I only have experience with the BCM Mod 3, but debated on both. Read some good stuff on both before deciding.
I’m not sure what the “pinching” is about, however. Haven’t had any issues to date. I guess I can see what could happen there, but no problems so far.
Oh, one of the “final factors” for me was timing. Ran across a sale on Primary Arms right when I was ready to buy something, so that had some influence, I must admit. 
I have both but sold all my BCM except one as a backup. They have been replaced by raptors. For me, its a much more ergo CH and I am kind of a BCM fanboy.
I’ve tried the medium and large non-ambi handles from BCM as well as the Raptor. It’s not like the BCM handles suck (far from it), but I prefer the Raptor.
I think this sums it up. Both are reliable and work, but the Rainier seems to be easier to use. I would not feel bad using either one.
I’m a huge fan of both BCM and Eric Kincel’s designs, but I prefer the Raptor. The Raptor’s contact surfaces are simply better all around. AXTS is now selling direct with a lot of options on finish, too.
The BCMs are a GREAT product, and a huge improvement over OEM. The choice of handle sizes makes it the best non-ambi choice. I do feel that the Raptor is the top of the line all-around CH available. It is smooth on the pull, it has probably the least torque when pulling from one side only, and is very robust. I also like how the right side is slightly larger than the left. A lot of folks balk at the cost, at least until they demo one. Also, the Raptor is a great combo of form and function. I use both, and I sell a lot of both, so i don’t think either is a poor choice at all.
The Raptor is too friggin big, MAMA! The first time/only time I saw one was on an Iraqgunz rifle, and my jaw about hit the floor.
Gunfighter was a huge improvement over standard. I ran the GF in its stock configuration for a long time. Only once in thousands of reps did I ever pinch myself, but I thought I took a chunk of my finger off. I really did not like the slim handle and upgraded all of my GF handles (probably 20 or so) with PRI latches. Just as the GF was a big improvement the Raptor IMO is another excellent evolution. I use all raptors now. Still have a few GF non ambi still in the package.
So if I have the Gunfighter now … based on the replies here the Raptor seems to be a worthy upgrade.
I do pinch myself often and the Mod4 latch does dig into my chest a bit when wearing sling tight to chest.
Is it worth paying to upgrade? Will the raptor do away with the pinching and handle digging into my chest?
The cost though is a bit much for a piece of plastic … hell I thought the GF was do damn much for what it was at 50 bucks
Nothing on the Raptor is plastic. Only you can decide if it’s worth it. Try looking for one on sale. I’ll probably pick up another if I see one for $70 again.
I have both but the Raptor is a step above.
Kind of like comparing a Camaro to a Vette. Both are great but one has a little bit more engineering.
I chose the Raptor and have been very happy with my decision.
Based only on my own experience, but I don’t think you’ll notice the Raptor digging into your chest like the GF. The handle sticks out just about as far, but it’s flat on the end rather than pointed and IMO this makes a significant difference.
Another fan of the Raptor here. Just was hanging with the AXTS guys today, in fact. They had a few of the Raptors with the NiB coating, and darn if they weren’t super nice. Mine are the normal anodized ones, but I must say they did an excellent job on the coating (the ones they had sported cerakote accents on the handle ends and NiB for the shaft of the handle). They were really impressive.
What is all of this BCM pinching? I use the GF 4’s and 5’s all the time and I just don’t see it.
“If it hurts, you’re doing it wrong”.
I got pinched ONCE doing some goofball, reach across chamber check. Under actual use, I don’t see how this could happen.
I’m usually wearing gloves and armor so I don’t notice any pinching or stabbing with the Raptor, it is easier to manipulate with gloves over the standard CH.
Don’t know if I’d want to do a ton of transition drills in a T-shirt with the handle repeatedly hitting my chest.
My impression is it is very dependent on the physical make up the the persons fingers. You’ll notice people who find it to be a big problem, and some who never experience it.
To me it happens under normal use in class. It does not happen with gloves. It is the type of pain while quick to come and quick to go is a very sharp and very agitating, enough so that its make you want to throw the fing thing.
Yeah… I guess if you hit it at an angle where your flesh can get caught in it… it’ll get you. I was doing a weird firing hand reach under and across with the port up chamber check when I got pinched.
Honestly, I like the Mod 5 best… but there’s so many mod 4s on my guns that I just run them. The chest pokey thing isn’t that bad, but when the rifle is slung across my back, the poking gets noticeable.
Agreed - a BCM charging handle pinch is like reaching for something and being bitten by a weasel, and it doesn’t let go of your hand until you release the handle latch. When this happened to me during a timed drill, it made the monkey part of my brain want to drop it and get back from whatever was taking skin off of my hands, not press on into action. I didn’t care that I was bleeding or hurting, but being “bitten” definitely took me “out of the fight” until I could coherently assess what the F was happening. It’s not time I’d want to spare if my life were in danger.
Now I use the Raptor handles.