Rainier Arms "Raptor" Charging Handle

[j706]

Back a few months ago I saw where Rainier Arms had came out with a new ambidextrous charging handle. I have always wanted to be able to run the charging handle from my firing hand. Last week I decided to pony up the 84.00 for one. Yea a lot of dough for a charging handle. I ordered through Amazon and it showed up four days later.

First Impressions- It arrived in a bubble pack filled envelope with the charging handle secured inside a baggie. I knew from the first glance that this was a well thought out and well made item. Everything about it is quality.

Use- After reading the directions on how to install the charging handle....just kidding. After installing I worked the levers on both sides. Both work very well and equally well from either side. You can actually run the charging handle from your right hand with little difficulty.

Compared to my Vltor Gunfighter GFH Mod 3, the left side release does not protrude as much. That is a plus IMO as I don't like something sticking me in the gut when I have my rifle slung tight to my front.

The new Rainier Arms Raptor actually allows for a whole new look at stoppage clearing ect. I can now clear a malfunction by bringing my right (firing hand) up and running the charging handle all the while keeping the rifle shouldered. I slap the magazine with my left hand, rock (Lean or cant) the rifle a little to the right, run the charging handle and slide my hand right back down into the firing position.

I really like this thing. I do wish that the right side lever was a little longer. It conflicts somewhat with the forward assist. I wish they were a little cheaper but one should last forever. I am not sure on the warranty. If someone is in the market for a true ambidextrous charging handle I suggest checking one of these out.

 

[lucky4034]

Nice write up! I'm looking for a nice charging handle... if it didn't have "Rainier Arms" plastered on it, it would be perfect

 

[rockhopper46038]

Nice review. I'll put this one on the list to consider.

 

[Ltrain]

I got one on one of my ARs and love it. The fit and finish are excellent. I was lucky enough to get it for $59 on their first run. I'll be putting another one on my next build.

 

[cundiff5535]

J706, great write up! I have 4 of Raptor Charging handles and 4 Bravo Co. GF charging handles, both are great! I prefer the Raptor a little bit more than the BCM's but, not by much. It really comes down to $50.00 bucks vs $80.00 bucks. If you have and extra $30 bones to drop then get the Raptor. If not, the BCM is the second best charging handle out there. For the Value though, no one is touching BCM (with almost all products)!

 

[j706]

Nice write up! I'm looking for a nice charging handle... if it didn't have "Rainier Arms" plastered on it, it would be perfect

Did you have some bad dealings with rainier arrms? I have purchased a number of things from them (barrels). While their shipping is somewhat sluggish they always came through.

 

[mvician]

While their shipping is somewhat sluggish they always came through.

I've always received anything I've ordered from Rainier Arms in a timely fashion.
Usually in 3 days during "normal" circumstances.

 

[sig1473]

Agreed w/ Rainier Arms being GTG. I have had nothing but great service from them. My Noveske Upper from them is taking a little bit longer then usual but that is because of the climate. Ordered on the 18th and will receive it on the 26th. As far as the Rainier Arms being plastered on it, why does that matter since you don't ever really see the top of your charging handle.

 

[j706]

I do wish they would offer the option to extend the right side latch out just a little more for right handed shooters. That would keep you from having to go between the forward assist to access the latch.