So I’ve been looking at ambidextrous charging handles. I notice that all the good ones have cutouts in the back of the handle. I’ve read reviews of these CH’s on SBR’s and how the gas blowback could potentially be a problem because of these openings. I’m looking to find out whether this is true or not, more specifically, on a platform with 14.5 inch barrel.
(direct gas system and H2 buffer. Not sure if the buffer matters but figured I’d throw it in there)
Not a problem if you’re not running a silencer.
I will be from time to time. I should have mentioned that.
So no problem unsuppressed, but problematic when suppressed.
Are you shooting left handed?
And, Yes! The silencer is where you’ll get some gas stink back by your face… much worse for lefties.
I just shot my Noveske N4 14.5" w/VIS/MUR/SB mid-length gas system and BCM Gunfighter CH.
I am sometimes not the brightest crayon, and repeatedly tempt fate by not wearing eye-pro. I know, I need to change that.
I used MK318 SOST.
During a total of 70+ rounds, I did not suffer one bit of gunk in my eye/face. I did lube with Froglube paste (which I won’t do again, because it plays VERY ugly with gun-scrubber), but it DOES stay put. However, looking in the mirror, I have no particles around my face from firing.
I did not breath anything foul, I did not feel any puff to the face (used some WCC M855, too. Again, nothing blasted me in the face, although it was a bit more obnoxious smelling).
I have not yet applied my suppressor as I have not yet legally been able to take possession of it, so I cannot comment on firing suppressed. However, without the suppressor, there is no need for anything other than eye-pro, and that’s just to protect your face from a KB/firing OOB, etc.
PS. totally off topic, but what is the 2JZ in, in your case?
Yes, I do shoot lefty about 90% of the time. Now would the gas blowback be worse (suppressed) with a ambi CH which has the cutouts in the back than a standard charging handle?
That’s what I’m really concerned about. If it’s the same, then that’s fine. But if an ambi is a lot worse, I’ll suck it up and continue using a normal CH
Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t the gunfighters have a solid back?
And I actually have a 1JZ now. It’s in my Navan S14 
These are the cutouts in the back of the charging handle that I’m talking about
A lot of the gas blowback comes from on top of the CH where the U shaped cutout is. I don’t think the ambi features on that CH will significantly add to the issue. You can make a home made “gas buster” by following these instructions:
http://coloradoshooting.org/gas%20buster.htm
Just make sure the silicone doesn’t prevent the CH from locking up forward easily.
Get a BCM Gunfighter and be happy. Don’t worry about the little gas in the face. Use Froglube so when it does happen it will at least be more pleasant.
Word. Black teeth / face + CLP breath = no fun. Froglube is like chewing Orbitz gum. For a good clean feeling.
Makes shooting suppressed much more pleasant.
I’m sorry for my epic failure to register that you were left-handed and were talking about a specific handle. I have no experience with that handle. I can tell you though, that a 14.5 middy PROPERLY set up (correct gas-port size) firing good ammo won’t smoke you out without a can.
Cool on the S14. I’m thinking about trading my car in on a 370Z in the very near future.
I liked Froglube until I saw how ugly it played with the gun-scrubber I use on the BCG for fast easy clean-up. Turns to white concrete. I had to re-heat everything and blast it off when it was molten to get rid of the stuff. No, I will stick with all petrol products. Latex gloves are cheap and I’m not allergic to them.
Don’t blame the product. There is no need to use Gunscrubber. All you need to do is use the lube. I know that for some people this is a difficult thing to understand, but it shouldn’t be.
Spend your time doing more cool guy stuff and less cleaning.
I have been shooting a BCM 14.5 middy with a badger ambi charging handle for a few years now with 0 problems. I have never had a can on it so I cant speak on that.
What Iraqgunz said plus, when all else fails, read the instructions. Very simple and clear on how to use FrogLube. I also shoot left handed and BCM Gunfighter has caused me no problems.
That is funny
That charging handle is out??? 
There website says “Coming Soon”
http://store.troyind.com/Troy_Ambidextrous_Charging_Handle_p/scah-amb-00bt-00.htm
Everyone, I’m not looking at a BMC gunfighter. What I was asking about is the possible blowback through the cutouts on the back on an ambidextrous charging handle. Like the Troy pictured above. Not a right handed Gunfighter.
I’ve done the RTV mod with my factory charging handle and I love it. That is not where I’m concerned about the gas coming through though. Im only concerned about the cutouts on the back of an ambi CH (especially when suppressed).
This will help me decide whether to get an ambi or to get an oversized right handed charging handle, perhaps a gunfighter.
Do it! I used to have an '05 350z and I loved that car. The 370’s are so nice, especially on the inside, which is saying a lot because I thought the interior on a 350z was already damn impressive to begin with. They really did a great job with that 370 i.m.o.
Would like to thank Iraqgunz for the “froglube tip”
Gas to the face was really getting to me so i wrote Grant about it or a “gas buster charging handle” and his response was only “don’t put you nose so close to the CH”
I didn’t think to add i’m a lefty. (I did the black silicone trick and after more reading, realized i do use lots of CLP)
So i was a lefty shooting a stock M&P15 soaked in CLP.
(yes there was even a film on my shooting glasses after a few mags
and it was all i could taste)
Followed Rob S’s silicone mod and not to find some froglube.
Thanks guy’s!!
No, but all ambi charging handles have those cutouts in the back (except for one that I saw which I can’t remember the maker of but I heard bad reviews about it). The Troy is just the one that I’m interested in. Badger ordnance would be the next best comparison.
PS. Im going to switch to Froglube simply because of the statement below lol