Help me decide guys. I’ve been searching for a decent comparison of the BCM A44 and the Rainier Arms Raptor. I can’t seem to find one that is satisfactory. Good review by Twang and Bang on the Raptor, but nothing on the A44. I have a BCM Mod 4 on there now, but I want an ambi charging handle. Who has some good experience running these? The Raptor will be $15 more, and I don’t know that its really worth it. Its going on a BCM BFH 16" KMR middy. Pic related.
You look like a BCM fan so maybe get the BCM charging handle since you have a BCM upper and lower. Please be careful if you decide to go with the raptor, there’s some counterfeits floating around the market. The real McCoy has different size latches ( left latch is bigger than the right latch). The fake raptor has both latches the same size. Purchase from a reputable seller and you can’t go wrong. That’s a great looking carbine you have there, hope that you have an awesome fun time with it
Do you have two ARs? If so, buy one of each and test them out yourself. Then you will positively, absolutely, know for sure which one is good for you. Otherwise you’ll just get a bunch of replies stating their’s is so much awesome in the world of awesomeness. Belay that. If you only have one AR, buy both and run them in each class, range session, malfunction drills, etc. Keep the one that performs to your requirements, and either sell the loser or keep it as a backup.
If you determine otherwise you are in the vast minority. This is coming from someone that has owned and used both.
Just be sure to buy from a reputable dealer as there are counterfeits floating around. If you buy on eBay or Amazon there is a good chance you will get a counterfeit.
I prefer the raptor, but the bcm is much better at blocking gas blow back if you are running a suppressor. Both are excellent and I have multiples of each.
Guess I’m in the minority. I don’t think either one is really better than the other. I will say my Raptor (bought directly from Rainier) doesn’t always latch onto the receiver (SR15) if I push it forward with the bolt locked back, unless I lift up on the handle. Don’t have that issue with the BCM.
If you ever plan on using a suppressor, the BCM is the clear winner. The gas that blows back into your eyes will be lesser due to the ledge it has at the rear that mates up with the upper receiver. The Raptor lacks this, and lets too much gas blow into your face.
I’ve owned both, and all of my guns run the BCM for the above reason. It’s not even a contest.
Are you riding the handle forward or just letting go and letting it slam back in?
NM I see its just when you have the bolt locked back. Since your not closing it with the force of the bolt going forward, of course you may have to pull back on the wing a bit to get it on.
Only have experience with the Raptor. I love it.
I also bought mine through DSG Arms. It was during Christmas time and they were backordered for a few weeks, but I got it with no issues.