The Pandemic Project Build Series, Charging Handles Real Deal, Clones and Cheap Imitations

[@ericpettyfishing]

I think charging handles are one of the most over priced things you can buy for an AR. They do look really cool though.

[@ericpettyfishing]

I run BCM charging handles.

[@tackytrooper]

@@ericpettyfishing For me, it's either oldschool milspec or Raptors. Can't stand anything else.

[@didamnesia3575]

Bcm handles are great

[@mikeoxmaul5062]

I bought a cheap one from masdefense. It doesn’t bend and hasn’t broke, I can’t complain.

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

Count Niggula That’s so funny I was looking at all of their stuff week ago I’m just worried they do seem to carry good stuff from wherever there getting them from. But charging handles you must be careful because if they snap in the gun you’re going to have a hard time getting everything disassembled I know I broke a cheap one sometime ago it was a nightmare to get gun disassembled. I’m hoping their stuff is not all that cheap not in price but material.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

I would like to see you build a rifle out of the spare parts you have laying around your shop!

[@kotaboy32]

ok, i'll do it this weekend

[@dirtpile]

livestream and the viewers get to choose what he uses

[@tacticalrabbit308]

@@kotaboy32 it has to be spare parts not parts that are on a weapon now that is my only requirement

[@joshm1389]

Pretty easy to do. I have multiple franken-guns. I love them.

[@tymccutchen]

I put my wife and mine AR's together for $650 each on budget builds at the very beginning of the Scam-Dimmmick" very happy with the both of em. Good video as always.

[@bigd7861]

About to finish up a build for only around *$155!* Would have been a good bit less if it wasn't for the currently inflated prices on lowers.

[@lucasbradshaw2545]

I bought 2 clones, yes bc it was $20... after thousands of rounds my ONLY 2 complaints are 1 the finish wears really fast and 2 one of the roll pins kept working its way out. I replaced it and good to go. I'd love to be able to spend $100 on a radian but I'm po

[@TheV8Pumpkin]

I feel that dude already spending 1000 on a decent rifle, then small things like just a charging handle are a 100 then a quad rail guard and dont even With sights -_- if I can buy dirt cheap parts that DO THE SAME thing im going for it

[@davelenertz5912]

I bought 1 of those from Classic Firearms and had the same problem with not going back. After a little oil and use it now works perfectly.

[@Hisdudeness799]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[@kotaboy32]

That's it

[@thearsdfa]

Oscar wilde

[@unclebob540i3]

This should be a fun series.

[@nhz5527]

I’ve built 5 rifles during the pandemic. Parts go quick but if you stay on it you can find them. So far I’ve put raptors in most of them but I think I’m liking the aero breech a little more. Good review…you get what you pay for

[@TheSMPStudios]

I built 2 pandemic rifles!! 1 300 blk and 1 556/223! Still waiting for the 556 upper since I got it custom made from a company here in Orlando. I am reserving the name since I’m NOT happy with them. Promised two week turnaround and here I am a month later still waiting. I’m cool with waiting. I understand our current situation, but don’t promise delivery times if you won’t deliver!!

[@partsupclose5868]

I admit I’ve seen these and contemplated picking up a clone for a cheap build. After this I’m glad I didn’t. Appreciate it sir!

[@bradyknowzbest1149]

I mean ill be honest here. i have the radian handle in my expensive ar pistol, and the same cheap one on your far right in a cheaper ar15 16" and its been there for over 3 years and its seem 10,000 plus rounds. Both work exactly the same, exactly as well as each other, and ive never had an issue with the cheap one or the radian so tbh the radian just isnt worth the 100 bucks.

[@timrobinson6573]

That's becoming reality. These are not highly complex items and countries like China are improving their manufacturing abilities. They not on the same level of QC as we are in the US but they are getting better and will continue to get better. This is why companies are moving their manufacturing to China. They can get 90-95% of the same quality as in the US and it costs 1/20th the price to do it.

[@BasedAFPatriot]

​@@timrobinson6573 Like IPhones?

[@HopsAndLead]

I run the clones like this and never had an issue. $10-$15 what I've paid

[@TheRealCobraBurnout]

links? lol

[@HopsAndLead]

@@TheRealCobraBurnout Aliexpress. Prepare for 1-2 month shipping

[@TheRealCobraBurnout]

@@HopsAndLead Oh damn

[@HopsAndLead]

@@TheRealCobraBurnout You have to wait for quality sometimes

[@tackytrooper]

@@HopsAndLead that's that Good-Fast-Cheap triangle again.

[@michaelfabian2401]

Come on Kota, we NEED the finish to the BCG series my man!

[@teufeltuna1956]

$16 imitation and still going strong after a year and half of abuse. It’s like buying the Walmart brand, but better.

[@paulhughes3961]

I built my pandemic AR . Complete PSA Freedom upper , PSA lower, PSA part's kit , PSA BCG UTG carbine quad rail and UTG Pro iron sights. 389.00. Can't do that now.

[@ryanwilson5936]

Nice! Now sell it for $2,000 like they did in 2012 lol

[@ryanwilson5936]

Rick V That’s insane man. I sincerely hope you were covered before the price jumps!

[@ryanwilson5936]

Rick V Nice! I built 2 from that also lol.

[@mitchelldelaney5872]

PSA really disappointed me during all this, Regardless of demand, Triple and Quadrupled prices is just wrong. Manufacturing did NOT go up that much for sure

[@joshsevens9611]

I remember that there was a company called Badger arms that I bought a Raptor clone from and I love it, for a clone it was built solid especially for the money I wouldn't of trusted it on a service rifle but I used it for a few matches and some rifle training courses and it held up very very well.

[@DesertTactical]

I just ordered one a few days ago. They had some in stock. We shall see...

[@joshsevens9611]

@@DesertTactical I've had mine for a few years now and I really like it but then again I don't throw my AR around or anything.

[@DesertTactical]

@@joshsevens9611 thats good to know. I think its a hit or miss with the grey badger charging handle. I hope I get a good one.

[@eugenegrant3257]

$100+ for a charging handle is ridiculous.

[@barfo281]

Tacticool KZbinrs can convince people they need anything that's really unnecessary.

[@semichiganandy2127]

Thanks. This is useful information.

[@kenneyminter2023]

I use to buy those cheap Chinese knock offs when I was 1st learning about ARs. But then I noticed the cheap ones are made out of the 60s series aluminum and the high end ones are the 70 series aluminum. And I've had roll pins fall out of the knock offs. So I just pay the extra money up front and don't have regrets later.

[@Petryfied]

Amen brother preach!

[@timrobinson6573]

Reality is that these are not highly complex items and countries like China are improving their manufacturing abilities. They are not on the same level of QC as we are in the US but they are getting better and will continue to get better. This is why companies are moving their manufacturing to China; they can get 90-95% of the same quality as in the US and it costs 1/20th the price to do it. Adapt or die, survival of the fittest.

[@sethblanton911]

I have two of those cheap cheap ones and it has worked fine only thing I can say is that the anodizing comes off.

[@weekendwarrior556]

Have a couple radians not gonna lie I have a grey badger too. The radian uses stainless steel roll pins as well i guess

[@CFairNH]

I'm enjoying the series, looking forward to the next installment

[@robotbuster1487]

I have been using a DS Arms C.H. that is made from steel, on my MK9. That 308 buffer spring in an AR9 pistol can flex a C.H.

[@thanakislupusthesaltywolve7208]

Imitation Is the highest form of flattery

[@mitchellskaterjanes808]

I've had that really crappy charging handle for about 6 years now still runs fine has been throwing in the dirt in az I've actually had a bolt carrier group go out before that thing so I got mixed feelings on the charging handle situation I think a cheap ambidextrous charging handles better than a standard one

[@alexgreene8931]

I have both of those knock offs. The one with the steel is actually built pretty solid! The aluminum handled one is meh but feels just as strong as stock charging handles.

[@kansasgardener5844]

I've been thinking about buying a Lt just because it has a lifetime warranty but right now I'm using knock offs. They work.

[@davidcoleman6211]

Good info. I got two of the wannabe and same piece of $#!!+ . It was just good enough to let me decide on the Raptor. I just had to go the low road first.

[@actionjksn]

I use VLTOR charging handles, but I Would actually use that better clone, not the light one

[@bigd7861]

I want a few charging handles with some giant ass paddles like the Cali-Key has!

[@eltenda]

Good selection! Very look like indeed

[@danieldenure1546]

I have bought several of the knock offs. After running a couple thousand rounds the pins walk out and the latches end up on the ground.

[@55chevy327]

I like these comparisons. I would love to see more of these.

[@danielthompson3837]

Thanks for the honest review. I run the Griffin Armament SN-ACH (for suppressed) and I love them. Someone had posted a review at one time stating Radian and GA were made in the same place. Don't know, but they are very similar.

[@duaneruffins]

Alright! This is what I've been waiting for! Shout out to you for this one!!! @Kotaboy32

[@markallen1413]

Good job KB👍

[@kotaboy32]

Thanks 😁

[@MrBill-qx4ms]

I just bought one of these for 10 bucks for an experiment, so far it looks 100%. But I also want to see more about that rail you just showed

[@oscarostolaza1]

The raptor lt is in aluminum and overmolded with polymer/fiberglass fiber!😉

[@willtrax71]

True hard use or “actual” Operator absolutely top-tier Radian if you depend your Life as you said but a weekend Shooter yes I agree save a few bucks.. stay safe Semper Fidelis

[@z50com]

I was one of your Patreons. . . . .I say was in past tense

[@JJ1st506th]

Love radian products. Run the charging handles and the ambi safeties in all my builds. Worth every penny!!! Keep up the good work KB32

[@brian_b_music]

Jake Johnson Definitely worth every penny. I’m a lefty so anything ambi is a Godsend!!

[@Deathbecomesme3]

I run Radians on the two rifle I consider "duty" builds and the Gray Badgers on my deer rifle and range use guns, as well as keep a couple "free gift" mil specs in rifle cases/range bags. Out of the three or four GB charging handles I have floating around the roll pin has walked out on one of them. I caught it early enough that I was able to give that wing a squeeze with my multitool to push the pin back in and havent had any problems with it since.

[@PepeDeezNutz]

Duty meaning larping around your double wide

[@mr.excitement689]

Idea for video- charging handles made for running suppressed/diverting blowback gases.

[@TheRealCobraBurnout]

I've had the occasional charging handle that was out of spec (wouldn't install into an upper). Freaking annoying so I'm always on the lookout for some decent charging handles that don't cost my left nut.

[@Devilman666]

Breek Warhammer Mod2. Around 45 bucks.

[@pmorin313]

BCM 👍🏻

[@richardsveum8452]

Trying to find a Faxon Barrel for my WWSD 2020 build and cant find them anywhere. Parts/ammo availability right now sucks. Glad I still have my Dillons and plenty of components.

[@brixalpha]

I have the original AXTS that has the Rainer arms marking on it and it's still going strong, I think it's over 10 years old. I bit on one of the Chinese ones and the pins on the handles started to walk out on me (I had it in an upper that I haven't had a chance to test fire yet) so I had to wack them into place.

[@ClasssicAri]

The one clone has steel latches and cost $20 damn. The radian one cost $100, what’s their excuse?

[@JerrBearTactical]

Could the bow have had anything to do with it not locking in place?🤔 I know the Radian Raptor charging handles are made out of T 7075 aluminum those Chinese versions are more than likely made out of 6061 or even less quality than that. Another a great review and comparison. Thanks KB32

[@kotaboy32]

I don't think so

[@JerrBearTactical]

@@kotaboy32 thanks for the reply I hadn't finished my comment before hitting send button🤣🤣🤣lol

[@gunsquawk4443]

Sorry Pal, you're wrong on this one. The Chinese one I have is just as sturdy as my radian raptor. The only difference is the radian raptor logo. My two even weigh almost identical.

[@jalizkojalicienze1279]

So thr taptor latch is also aluminum?

[@Steve-Utah]

great video

[@willbyrd3445]

I feel the pain I've been trying to get parts

[@ItsNeiyuuki]

Bought one on AliExpress for about $7 shipped, let’s see how that holds up

[@jadeolin8514]

Been running one from ali going on 3 years now, finish is worn but other than that it still pulls the bolt just fine.

[@georgefrompa]

I have 2 Raptors... nutin for nutin but i think the spring is too strong.. i have to slam them fluckers before they go to where there suppose to be. i also have one of them prisma clones seems to work fine. no doubt the the raptors are good but are they worth 80 bucks? the prisma was like 29 bucks... so far i dont see a reason to spend the extra money.. you pick but im a cheap bastard and the stock mil speck handle is good enough for me.

[@joetexas1546]

I have the same hangup with my Radian-probably wear in good though (but right now as new they are really tough to seat in the channel).

[@wes95z28]

I bought the Chinese made one (2 ounce one) and it worked fine for about 500 rounds, then it became a reciprocating charging handle. The latch would no longer catch on the upper. Not real fun when it kisses your nose and you aren't expecting it.

[@jaimeedwards1269]

Same thing happened to me 1st couple hundred rounds worked great then the roll pin fell out and popped me in the nose. Luckily I had other ar's with me. I changed out the charging handle and the Chinese one became target practice.

[@tw350z7]

I'm looking at an email from yesterday ,Delta Team Tactical has this ambidextrous charging handle and a ar15 grip for 19 dollars. I'm just betting that charging handle is like the one in your video that has flex in it. Never purchased anything from Delta Team Tactical before.

[@joeherrera3522]

Are skikes good charger handles

[@sunnycat69]

Classic is trash they are just as bad as cheaper then dirt

[@dyers1210]

Yeah, after the election and everything settles I have a list....Classic is on it.

[@barry570]

I unsubscribed everything from classic. You right just as bad a cheaper than dirt

[@rustyshackleford8236]

As you were discussing them in the end you weren’t real specific as to which one was which. I was confused.

[@BannerTrucking2]

I ran across a Trybe charging handle on Optics Planet for like $35. Been a good handle for me but its nothing compared to my Radian.

[@MeesterFrost]

I’m all about saving money, BUT, I don’t want to be in that situation where I’m gonna need that, and it fails on me! So I’m gonna spend the Ben’s to get quality on the important parts!

[@1563ckg43]

Thanks was just looking at the wana-be for a extra Econ build. Thanks! You showed me some light.

[@gregturner7670]

Ar15discounts check it out if you haven't already

[@scatwater]

They are my now goto ar parts company. I love that company. I always enjoy the personnel thank you note for buying from them. I have a 9mm lower actually on the way.

[@EvendimataE]

i got a wanna be from wish for less than $10....i bought it because a basic anderson charging handle is also about $10 when on sale....so in my mind maybe that is the real cost of charging handles if not given high end names

[@realshady16]

I like my Next Level ambi charging handle. That's just my opinion!!

[@checkpoint3260]

the NP3 makes it run smoother

[@chrishill1286]

Gosh in my opinion the charging is what sucks about the AR design. Of course you have to keep in mind they weren't designed for optics.

[@ahumm8280]

I just bought 2 raptors for my ar's. Its from the benefit of being single!😂

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

I was just looking at 1 marked & labeled spot on Clone for $7

[@kevinroberts9580]

I bought one of those from classic firearms for cheap little build I was doing. It would only unlatch on one side and it was very hard. I complained about it they sent me another one and it actually works just fine. But I think it's a complete crap shoot

[@salg7998]

I like that handguard, who makes it? Thank you

[@dyers1210]

Thanks for this. I am a penny pincher/cheap ass and I most likely would never spend 64 for a charging handle when putting a build together at first. I would spend that for anodized color or some fancy punisher logo down the road though. There is that unmentionable site I have a 15in mlok and handle from that has never failed and it cost less than 1 radian handle for both. Thats really tough to stay away from when you are broke.

[@mitchelldelaney5872]

Ok, what unmentionable site?

[@dyers1210]

@@mitchelldelaney5872 "O" come on,,,,,dont you even "HUNT"???

[@ellissmithjr6599]

Sorry,almost 3mins in and I got really bord...movin on 😎🇺🇸

[@pmorin313]

I'll stick with the good ole BCM ambi for 36.00....

[@RickLestrat]

How did you come up with the name kotaboy32?

[@paradiserain530]

Have you used or seen the Warhammer charging handles? @kodaboy32 they are made in America and they look pretty sweet for 40 bucks. I just wasn’t sure what you thought about them.

[@kotaboy32]

I have not seen them

[@tommyguns4018]

come on, build one like junk. build one out of cheapest parts available. your gonna not be able to keep coming up with build names. maybe a murder hornet pistol build in a crazy caliber that you CAN buy ammo for.

[@tackytrooper]

I did a build like that. It's pretty funny, by all rights it shouldn't even work, but it does. Testament to modern precision manufacturing.

[@channelcatchaser9426]

I think you are an interesting fella.

[@didamnesia3575]

Bcm handles are great. Geiselle is almost as good at twice the price

[@johnrice1943]

What about the armaspec victory?

[@danielgodismyjudge]

Always pays to get "The Real Deal"..you only cry once.

[@anthonymurphy1624]

Buy quality cry once !

[@chichimilker]

Never trust classic firearms lol

[@seabee277]

What they are selling for 20 they have on wish.com for 8 lol

[@zacharyread5303]

Never bought from them but I have thought about getting a surplus rifle from them recently. Why not trust classic firearms??

[@chichimilker]

@@zacharyread5303 overpriced surplus rifles in terrible condition lol even before the pandemic

[@nunzionapoli6325]

They are built in China but assembled in the USA. 🤷🏽‍♂️ They can't claim patent infringement if they give the Chinese the blue prints.

[@justa3v619]

Hey does anyone here know where I can find some small rifle primers?

[@justa3v619]

Pork Fist I’m in south Mississippi. What are you wanting to trade for

[@merdith6]

The clone is good that bent one not good. Radian is out of stock.

[@beardedseabee82outdoors13]

Yup sometimes you get what you pay for

[@ashleygibson016]

I bought 3 of those knockoffs and the pins fell out on all 3

[@alecubudulecu]

Charging handles are way over priced. Breek war hammer is the best “brand” one for the money IMO

[@undergroundupholstery]

Catagory : Savings Center of balance for $80 bucks please Alex

[@PeaceLoveAndGuns]

Raptor is the best! I just did a vid on them, too! It really sucks that all the assholes are copying them.

[@mblake0420]

Probably 6061

[@HaventHeard307]

I don't always charge my handle, but when I do,

[@mrfawkes9110]

I think Radian is the most overrated manufacturer on the market. I've never felt a shittier safety than the Talon, I returned it because I thought it was defective but the replacement was at least as spongy. My Raptor bent at the interface with the bolt and kept trying to throw it's pins. I have a no-name China built Raptor clone and it's fine, it might be the same as your featherweight. Mine is bowed slightly but so was my Raptor and that colossal atrocity that Geissele makes, hell the only charging handle I have that isn't bowed is my PSA mil-spec

[@mlentsch]

I was able to procure a Raptor online just the other day from Primary Arms. Optics Planet and Brownells are F#!&ed at the moment. Don't order from them.

[@jonathank7394]

I'm still using brownells, no problems here

[@mlentsch]

@@jonathank7394 They're 2 weeks - no shipping, yet for me... and no recourse...

[@MeesterFrost]

Let China keep those cheap ones. Might help us in the end!!

[@badbilly429]

Good charging handles aren’t cheap and cheap charging handles aren’t good!

[@sammiches6859]

$100 for a charging handle... and made in China... what a waste.

[@mitchelldelaney5872]

The $100 handle isnt the Chinese one.

[@sammiches6859]

@@mitchelldelaney5872 I had heard otherwise for some reason. They're made in the US it looks like. Worth the $100 then.

[@mitchelldelaney5872]

@@sammiches6859 The US made ones are Radian Raptors that are between $60-$80, These are generic Raptor knockoffs, Some better then others but also alot cheaper. No CH is worth 100 if you ask me, Its wrong to charge that much for a small piece of aluminum in my opinion. Geiselle especially, but anyone charging over $50 for a CH is down right dirty.