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Charging handles are just one of the upgrades you can do with AR rifles. Finding the right handle for your suppressed AR can be difficult. Therefore, I made it easy for you by picking out some of the best charging handles for suppressed AR.
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My Top Suppressed AR Charging Handle Reviews
Picking the right charging handle for your suppressed AR matters a lot. They’re also great for left-handed people to make the gun ambidextrous. Having a spare or upgrade will help set up your weapon ready for firing.
Radian Weapons Raptor SD-SL
The Raptor SD-SL Ambidextrous Charging Handle is the overall choice if you want to use the best charging handle for suppressed ARs.
This charging handle features slim-line handles and a suppressor-optimized ported shaft. It’s great for suppressed AR rifles because of its ultra low handle profile and gas redirecting capability even when shooting suppressed.
Compared to other charging handles on this list, the Raptor SD-SL is the least prone to snagging. At first glance, the handles may look a little shorter. However, when used, there’s plenty of space to grab onto.
In fact, the shortness is what makes it run so smoothly. It forces you to grip closer to the center adding more strength. It doesn’t even compromise the comforts of holding the handle.
The Raptor SD-SL has the best build quality on this list. It racks well from either side. Other charging handles feel like they can “pull” a little to one side which is not the case for the Raptor SD-SL.
This charging handle is ambidextrous in design. It allows rapid palm “blading” or finger-thumb charging of the weapons. You are sure that the motion is fluid and fast from either the strong or support side.
The only downside I can find is that the handle may be too short for people with large hands. Overall, a great charging handle to have if you want the best while firing suppressed AR.
Pros
- Least prone to snagging among the charging handles on this list
- Smooth action thanks to the design of the handles
- Fluid motion for both the strong and support side
Cons
- The handle may be too small for people with large hands
- May be a bit expensive for a charging handle
Radian Weapons Raptor SD-SL
Geissele 5.56 Super Charging Handle
Geissele has been known for being associated with Elite Military Contracts so you know they are all about quality. The Geissele 5.56 Super Charging Handle is no exception. It’s great for suppressed AR because the gas blowback is mitigated when shooting with short-barreled and suppressed weapon systems.
The heightened rear lip of this charging handle is the main reason why. You can shot many rounds and you won’t have any malfunctions as long as you maintain a healthy carbon build-up.
The super charging handle looks like it is of high quality. It may look robust yet when handled feels extremely lightweight.
Compared to stock charging and the other charging handles on this list, you will notice the difference right away. The Systems Manipulations are smooth and effortless. You won’t feel stress when clearing up malfunctions.
When it comes to interface quality, this charging handle is the best on this list. The way the texturing is done, as well as the cuts and surfacing on the Geissele 5.56 Super Charging Handle, is just excellent.
The shape is built ergonomically making it easy to grab. The ambidextrous design makes it ideal for both left and right-handed users.
There’s one downside to this product. The left side of the charging latch has a different shade than the rest of the charging handle. Overall, a great value product to get if you don’t mind the noticeable color design inconsistency.
Pros
- The best charging handle in terms of build design
- Ambidextrous design makes it great for anyone
- Enhanced glove grip design for better handling
Cons
- Inconsistent color shading design
- Larger than most charging handles on this list
Geissele 5.56 Super Charging Handle
Griffin Armament SN-ACH Handle
The Griffin Armament SN-ACH Suppressor Normalized Ambi Configurable Handle is one of the best you can get for a suppressed AR. They are more commonly known as SNACH handles among gun enthusiasts. They’re specifically made for guns that are running suppressed.
The charging handles come with a gas check groove and a suppressor gas vent. Their main function is to reduce the amount of gas that generally blows in the face of the shooter. It’s mostly the same design with other charging handles on this list.
The SNACH handle sports a black durable finish and felt tough yet slick finish. The lack of sharp edges on the handle shaft makes it easy for one-handed compared to other charging handles on this list.
The SNACH handle never pinches your thumb on the back of the handle. It also has a non-sharp handle face with a wide area for your thumb. It feels really comfortable to use and the ambidextrous design never felt uncomfortable.
The handle is made with 7075-T6 aluminum which makes it an excellent durable product. It’s also hard coated for optimal wear resistance so you won’t see the finish wearing out soon.
The only downside is that the previous SNACH handle versions were a bit better. However, it’s understandable since this one is less expensive to probably make it more affordable to regular gun owners.
Pros
- The best durable finish you can get in this list
- Comfortable to use one-handed compared to other charging handles
- Can be used with short levers so you won’t have to buy another new charging handle
Cons
- Feels like a downgrade from its predecessor
- Some people may find it hard to use the ambidextrous design
Griffin Armament SN-ACH Handle
Features to Consider for Suppressed AR Charging Handle
Charging handles built for suppressed AR rifles are just better than your stock handle. Hence, you should know the features that make them better than the regular ones. Here are some of them.
| Features | Radian Raptor SD-SL Charging Handle | Geisselle 5.56 Super Charging Handle | Griffin Armament SN-ACH Suppressor Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Mil Spec Type III Hard Coat Anodized | Type 3 Hardcoat Anodized | Hard Coat |
| Material | 7075-T6 Aluminum | Aircraft Grade 7075-T6 Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Hand | Ambidextrous | Ambidextrous | Ambidextrous |
| Caliber or Gun Model | M16, AR-15 | 5.56x45mm NATO | AR15, M4, M16 |
Ambidextrous Charging Handles
Ambidextrous charging handles are essential for anyone. No matter if you are right or left-handed, ambidextrous charging handles help you in a way where you as a shooter can engage them equally well with either hand.
This is more important for left-handed shooters. They will no longer have to fire their weapons right-handed. It will improve their accuracy significantly and won’t have any trouble using the charging handle.
All of the charging handles on this list are built with an ambidextrous design. If I were to pick one, I would choose the one with the smoothest operation and that is the Radian Weapons Raptor SD-SL Ambidextrous Charging Handle.
Extended Latches
Having an extended latch allows the shooter to better charge the weapon. You can manipulate the bolt carrier whenever you have to. Extended latches also help you better engage your firearm even when you are using gloves.
This is extremely useful for shooting courses using suppressed firearms. You want to be fast and quick on your hands since silent operations are usually done within a time limit.
If I were to choose, the Geissele 5.56 Super Charging Handle will be a great deal for you. The exterior is built excellently and so does the extended latch.
Gas Busters
If your charging handle has a gas buster, then you already know it works for suppressed firearms. Charging handles with gas busters are designed to keep gas and dust blow-back from your face when using a suppressor.
Suppressors can blow back gun residue towards you as they muffle the sound of your gunshot. It is harmful to your face that’s why gun ranges require you to wear protection on your face.
With a charging handle built for suppressed firearms, it reduces the amount of dust and gas blown towards you. Hence, why it is so essential to get a charging handle designed for suppressed firearms.
You can never go wrong with any of the three when choosing between gas busters. All have the same mechanism and do their job of protecting your face from gas and dust.
Build Quality
Build quality is all about the materials used and how effective the design is. A great charging handle for suppressed AR uses high-grade aluminum. The extra coating is a bonus for longer wear and tear.
The Radion Raptor SD-SL simply has the best build quality you can have. The design and material transition smoothly to use for suppressed ARs. Despite its short handle, the design makes the work smooth and seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most asked questions about charging handles for suppressed AR.
Do Silencer Charging Handles Work?
Silencer charging handles do work. Although you only need an adjustable gas block or BCG with over-gassing, the silencer charging handle provides more protection.
Are Suppressor Optimized Charging Handles Worth It?
Suppressor-optimized charging handles definitely help. Therefore, they are worth it. They’re not only for engaging your firearms ready. Their ability to protect you from blow-back of dust and gust from the suppressor is excellent.
Do AR Charging Handles Make a Difference?
Yes, AR charging handles make a difference and is often underrated. It makes the basic functions of your rifle smoother and easier to handle.
Conclusion
Charging handles for suppressed AR are specialized charging handles. Therefore, they are extremely effective for suppressed ARs. regular charging handles don’t protect you from dust and gas the same way a specialized charging handle does.
