Most AR-15 rifles, and to be honest, most gas-operated modern sporting rifles similar to the design, are rear-charging.
As a result, most aftermarket parts that are compatible with mil-spec AR-15 rifles favor a rear-charging configuration.
This standard, however, does not signify that rear-charging is the superior option. There are numerous advantages to an AR-15 with a side charging handle, of which the major ones will be explored here.
With no further ado, here are some of the problems solved by an AR-15 with a side-charging handle.
No Room for Optics
For those of you that use your AR for long-range shooting, you’ll find there will be a lot more room over the receiver for oversized optics when you’re running a side charger. Even were that not the case, the ergonomics will be vastly improved because it’s easier to engage a side-charger than it is to thread your hand under the bell of the optic to reach a rear-charging.
The bottom line is a side-charger will give you more room over the receiver, period.
Broken Cheek Weld During Manual Cycling
AR-15s with side-charging handles are often touted as “faster cycling,” but regardless of whether that’s true or not, one problem they solve – which can’t be argued – is that you’ll never need to break your cheek weld to manually cycle the action.
In fact, not only can you maintain your cheek weld while cycling, keeping a clearer sight picture and ensuring faster, more accurate follow-ups, but you can also keep your other hand on the fire controls if you so wish.
These are two big issues solved outright by AR-15s with side-charging handles.
Frequent Snagging
Not that rear-chargers are necessarily prone to snagging, but the design of some is better than others; either way, many side-chargers sport a superior design with respect to this issue and are not prone to snagging on clothing or gear.
Difficulty Cycling When Wearing Gloves
With thick, heavy gloves, finding and engaging a rear charging handle can be quite difficult, especially in the dark or in the cold.
Engaging an ergonomic side charging handle, however, is a great deal more intuitive, even when wearing gloves. They are both easier to find and cycle.
Cleaner Suppressed Shooting with Gibbz Arms AR-15 with Side-Charging Handles
If you build an AR-15 with a side-charging handle using a Gibbz Arms upper receiver, or just get a G4 rifle from them, you will enjoy their proprietary design which includes a rear access door for the charging handle and bolt carrier group.
Not only does this streamline access to the bolt carrier group as well as general maintenance, it also keeps operating gasses contained within the firearm, preventing back pressure gasses from being vented in your face.
These are only a few of the common problems solved by AR-15 rifles with side-charging configurations, but there are others, some of which are directly addressed by the design of Gibbz Arms charging handles and uppers. For more information, or if you have questions about a side-charger build, visit the previous link or get in touch with their customer service directly.
