Short answer: for most builds, an ambidextrous handle such as the Radian Raptor is the best upgrade: you can grab it with either hand, even under a scope. If you only want a bigger latch on the left, the BCM Gunfighter Mk2 is a classic. Shooting suppressed? A gas-busting design like the Raptor-SD keeps gas out of your face. On a budget, a mil-spec handle works fine.
Prices below are today's lowest at the stores we track and update every night.
Our picks
Radian Raptor (best ambidextrous)
Pros
- Latches on both sides
- Easy to grab with either hand
- Works well under a magnified optic
Cons
- Costs more than a single-latch handle
The most popular charging handle upgrade.
BCM Gunfighter Mk2, medium latch (best extended latch)
Pros
- Bigger latch than mil-spec
- Medium size clears most optics
- Simple design
Cons
- Latch on the left side only
A large-latch version is also available.
Geissele Airborne (ambidextrous alternative)
Pros
- Ambidextrous latches
- Pull from either side
Cons
- Priced close to the Raptor
Radian Raptor-SD (best for suppressed rifles)
Pros
- Designed to cut the gas that blows back with a suppressor
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Most expensive pick
- Not needed without a suppressor
Breek Arms Warhammer Mod2 (budget ambidextrous)
Pros
- Ambidextrous for well under the big names
Cons
- Fewer reviews than Radian or BCM
Luth-AR mil-spec (cheapest)
Pros
- Lowest price
- Fits any mil-spec AR-15 upper
Cons
- Small latch, hard to reach under an optic
What to look for
- Latch size: mil-spec latches are small. Medium latches are easier to grab and clear most optics; large latches are easiest but can catch on gear.
- Ambidextrous: latches on both sides help left-handed shooters and make the rifle easier to run with either hand.
- Gas-busting: seals or vents that keep gas away from your face, which matters most with a suppressor.
- Fit: any mil-spec AR-15 charging handle fits a standard AR-15 upper. AR-10 uppers and some side-charging uppers need their own.
Compare every AR-15 charging handle by price, or add one to your build in the AR-15 builder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ambidextrous charging handle?
Not required, but it's easier to use with either hand, with gloves or under a scope, and it helps left-handed shooters.
What is a gas-busting charging handle?
One with seals or vents that keep gas from blowing back toward your face, which matters most when you shoot suppressed.
Medium or large latch?
A medium latch is easier to grab than mil-spec and clears most optics. A large latch is easiest to reach but can snag on gear or a large scope.
Will any AR-15 charging handle fit my upper?
Yes, mil-spec AR-15 charging handles fit standard AR-15 uppers. AR-10 (.308) uppers and some side-charging uppers need their own handles.
Picks chosen from what the stores we track sell today. MyGunLab earns a commission when you buy through store links, at no extra cost to you.
