously...

[@michaelblacktree]

Yeah, Uncle Sam taught me to use weapons made for right-handed people. It's not that hard. But for my personal use, I can choose the easier path. 😉

[@Kenny762c]

With all that being said... I sure do love my BCM extended charging handle.

[@Excalibur01]

They are nice

[@martiniversen4898]

Yep, BCM makes some that are only 40 bucks and dont come out crazy far.

[@mattturner6357]

Going to get over to CSAT with My Wife. Hard to believe My Wife and I meet You by chance on Valentines Day at our favorite local Italian restaurant in Nacogdoches TX. We deeply appreciate Your calling. God Bless

[@J0sh92]

I really appreciated having my Geissele Airborne CH in your Rifleman 1 class. It was 100 degrees on the Ridge both days, and my sweaty hands never slipped during stoppage clearance drills. I'm not sure how effective an old school charging handle would've been (perhaps it wouldn't have been a problem), but I really appreciated the shape and sharp texture of the Geissele latch. And the Airborne isn't any larger than a standard CH (just shaped differently). Stay safe and keep up the good work bro!

[@Phoenix_Atlas]

With practice you can use the standard just as well as the fancy ones.

[@zeroneutral]

I like the feel of the Geissele more than the Raptor, incidentally.

[@CertifiedBullpupHater]

@@Phoenix_Atlas you can but if you can afford it and there is only benefits why not?

[@AMX86]

It's all personal choice and what you learned and practice. Whatever you do it is simple...it has to work and work everytime.

[@jallen32785]

Real talk backed by real knowledge, nothing better. Thanks for your videos.

[@theeasternfront6436]

Reid giving the clean gun freaks and the “dont over lube the gun” fudds fits with this video.

[@bs2951]

The old style release latch puts all the load on the roll pin , On many of the newer style latches the load is on the latch when it contacts the handle, (Stronger), Semper Fi.

[@jamesr792]

Thank you for putting quality information out there. Too many people are too focused on technology and toys, rather than what actually matters.

[@jcarne1015]

Reid, I spent a number of years in the AR style weapons business. I built rifles with all the gizmos and gadgets for gun show displays, and for people with more money than sense. Nowadays, my go to gun is an SP1 carbine with a flashlight and forward grip. Light and fast.

[@ACGBLR]

Lesson, train with what you got.

[@joe-lf2dv]

Love the one you're with!!

[@ungratefulpeasant8085]

Thanks for the video Reid, your opinion is always appreciated. Lube is a good thing. I have never seen a firearm get caked up and go down from being too wet. I have seen plenty go down from not being cleaned and lubed.

[@coolhandluke6840]

Old School...(cleaned, cared for) reduce almost all issue in all climates and almost all scenarios...right-on!

[@phoenix55755]

When I first got my AR, I thought I would need to get a bigger handle. I used my off hand to rack the rifle like you showed in the video, no problems, no issues, so I thought, hey, this saves me some money!

[@FunWithGuns]

I recently picked up a geissele airborne charging handle. It's designed so that it is easier to grab, ambidextrous and more durable but doesnt stick out far enough to snag on anything. I also like to close my dust cover when I know my rifle is loaded so I can look down and know my bolt hasnt come out of battery and the condition of my rifle. I like it also because it blocks gases and I feel it wont break if I have to mortar it. To each their own though. You have waaay more experience than I do and your oldschool setup works for you so 🤷‍♂️. I hope to train with you soon!

[@jl123ist]

Having a scope reducing access to the charging handle is the only reason I would consider changing it from standard mil-spec.

[@zeroneutral]

This exactly. This is why I got one. It's a big difference.

[@johnrice1943]

Wow. I'm in Nacogdoches TX now.

[@iga2728]

Coming to your class this year in NOv. only time i could. Cant wait bro. Looking forward to cool weather as well.

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

All the money saved from not buying Gucci charging handles for a pile of Cars can get you more ammo, mags, spare guns and parts. Appreciate your practical and Patriotic insights , it's really awesome that Rex is here too!

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

ARs not cars, spell check is messing with me

[@forestchicken3302]

I have an extended on my rifle. Army infantryman at one time so I can use either. In my current role I like the larger one. I keep my rifle more as a rapid deployment role not carrying it for miles like I used to.

[@richardlindquist5936]

Love me some old school A2.

[@Brotherman94]

I've never had an issue with an extended charging handle just like I've never had an issue with a standard charging handle. Since they perform that same function I've saved myself money and kept the standard charging handle on most of my recent purchases/builds.

[@allenpepke1989]

Always love your wisdom. In this case though I have bad arthritis in my hands to it helps me alot

[@Stevarooni]

My only concern would be that it would stick out from the slim profile of the rifle, but not excessively.

[@nmfailkid3]

“I really like it when it throws some of that moisture back in your face” I see what you did there 😂😂😂

[@jupiterjunk]

. So glad I wasn't the only person thinking that.

[@NessNik]

Reid likes Lube in his face ... Well this is America do what you want LOL but seriously Gun grease like Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II is amazing! like Franks hot sauce i use that Sh*t on everything!

[@freedomfighter1861]

Always make sure their wet even if you have to use a spit shine!

[@wellregulated8725]

Like.... a squirter?

[@joe-lf2dv]

@@wellregulated8725 We're still talking about guns here right?

[@pogveteranar9415]

Whatever milspec looking one came with mine works great so far. Great video!

[@muddyhotdog4103]

They do their job just fine an dandy

[@homeFall1]

Thank you for explaining your preference and WHY. You make great points and you defiantly have enough time with the system to know what you are talking about. As a lefty I personally have ambi BCM Gunfighters on all my ARs except my M16A1 copy, this allows me to also have a common reference for my nose to charging handle as all mine are the same. Having shot in the rain and wet as well as with a WELL lubed gun I like having a better seal to have the gas and water blow out somewhere other than in my face. Lastly I think if you have a large optic mounted towards the rear (LPVO) then it might make sense to run a larger aftermarket charging handle. NOT trying to get in a fight with anyone over this, I think for the majority of people the bog standard unit will work perfectly, just explaining some of the reasons I prefer an alternative.

[@LordEagle]

Reid,,,,you're an AWESOME instructor!!!!!!! 👍👍👍🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@sean6077]

Agree on all points, Reid. The only things I added to my rifle is an RDS, BUIS, and a light. Everything else was GTG. No failures/issues of any kind through a couple thousand rounds, so far.

[@victorforte1605]

That's the only thing I dislike on an AR is that rear charging handle.

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

*and the stupid buffer tube..

[@victorforte1605]

@@BabyCharlotteschannel true story

[@roger7857]

As an older shooter had to addlow power scope so I need little larger charging handle plus some arthritis in hands. You definitely make it understandable to keep original handle. Age sucks but beats the alternative

[@thomasmoorman5328]

I've got one for you. While at our Summer FTX last year we went on patrol we where worn out all ready. Not even half way through the four miles with assault packs one of the guys tripped and fell on his rifle. His extended charging handle went into his right nostril. Needless to say he was bleeding like a stuck pig and in extreme pain for days.The tough SOB got to trough the exercise the made final formation.

[@wvmountaineer69]

Wow that's crazy!

[@thomasmoorman5328]

@@wvmountaineer69 Yep its a injury he won't get over. Still in the game though. The people that commit themselves to protecting there community wont give in to injury or there own hardships. We plug along and if anyone needs help we are there. I'm very proud of these people. Sorry I'm off subject but had to comment on the importance of getting your teams together. Train Train and Train more. Beware there is a lot more to training in the manual of arms. Teamwork in traveling and response as well as setting up defensive positions is critical.

[@gpclipner]

Sling update for AR would be nice. Noticed that yours has changed from video from several years ago.

[@philyamascunt7518]

George Clipner I wish Reid or someone would do a "Sling for Dummies" video I got a Vickers Blue Force padded sling as a present. The sling arrived as a continuous loop which is no big deal but when I went to put my QD swivels on it I pulled it out of the plastic container and noticed 5 buckles, a buckle for the quick adjust strap for a total of 6 buckles and a square "Connector/Hinge" on the sling. I stared at the sling and wondered why are there all of these buckles on a sling and where do the non QD buckles go and I cannot find a video or instructions mentioning where these "Middle" buckles should be placed or threaded so it sits in the corner The girl at work that gave me the sling keeps asking if I mounted the sling on a rifle yet and I tell her that I've been busy but I hate to "Lie" to her

[@gpclipner]

@@philyamascunt7518 I get it. I asked a buddies son who at the time was an active duty Ranger Sargent with 13 Tours under his belt. I got his recommended sling pref. Good sling but without constantly practicing could be complicated. For fast use I’m currently using a bungee type. Let’s not go into magazines yet.

[@patriotfour3374]

Love the content! Can't wait to get back down there for a rifle class!

[@Brandonp728]

Just ordered both books can't wait for them to arrive

[@davidbreit5615]

I did buy an oversized handle and kept the original one for a replacement. I know of a couple of guy who supposedly broke their charging handle, in the middle of a training class

[@sheepdog5799]

I have had them warp before so it’s never a bad idea to have an extra around

[@FunWithGuns]

Me too

[@graynotescartridgebox]

And the aftermarket ones are less likely to break.

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

@@graynotescartridgebox yeah. The new/after market ones are made to tolerate only being grabbed/charged on one side, as opposed to the two finger technique that was taught/intended for the older style charging handles. I also just got my first silencer(well, bout my first silencer, it'll probably be another 6 months before I get it), and I'm considering getting one of those charging handles built for use with silencers to help prevent excess gas from getting in your face. I did get one of those OSS flow through silencers that supposedly only drastically reduces back pressure, but I'm also cross dominant so I shoot long guns lefty, which puts the ejection port right in front of my face.

[@jthrelf]

This philosophy is also evident in your rifle here too. Basic, good quality rifle, light and sling - done. And knowing how to use it....

[@carlray4809]

THANKS BROTHER, I USED AN M16A1 IN THE ARMY. NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT A DIFFERENT HANDLE, DONT EXPECT I EVER WILL. 👍 🙏

[@cbrabb]

Yes! Excellent points, all around. Thanks for your time, Reid!

[@ianmorace8382]

Always love your straight forward and practical guidance. My rifle came with an oversized charging handle and its one of the reasons I opted for it. I have an issue with my fingers from 20 years in the AF as an Aircraft Mechanic. The oversized charging handle helps me get a better surface in which to manipulate the charging handle. I don't carry plates or anything like that so its a non issue for me but I train with it as much as possible these days. Thanks again for all you do and have done.

[@phillipfitzwater6306]

I agree on all points sir. However on my flat top rifles with scopes, the scope and charging handle compete for space. I prefer an extended charging handle when a scope is mounted.

[@ThePongo357]

My duty rifle is set up similar to yours. I do have an extended latch on my charging handle. And I've had it unlatch during transition drills while wearing body armor. Good point here.

[@GrumpyGenXGramps]

They’re VERY beneficial with a DMR with a scope. I couldn’t pull the mil spec charging handle.... but JUST as I typed this, you said it! DAMN!!

[@chrisbaker978]

As always I enjoyed your video brother. Keep up the good fight man!

[@chaosad9754]

I have multiple ARs and finally broke down the other day and bought an extended ambidextrous charging handle. I had my reservations, sticks out too far, digs into my side, wouldn't be the same as my other guns, etc. I put it on a scoped rifle, thinking it would allow for easier access, not having to work around the back of the scope, which is just a little forward of the handle. First time I tried to use it off hand, the extended part broke off. So, it's back to the original.

[@Excalibur01]

You know Raptor makes small ones

[@GmanGSW]

@Reid Henrichs Thank you for All of your Info and Training thoughts, brother! Always great!

[@dylanbrown3840]

Lots of valid points. Especially the part when using a scope.

[@fredlardieri6879]

One of the things about ARs is there like the Camaro or Mustang folks love to modify them! Trigger is nice, but I believe in the k.i.s.s. method on stuff "as well

[@michaelkennedy996]

Thank you, Marine.

[@conradangel8602]

My AR10 is set up just like your AR 15. Even the flash light. It works for me

[@videodistro]

I believe the longer stick outs on charging handles is about getting out from under optics. That's the only reason I've ever seen them used or suggested. I use a more standard size, but love the ambi ones. I'm a lefty, though run a mixture of L and R hand manipulation. Also, be careful thinking everyone with a rifle has the time, money or environment to train all the time. Many are operating with the disadvantage of less continual training. Whether you like it or want it to be different. It's called reality. We don't all live out in the lovely boonies.

[@OMGWUNSIU]

Reid always has such great videos. On point again! Thank you.

[@thestoryiheard]

I have myopia and astigmatism. That's why I bought a scope with a fast magnification handle. Because of a charging handle with a big pedal, I can charge my AR-15 very fast even though the scope is closer to the gunstock. As an IPSC practitioner speed matters. Thanks for your book. Greetings from Ukraine.

[@xXjOmAmMaXx]

I just went with a non-standard charging handle since I'm left handed and it allows me to manipulate the rifle more efficiently, not necessarily for speed.

[@jimbob2422]

I like being a minimalist when it comes to firearms

[@rustynut1967]

I have scopes on two of my ARs and the extended handle works good with those so I run the same on my red dot rifle. I'm to old for runnin and gunnin with a load-out anyway. Enjoy your videos 👍

[@JPetersenJohnMiltonPetersonIII]

👍Excellent coverage of this Reid. Best that I have seen.👍

[@dbmail545]

Green and blue. Good on ya, Reid.

[@trenttimmons5949]

Thank you for the heads-up on this.

[@IrishCopeDipper]

I used to run extended charging handles on my rifles until I took my first class. Been running milspec charging handles ever since.

[@kennygerathy]

Awesome Job Hoss... Semper Fidelis. God Bless 🇺🇸

[@georgemoran1017]

I picture Reid angrily driving away in his model t after this

[@bassboy99091]

I have regular old school charging handles on all but one of my rifles the one that has a raptor is because that rifle has a LPVO so I agree 100%

[@cloneorder6641]

Another great plus for the newer handles are the ones that vent gas well for suppressed use

[@MrToad-actual]

Thank you, Reid.

[@scottkelly7051]

I totally agree with you. I only take firearm advice from guys who've been on a 2-way range. If you can't manipulate an old school charging handle in all conditions you need to train more .

[@glorybound7599]

The scope is the reason why I opted for a butterfly style charging handle. Other than that I’m very old school as well.

[@Thomas1954]

Good video. Keep it simple. Rifle, Sling, light, red dot, and training repetitions.

[@johnburrows1179]

Agreed. I’m old school, Vietnam vet, and I see so many guys today with $40,000 worth of accessories on their rifles. They’re worried about 1/2 moa at 400 yards etc. In the heat of battle in the real world that crap goes out the window. All you’re concerned about is hitting your target to stop it. Bells and whistles are nice, whatever you like. But get to know basics first, know how to use your iron sights. Good luck to all

[@jeremy8715]

One subject for a new video is fixed powered scoped (i.e. 3x) or magnifier + red dot.

[@waynesmith699]

I bought and installed one of the fancy new charging handle. Used it once. Gave it away.

[@ericthehalfmexican9187]

The do come in really nice for suppressed rifles, but it doesn’t need to be extended for that. When the latch sticks it too far, then it starts to dig into your chest or gear.

[@Isaac_5.56x45]

Great video sir, thank you for covering these real world issues.

[@1945tigers]

The Strike extended charging handle is very nice.

[@FootBall432221]

Thank you for the video Reid.

[@raboo3211]

Very informative thanks Reid. I'm left handed I have the wide handle I like it. 👊

[@popacap21]

but but but but but that Geissele Trigger will *definitely* fix my 7 MOA trigger flinch

[@thefirespectrum]

I put on ALL my gear for the last rifle class I went to. I discovered that my big charging handle latch was catching on my magazine pouches at low ready. I put the old school charging handle back on as soon as I got home. It wasn't an issue with just a mag shingle, but once plates and fatigue were in the mix, it happened multiple times. I'm glad I trained with all my kit that day, and will continue to do so from now on.

[@marshallbass7842]

All valid points. Love your videos.

[@XDWX]

So glad to hear you prefer the standard old school charging handle. The $100 fancy charging handles are a joke. A $12 one will function just fine.

[@franklinstower6721]

Great video... all my upgrades are cosmetic except for the charging handle, I went with a standard size ambidextrous handle. I love it. It's never in the way and it doesnt matter if I grab it in an awkward way, itll unlock and I can get it into battery

[@AMERICANDOF]

The real advantage is more real estate to grab when your optic is sitting low and you have big hands you'll be able to catch that larger charging and go to work

[@duroisgawd]

I'm left handed and run optics. I prefer an ambi charging handle with a little more of a handle.

[@Quality_Guru]

Excellent content! I have zero experience with military or LEO tours, but I do have a little experience with reliability and innovation. Here is what I learned. If it isn't broke, don't fix it. If you are not getting an advantage in performance all it can do is introduce a new set variables that can lead to unexpected errors.

[@MuradBeybalaev]

He gets that cheekweld every single time.

[@sniperbear5898]

Reed, you bring me back to my days in the Corps with an excellent PMI. Keep the truth coming. One charging handle I really like is the TacOps charging handle (mid size). I was a believer after inserting optics but the standard charging handle works and works well. Semper Fi.

[@SixOFord]

I like the bcm with the small catch.

[@jamesnapier107]

Good one Reid! My thought is if it's not broke don't fix it, keep it simple and reliable. But glad you said what you did about scopes on the AR. I run a Leupold LPVO on my rifle and a medium size latch BCM charging handle which is what came with my BCM Recce 16. It make it easier for me to charge the weapon with scope mounted. So good point with that being said. Those larger latches just poke me in the chest and get hung up on anything they come in contact with.

[@tacticalceo685]

Great video Reid thank you .

[@1968CudaGuy]

I use a specific brand of extended charging handles specifically to help overcome physical disabilities I have. I've used stock charging handles and found them difficult to manipulate with the off hand.

[@bubbahotepjr.2983]

No school like the old school. The basics never change.

[@showerfreak]

100% You young pups and your "plate carriers". Come at me when you've got proper old school plate armor.