5 Best AR15 Charging Handle Upgrades

Here are the 5 best AR15 charging handle upgrades to get for direct impingement system ARs.

These are much beefier designs, less chance of shear damage, and some can block gas blowback when using a suppressor.

Let's check them out:

Our Best Picks

Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase

Radian Weapons Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle for AR15/M16, Tungsten Grey, R0002

The Radian Raptor is by far the best AR15 charging handle upgrade on the market. It looks slick, feels solid, and works for left and right-handed shooters.

Fluid And Fast - Smooth BCG pulling motion from strong or support side. Even better when using a slick surfaced nickel boron BCG

7075 T6 Construction - Stronger than 6061 T6 aluminum, and it can withstand high volume BCG charging cycles

Various Color Offerings - Available for:

  • Red
  • Black
  • Clear Anodized
  • FDE
  • Radian Brown, Grey, OD
  • Tungsten Grey

Suppressor Optimized (RAPTOR SD) - Ported shaft can redirect hot gas down and forward away from the shooter's face when the weapon is suppressed.

For Sig MCX, get it here

Aero Precision Breach - Best For The Money

Aero Precision AR15 Breach Ambi Charging Handle w/Large Lever, Black/Tan Anodized, APRA700121C

The Aero Precision Breach is the newest AR15 charging handle on the market featuring ambi large latches and beefy 7075 T6 with tight sealing design to block gas blowback for suppressor users.

Users with big hands or wearing thick gloves can easily operate this charging handle. 

Bravo Company MFG BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle 5.56 Mod 3B Large Latch, BCM-GFH-MOD3B-556

The BCM Gunfighter charging handle looks like a standard charging handle but it's much stronger with structural improvements. This is a great MADE IN USA upgrade piece for any AR15 rifle.

Increased Durability - 7075 T6 forged aluminum construction just like the Radian Raptor

Large Latch - Extends 1.14" past the main body and should give (Wearing gloves) finger clearance to any scope or offset rear iron sight that gets in the way

Better Leverage - Clear jams and other BCG problems with much better latch gripping leverage

Best Bang For Your Buck - Just under $60, it's one of the best you can get

Geissele Super Charging Handle, 5.56, Desert Dirt 05-313S

The Geissele charging handle feels beefy and has similar quality as the Radian Raptor for ambi and suppressor use.

Minimize Gas Blow Back - Heightened rear lip mitigates gas blow back to the shooter with SBRs or suppressor use

Glove Use - Textured / curved grip angle works with or without glove

Ambi Use - Equal length latch from both sides

Precision Reflex (PRi) M84 Gas Buster - Best For Suppressor Use

Precision Reflex M84 AR15 Gas Buster Charging Handle, Ambidextrous, Large Latch, Black, 05-2032

This is the best AR-15 charging handle for suppressor users featuring large ambi wing shape latches. It's also approved for USMC & many Spec Ops units.

The deeper cut curved channel on the top and the bottom are designed to divert hot gas blowback away from the shooter's eye when using a suppressor can.

Clone SOPMOD - Use this to clone an MK12 or SOPMOD rifle even if you don't use a suppressor

Gas Directed To The Right - Thicker charging handle curved channel cuts (top and bottom ) redirect hot gas from hitting the shooter's face (right-handed shooter)

Upgradable Steel Latch - Change to an oversized latch if needed for better grip and malfunction clearing (Try Combat Latch)

However, this is not a product for a left-handed shooter