Got mine yesterday (was lucky to get in on the first batch release). Shot with it this morning.
They really hit it out of the park with this one. Great design and pulls smoothly, easily and evenly from both sides (especially with gloves). It’s a lefty’s new best friend.
It’s a little on the heavier side due to steel latches, but I’d rather have it slightly overbuilt, than under.
Thumbs up, Rainier and AXTS. Well done!
I’ll try and post some pics later on.
Anyone else pick one up?
I’ve been watching the development thread on the other site since the beginning. I got the email notification about 3 hours after they sold out and missed out on the first batch. I’m a right hand ambi-shooter and was considering the Raptor for my Rainier Arms RUC. I am hoping to see a equal length latch version and latches made of aluminum. However, the current offering is a welcomed site for lefties.
I hear you on the aluminum, but have to say that the steel is very well machined and it’s a very positive feel and sure pull. I really like it. I’m almost thinking that because of the extra length and skeletonizing, aluminum latches might be a little soft for this type of cam design. I guess we’ll see. It had to be a consideration in the design already.
You are probably right on the steel/aluminum.
my concern would be the steel latch will slowly chew away at the upper where it holds the CH in place, over time it will probably flatten it and allow the CH to move freely.
From the listing on aimsurplus’s site the raptor was aluminum I thought?
“Rainier Arms Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle by AXTS. The Raptor™ is truly revolutionary in design & function. From rapid palm “blading” or finger thumb charges of the weapon, the motion is fluid & fast from either strong or support side. Made from aircraft grade 7075 aluminum and milspec anodized.”
Maybe this is Ver 2.0??
I wonder how much of a contender this gonna be for BCM CH. Its release so close to BCM’s newest upgrades, I wonder if this is no coincidence…
Maybe down the road on a future build but for now, BCM’s CH at $45 seems good enough for me. Won’t change what I have but I’ll try it down the road. Looks good.
I got in on one in the second, smaller release of 150… Lucky to get that, if the numbers of people on the e-mail notification list are any indicator. At the intro price, it’s a screaming deal… But it would be a good buy at the retail price anyway, as the other offering from Armament Dynamics for the ALCM runs about the same price point and, in a much less complex mechanism. Mine runs in the upper channel smoothly and without flex… The latches being made of steel are not any detriment to me… and may be more durable in the long term. The only worry point is the use of roll pins to retain the latch handles to the assembly but, as the stock handle uses them… I’m not too concerned. This offering looks to address the issue of true ambidextrous charging handles in a smoothly operating, non complicated way… while doing so with a ergonomically efficient shape. AXTS and Ranier looks to have spent some time on development and testing, and seems to have a winner here…
I just received the charging handle and I absolutely love it. This was the best upgrade I have done to my M4.
I got mine last week. Love it. 
The most indispensible piece of kit I’ve come across in a long, long time. Every one of my charging handles – mostly PRI Gasbusters at this point – is in the process of being replaced. The Raptors are that good.
AC
I too am concerned about this. Steel wearing against aluminum seems like a bad combination. I believe all of the feedback about how great this CH is, but I’ll hold off on buying one until we get some long-term reports.
I had the same impression when i received mine last week from AIM. It replaced a BCM GF Mod4 and as a lefty i couldnt be happier. At this time i believe all of my rifles will have one in the near future.
“now i can manipulate like all the normal kids!”
I said screw it and just ordered one since im a lefty and have issues at times with the milspec CH. The main portion of the CH is still aluminum I thought just the latches are steel.
You will love it. I have 2 and am planning for a 3rd in the future for my left-handed girlfriends build.
Curious to see how the BCM ambi handle turns out though.
I’m going to have Rainier send me a few hundred for T&E! 
Is this CH a lot better than the BCM GF? or mainly better for the lefties?
Good luck with that. They can’t keep up with retail orders right now – they probably don’t need a lot of T&E input on these, now that the word is out on the streets.
Granted, there are some sidebar/variant tests underway from time to time, but if you want to own a Raptor, I wouldn’t be wasting a lot of time waiting to order. 
AC
I am now in the market for “gently loved” BCM GF Mod 4s.