Mustang Jon
Well-Known Member
Who has a side charging AR and can provide feedback on how you like it? Is there any pros/cons vs rear charging.
Side charging AR
- Thread starter Mustang Jon
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I have a Spartan side charger and that is about the biggest pro for me, just being able to say it.
Otherwise, I don't think it's any better than a rear charger with a better than standard charging handle.
Otherwise, I don't think it's any better than a rear charger with a better than standard charging handle.
Odd cause those are based off the gibbz patent. Mine locks up real tight at the back. I had tried different gas buster charging handles before changing out the upper. It was night and day, could finally smell something other than burnt gun powder after a range session.
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Timfoilhat
Time is my accomplice
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
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I've got a FM9 (forward)side charge upper. It's blowback so apples and oranges to some extent. I dislike standard charging handles so always want something side charge when looking. Currently eyeballing a Brownells BRN-180 upper because it's side charge.
The biggest drawback I can mention so far is the ergonomics are quite different from a standard AR. Trying to lock open the bolt is cumbersome until you develop a routine that works and doesn't violate range /match safety rules.
The biggest drawback I can mention so far is the ergonomics are quite different from a standard AR. Trying to lock open the bolt is cumbersome until you develop a routine that works and doesn't violate range /match safety rules.
I have a Spartan sidecharger. A Magpul BAD lever helps this a lot if you are right handed. Hold the grip like normal. pull handle to rear and with index finger engage the lever/bold hold open.
I only have it on a 45acp DI (not blowback) gun. Gas to the face is not a problem.
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Timfoilhat
Time is my accomplice
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
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Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
I had a BAD lever, but I removed it when I started using a Stern Defense mag block. The mag release is right next the the BAD lever, and that's too much going on with the trigger finger.
The BAD was a good solution until I started using the mag block though.
Machined/built my own Ambi-Side Charge rifle with charging handles on each side of the upper receiver. I have a removable machined Delrin block that fills the gap in the hole where the regular charging handle would locate. It is held in place with spring/ball detents. No gas/blowback issues.
Machining the Case hardened Mil-Spec bolt carrier was a challenge, but I used some specialty carbide micro drilling/facing tools in the CNC machining center and went slow. It worked out well.
It is great to be able to mount the gun and charge it without dismounting the scope. Side chargers are fun!!
Here are a few pics of it under construction, a pic of the finished gun next to a Nitro Hemi, and a pic of Morgan Lucas ( Lucas Oil ) checking it out in the pits at Z-Max Dragway. This gun was used in some of the tests for Lucas Gun oil prior to commercial release to the civilian/retail market.
Machining the Case hardened Mil-Spec bolt carrier was a challenge, but I used some specialty carbide micro drilling/facing tools in the CNC machining center and went slow. It worked out well.
It is great to be able to mount the gun and charge it without dismounting the scope. Side chargers are fun!!
Here are a few pics of it under construction, a pic of the finished gun next to a Nitro Hemi, and a pic of Morgan Lucas ( Lucas Oil ) checking it out in the pits at Z-Max Dragway. This gun was used in some of the tests for Lucas Gun oil prior to commercial release to the civilian/retail market.
I think the biggest pro for a side charger is that the optic can be mounted lower or farther back and you don't have to worry about squeezing fingers in between the eyepiece and the buffer tube to grab it and unlock the latch to pull back. For some they don't care how high the optic is above the bore, but others may want it much lower. Notice the AR the guy is holding. It would be pretty hard to grab a normal charging handle without buying one of the enhanced or ambi handles.