This discussion happened awhile back when someone asked for a PRI type latch on the Gunfighter. Another member and I both did the modification and since then I convert all of my Gunfighter charging handles. I did a few more over the weekend snapped some pics and decided to post my thoughts.
When the Gunfighter came out, immediately I did not like the stock Gunfighter latch and wanted to go with the PRI combat latch which is my favorite. I liked the beefier charging handle, but I really did like the engineering concept of the Gunfighter and how it takes all the pressure off the roll pin which is a very weak link. With the Gunfighter If you knock out the roll pin with a punch then depress the latch to the rear, you can easily pull out the punch. This shows how well the latch design works.
After reading about someone asking for a PRI style latch for the Gunfighter, I decided to modify the PRI latch to mimick the Gunfighters latch. When you get it correct it works just like the Gunfighter latch, but has added benefits and is a superior latch IMO.
I now do all my Gunfighter charging handles with the modified PRI combat latch.
I know many people complain about the pinching with the Gunfighter but that really wasn’t my big issue with it. I just prefer the ergo’s of the PRI latch. I get a more positive grip with a gloved hand when manipulating the charging handle when there is more of a gap between my thumb and index finger as seen in the pics. Much easier for me and many others who have tried this mod out. I definitely am a believer in the engineering design of the Gunfighter and how it takes the pressure off the roll pin, as it does work very well. The next step up would be a solid pin.
I will also note the biggest thing I didn’t like about the original big latch is that it was round. I very much prefer the ribbed, PRI combat latch much better. I wouldn’t care for the rounded version.
