I am looking at getting a BCM gunfighter Mod-3 charging handle. I am a lefty, and that’s not why I’m looking at it, but rather because it is supposedly better compared to an OEM when it comes to stress on the pin and the charging handle overall. (As a lefty, the military taught me to charge with my shooting hand. I like this method and am not going to change. So an ambi or lefty version isn’t necessary).
My question however is: When charging with my left hand (Shooting hand), similar to how I would charge my AK with my right hand, (With the palm), there is a SIDE WAYS PRESSURE on a traditional charging handle. With the gunfighter mod-3, is this Side Ways Pressure still there between the charging handle and the upper receiver? Obviously, it’s impossible to charge an AR15 with the palm, and have the charging handle go exactly straight back. Easy to do with the 2 finger pull; one on each side of the charging handle. But with the palm, it wants to push the charging handle. Is the Gunfighter Mod-3 better at this? Thanks. Mike…
As one who has used a PRI Gas Buster CH for years, I originally thought it a whole lot of fuss over nothing, but a new carbine in the litter with a standard OEM CH really reminded me how uncomfortable and thin handled the OEM CH’s really are. IMO, they suck…
So I picked up a BCM Gunfighter Mod3 CH locally and I am impressed. I see how the stress on the OEM CH, even on the GasBuster as well, is on the spring and little bitty roll pin. I also saw how BCM corrected this weakness and it makes sense. It works…
As for stopping side stress during charging, I do think it helps some by the design, but I wouldn’t call it a miracle or anything…
I think it is a good upgrade… The Mod3 lever is just the right length and width I think…
I have the Mod 4 with the slightly smaller handle, and I find it very easy to pull straight back with no side pressure. Because of the angle of the handle and texture, you can actually pull it back putting pressure on the left, instead of the right.
I have the mod 4 on all my rifles. Whether I blade my hand or use the side of my index finger, it doesn’t have nearly the side torque that a standard CH does. Since the latch on the gunfighter makes contact with the inside of the rear of the CH, most of the pressure is distributed more towards the center.
Now, and this is just for me with the mod 4, the latch has a slight curve to it, so when I hit the latch I don’t have to put the pressure rearward and in, it’s more straight to the rear or to the rear and out if that makes any sense. It’s so simple to see, but for some reason I’m not putting it into text as well as I’d like.
My point is, with the mod 4 and I’m sure the mod 3, it’s easy to use your bladed hand - side of palm - and not put any sideways torque on it.
Since the mod 3 is the largest, I’m sure it would be even easier to keep it in a straight line to the rear.
Thanks for all the info. I just ordered one. Like I said, I’m a lefty but intend to use my left hand (Firing hand) just like I’ve been taught and have done for 30+ years. Glad to hear that it doesn’t put so much pressure on the sides. Thanks again.
As has been said above, the new “pin” design allows the force to be applied more to the center of the body of CH, therefore minimizing the lateral torque applied to the length of the CH. I currently have the MOD 3 (large) and shows little to no “excessive” wear from single-handed charging. On a side note, I have ordered the Mid-size for my SR-15.
i’m a lefty, i like mine. i had problems with a normal charging handle before. tried all the remedies and extended latches like badger ordinance and the like… the bcm is the best i’ve tried so far.
I have the Mod 4. I can charge the rifle with my left or right hand with little trouble even with a scope mounted. There was some side pressure of the handle as I hauled it back, but that was a technique problem. With practice, I’ve learned to pull it back without applying so much side pressure while using my left hand.
When my Mod 4 was new, there was strange smell and it was grabby every time I cycled it. It seemed to come from the finish as it rubbed inside the upper. I just kept it lubed and working with it and the smell has since gone away and it slides much more smoothly
The mod 3 is like a fucking kick stand for your gun. I hate its size. Mod 4 is somewhat workable. But if I had the money to blow, I’d switch all my guns to the mod 5.
Agreed. The only time I would use the Mod3 would be on a rifle that was equipped with a large scoped optic. The Mod4 is nice but on very rare occassions I have noticed that it has hung a bit on my PC and gear though it has not caused any serious issues. I think the Mod5 would be the best blend between the robust new design and the smaller latch.
Agree. To my mind, the Mod 5 solves minor snag and comfort issues the Mod 4 has, but the Mod 4 has a more positive action. Prefer the Mod 4 for that alone.
If life were fair and everything was right with the world, the BCM Gunfighter would be standard equipment on all AR-type rifles. Of course, that’s only my opinion.
I’ve equiped my rifles with Mod. 4’s and will continue to do so.
I have mixed feelings about the BCM Gunfighter. I have the medium latch version installed currently. I switch back and forth between it and the small latch. Both snag on gear more than I’d like. I certainly see the utility of being able to charge the weapon with your left hand quickly while maintaining your right hand on the pistol grip, but I’d love to have a solution to the snagging problem.