Few pics of my left side charging AR

[Moose242]

No offense man, but that doesn't make sense.

One of the desirable features of the AR platform is the lack of a reciprocating charging handle. I consider a reciprocating charging handle a major design flaw, and this is the one reason I have not bought an FN SCAR. I have a big problem with an external part flying back and forward, especially if it doesn't have to.


Regardless, it looks like you did a very good job and are a very capable machinist.

[CJ]

looks good GAP, you should acid etch that machined face, it will look much better. I can see the advantages of an exposed charging handle for bling reasons. However, I also think that it's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. What exactly made you want this feature? The only advantage would be the ability to charge a rifle with one hand. The disadvantage is you're rifle is susceptible to getting dirty MUCH faster, and it has a reciprocating bolt which can interfere with things and hurt you. The only advantages in theory would require a right handed charge handle (assuming you're right handed), and this would allow you to charge the rifle while gripping the front hand guard and not removing your eyes from your sight picture. This make sense for an AK47 (which has an external charging handle), but not for an AR-15, which has a bolt hold back feature. You never would need to charge the rifle between magazines.

[GAP]

looks good GAP, you should acid etch that machined face, it will look much better. I can see the advantages of an exposed charging handle for bling reasons. However, I also think that it's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. What exactly made you want this feature? The only advantage would be the ability to charge a rifle with one hand. The disadvantage is you're rifle is susceptible to getting dirty MUCH faster, and it has a reciprocating bolt which can interfere with things and hurt you. The only advantages in theory would require a right handed charge handle (assuming you're right handed), and this would allow you to charge the rifle while gripping the front hand guard and not removing your eyes from your sight picture. This make sense for an AK47 (which has an external charging handle), but not for an AR-15, which has a bolt hold back feature. You never would need to charge the rifle between magazines.

Thanks. More than anything this was just an experiment. I knew before I started, that a reciprocating side charger could reduce the reliability of the rifle. With this being my target plinker, I'm not too concerned. My goal is just to have a fun rifle to shoot. Not that it hasn't been in the past.

For a little while anyways, it will stay blingy, shiny aluminum. But in the near future, I will duracoat the whole rifle. Maybe dark earth.

[03trubluGT]

No offense man, but that doesn't make sense.

One of the desirable features of the AR platform is the lack of a reciprocating charging handle. I consider a reciprocating charging handle a major design flaw, and this is the one reason I have not bought an FN SCAR. I have a big problem with an external part flying back and forward, especially if it doesn't have to.


Regardless, it looks like you did a very good job and are a very capable machinist.

That's what I was thinking. I don't want a slapper, and adding weight, even 8 grams to a moving bolt carrier group isn't good.

I'm sure the "High Speed, Low Drag" crowd will like it though..

[DieselSmoke]

Thanks. More than anything this was just an experiment. I knew before I started, that a reciprocating side charger could reduce the reliability of the rifle. With this being my target plinker, I'm not too concerned. My goal is just to have a fun rifle to shoot. Not that it hasn't been in the past.

For a little while anyways, it will stay blingy, shiny aluminum. But in the near future, I will duracoat the whole rifle. Maybe dark earth.

I have a side charging handle upper from Alexander Arms. I did it just to be different, i don't plan on carrying it into battle, lol. Very nice btw..