New Raptor-SL AR-15 Charging Handle by Radian Weapons
Radian Weapons has introduced a new AR-15 charging handle called Raptor-SL. This new product is based on the company’s Raptor charging handle series. Unlike the more common tendency of new charging handles coming with extended latches, the Raptor-SL has latches of reduced length.
As the company notes, the reason for employing these small latches is to make a product for customers who prefer the charging handle to be a low profile anti-snag one. Looking at its dimensions when it is installed on the rifle, I think it is safe to say that this charging handle will definitely excel in the anti-snag department at a cost of a relatively harder to reach latches.
The Radian Raptor-SL is made of 7075 aluminum and features a mil-spec anodized finish. It is an ambidextrous charging handle. The latches have a skeletonized design and featured a curved profile with large serrations both on the front and rear portions. The location and shape of the serrations are especially important for such a minimalistic design.
The size of the charging handle latches is really an arguable subject. Some people will insist that the modern rifle must be fast and must have an extended charging handle and others will argue that it is a compensation for poor skills and you’d better learn how to properly operate the handles than to have a large handle sticking out and snagging on anything possible. I think it is a matter of personal preference largely depending on the applications that any particular rifle is going to be used in. What do you think about the charging handle latch sizes? Do you like this minimalistic handle or prefer the extended ones? Let us know in the comments section.
Images from www.radianweapons.com
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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I prefer the extended latch on the original Raptor charging handle. It helps to compensate for an otherwise crappy design flaw of the AR-15 where the charging handle is small, flimsy, and in an awkward location.
Wait. Nobody makes one of these with spring loaded folding handles, that fold close for low drag high speed, and open up when you pull on them for operationally operating tactical combat reloads in the sandbox?