Quick Tip: Choosing a Radian Raptor Charging Handle
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2024
- The Raptor™ charging handle by Radian Weapons is one of the most popular aftermarket AR-15 upgrades. Check the latest edition of the Brownells Big Book or the listings on our website, and you'll see a bewildering array of Raptor™ models to choose from. Which one is right for you? Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant can't make that decision for you, but he CAN offer some info that'll help you make it yourself. The standard RAPTOR charging handle is fully ambidextrous and has large, deeply serrated latch handles to give you a secure hold to cycle the action with speed and authority. Like ALL Raptor handles, it has a raised lip that directs any gas that might escape from the rear of the action AWAY from your face. RAPTOR-LT has latch handles made of LighTweight high-impact polymer. If you're prone to whaling on your charging handles, you may want to stick to one of the other Raptors, all of which have aluminum latches. RAPTOR-SL has slimmer, lower-profile latches than the standard model. RAPTOR-SD has extra gas-venting cuts on the shaft to prevent gas blowback toward the shooter when shooting with a sound suppressor. Finally, the RAPTOR SD-SL combines the gas mitigation function of the SD model with the compact latches of the SL charging handle.
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How have I never noticed the AT4 just casually hanging out in the safe in the background before?
It is the little things like that I love on their set. Steve's catstronaut coffee mug is always my favorite...perhaps eclipsed only by Keith's Chick-Fil-A AR15 magazines. 😉
That’s the power of grey. Hence the inspiration name of the greyman ideology.
When peace isn't an option.
_emotional support missile_
I noticed that too 👌
My Aero build has a Radian Raptor.
I dig it.
He handles them so slowly and delicately as if they’re made of cheap glass and could shatter at any moment. 😂
Serial killer vibes
I agree. What a fricking nerd. That is how you have to handle them out in the field.
It’s not his stuff. He’d get canned if there’s one scratch on that.
@@T_D_B_ 😂😂😂😂😂
its so the shots are consistent. videographer here. The frames are sensitive and to have to readjust if its off by a few inches thus his sensitivity. it's annoying af but still funny. his hands say he's a former hand model. lol
Although they’re polymer for the LT option, they still have skeletonized aluminum shanks that are in of core of handle
That's what I thought too. Has anyone done a video where they cut into the handle and look at whats inside? Might be a tootsie role.
@@The_Expert
It has to have the aluminum inside, all the working bits and bearing surfaces are aluminum. They have diagrams showing the aluminum support structure as part of their marketing. If those diagrams were not accurate, they would be on the hook with consumer protection rules violations.
@@marine6680 i think people under estimate how much polymer has improved in the last few decades, I have both but honestly I like the plastic more because it's a softer feel even though iv sanded down all the edges on the aluminum one.
@@whatsmolly5741 Very much so… And a high quality polymer supported by a rigid metal skeleton is a very tough combination with reduced weight and other beneficial properties.
There will always be applications that no polymer will be suitable for, and metal will be required, but that list shrinks every year. And combined material/composite material designs are helping with this as well, gaining benefits of both the metal and polymer.
@@marine6680 I was using a t bone latch less handle for a while and it's just a thin bolt and the rest is plastic. Also unintentionally had to test out the strength of the raptor lt because of a stuck round and I was very scared I was going to destroy it but it held up to a hammer, not a mallet like an actual hammer and almost my full weight... and I never even got the round out I had to take the barrel off.
I’m a Righty pistol shooter,
Lefty for rifles..
The standard Radian is a fantastic ambi charging handle. I’ve installed them on every AR I’ve ever built.
I'm not being a dick I'm just trying to understand. Don't you pull the charging handle with 2 fingers whether you're righty or lefty? Even if you're a lefty you will still operate the latch on a mil-spec charging handle. Right? Or am I missing something.
No problem! On a mil-spec charging handle, the “charging handle latch” can only be actuated/ disengage on it’s left side. (Using a two-finger charging-stroke provides more leverage on the mil-spec CH) These Radian Ambi-CH’s have a really cool and innovative, “pivoting design” that allows the CH’s latch (on the left-side) to be actuated/ disengaged by pulling back on the handle from only one side, especially just the right side, even with one finger.. another advantage is to allow easier, one-handed CH manipulation if you run an optic that rides very close to the charging handle.
Same
@@CalebSavant - Thanks, Caleb 👍🏼
Love the Smith-Busters series, btw
The Raptor LT is not really for weight savings. It’s for cost savings. Instead of machining the aluminum handles, they put molded plastic over an aluminum shank. Should be about as strong, but it’s less expensive. I saw something once about how the LT might even technically be the strongest, but people perceive the regular raptor as being higher quality
I could see that being the case being that the aluminum underneath is protected and encased by sturdy polymer.
I grabbed up the polymer version and have been hard as hell on it and it's still trucking. Well worth its price!
I like it because it is easier on the fingers. A lot of metal ones feel like cheese traders after a handful of times
@@themightycrixus1131 You have bitch hands.
The LT is a polymer over mold. Inside the polymer is aluminum. While on paper the all aluminum version is technically stronger, from a practical standpoint, the LT is not going to be a weak point in your build. It will work just fine on a hard use rifle.
@@mrhamburger6936 Is there a reason?
@@mrhamburger6936 I haven’t had to deal with their CS personally.
@@mrhamburger6936 Well, be that as it may… The CHs in question, are very nice.
The LT is my favorite ambi CH, sized right and the price isn’t crazy.
Their ambi safety is also great. No screws to work loose.
I love this channel straight to the point no BS
Thanks for showcasing these charging handles. They are very nice!
They make great Charging Handles for sure!
This is perfect, as a fairly new AR15 owner, ive always wondered if its worth it to swap out the charging handle.
The quality of your videos are outstanding. Couldn’t be more clear on their differences. Now I finally know which one I should buy for my AR. Greetings from Italy 🇮🇹
Aaandddd this definitely helped and answered all the questions I had. Thanks
Have one for almost a year, and it is glorious!
Standard Raptors on all of my ARs. I wouldn't use anything else at this point.
Great video! Always wondered what the difference between the standard Raptor and the Raptor LT was.
SL is the move in my opinion since the others snagged on my gear quite a bit. But since I’m considering a 12.5 build I may snag the SL SD since I eventually want to run a can on it 👀
I have the Freedom Bone from Axts before they became Radian. It is the exact same or very similar to the Radian SD which does a great job with gas when shooting suppressed.
The entire line are all much smoother and sturdier than a mil-spec charging handle.
Great video thanks for the info. Those are hard choices to make fortunately I have enough AR-15s. But now I have to buy three more AR-10s to utilize all the charging handles
Great VDO. Bought a Radian Raptor last night for my son's PWS 6.5 CR. Not many options for the AR-10. PWS comes stock with a Raptor, He purchased it used and it had a different aftermarket CH. Fairly certain only the standard model is manufactured for AR-10s. As you well know, no need to worry about 'gas-face' with piston operation.
Great vid thanks so much. Helps a lot.
Radian Raptors, are a MUST HAVE‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
Yes, yes, that French Gentleman with the Dapper Hair, Caleb Savant is his name.
Thank you for the video. Very informational.
Thanks Caleb, for a clear explanation. I would consider one of these CH if I planned to ever use a suppressor on my carbine. My interest in that, for all it does to reduce muzzle blast, which is not significant IMO, is not worth the expense and trouble of the form four and another 13 month wait on the Treasury Dept/BATFE procedure. One observation I can make about large t handles, like the BCM gunfighter I upgraded on my LWRC M6A3, is that it’s much easier to manually cycle the bolt on one side, like the instructors teach, but when allowing to hang free when slung crossbody, the t handle does poke you in the gut/solar plexus/somewhere. This is mitigated by wearing an ammo vest/carrier of any kind or by keeping a hand or two on the weapon most of the time. An ex army vet teaching a class I attended a few years ago, when asked about the use of the sling, told us to use it, don’t set your rifle down and walk away. Won’t do you any good if it’s not in your hands or very close.
I love you and your dads videos 💯🇺🇸
Great info. I had considered these when they came out , but shooting that platform left handed for 38 years , i figured I'll just mess up the technique that i am so used to. Probably good for people who just recently learned the A R though.
Tac Ops and Tac Ops 1 FTW!!!
Have had a Radian Raptor charging handle on my SPR for about 4 years now. I got the standard, in FDE.
I like the standard Radian Raptor, I also like the Strike Industries charging handle!
I’m All For The Strike Industries I’ve Got Them In All My AR’s and There Less Than 20.00 When I Got Mine a Couple Years Ago 😀😊😀
I'm a sucker for strike industries grips. Perfect angle for me. Have never ran their CH.
Strike industries CH are great quality and very affordable!
Dont forget they're made in Taiwan. You get Japanese craftsmanship and get to say FU chy-na by supporting Taiwan.
Minute Man Prep did a torture test by rough racking it with his boot and the Raptor worked as intended while a few other brands failed.
i want to see more of that AT4 launcher in the back ground
I have 10 originals (2 from when they were AXTS), 9 LTs and one SL. I will only buy LTs from now on since I have not found the LT to be less durable at all. An added benefit is that the poly feels much nicer on a cold morning.
Great video, and by the way that's a really nice shirt! 🙂👍
Another great video
These are the best charging handle
On the market in my opinion.
Runs the standard in all my rifles
I switched from
A mil spec at the range and could immediately tell differences
For $99 it’s a great upgrade
I finally upgraded my DPMS AR10 with the Radian Raptor ambi charging handle, it is amazing!!! :)
Thank you for this video.
Personally I like the LWRC Handel extra thick pens and ambi too. For little less than radian.
SL all day
I bought one of the ones with the holes cut in for gas to escape. I read mixed reviews online some saying it does nothing. Figured I was gunna try a raptor anyway myswell try it, so hopefully when my bolt shows up I can find out
good video
Very helpful!
Best CH in the game. Hands down.
Best one out there is the. Raptor by Radian…Geiselle has a close 2nd with theirs if you ask me tho!
I waited forever to get my hands on one of the FDE .308 versions and too my knowledge the stock still hasn’t really returned on those. Ended up shelling out about the same amount for the Geissele super charging handle, but the color is not what I would have preferred.
Which one is right for me? Whichever one I can get my hands on lol. I run the standard because we can’t have suppressors in California, but when I move out of here in a few months I will be doing the suppressor paperwork and then grab the suppressor raptor charging handle, but if you’re not running suppresses I prefer the standard one.
Need the Radian CH with the SOLGW logo engraved!
I would recommend going with the Geissele Airborne or the Geissele Super Charging Handle.
I have the original radian raptor I just bought. It’s a shame that the right arm wobbles up and down a little bit, but it’s still 100% functional. Do they do this on purpose? I’m not going through the hassle of exchanging it where I bought it. It works and that’s fine.
Caleb, do you recommend using an adjustable gas block when supressing and AR as well as the Radian Raptor SD?
All my ARs run the radian raptor.
Ditto‼️‼️‼️
Very educating at least for me. I do have a question for you regarding the type that will be suitable for my M&P AR-15 22 sport.
I like to upgrade my charging handle that comes with the firearm from S&W, ( which was made cheaply ) which one according to your opinion should I be buying?
Looking to get the Raptor SD with the Talon safety switch with it. One question any performance difference with SD vs. Standard if not using a surpressor?
Regular Radian Raptor is the best charging handle to me. I have it on all rifles.
I own a aero precision/radian raptor charging handle after my cheap charging handle would bind and was just a geneeal pain in the ass to charge my .308, it was a night and day difference. I initially thought it was because it was an ar308 thing, being it was my first, that was just harder to charge I can do it 1 handed now. They are expensive I payed $90 after shipping, but I'd buy one straight out the gate if I had to do it over.
Have a few already. BCM makes the war fighter, which is about the same. However the raptor is like 2/3 the price.
Do the same thing with the Bravo Co (BCM) gunfighter charging handles!
I've been looking for one for LR 308 for over a year. Radian has been out of stock of everything. If they've got some now, it's news to me. I've made do with what I've got.
Do one on choosing an geiselle trigger
THANKS
I need a charging handle that is wider to make it easier to operate under the rear of a scope.
When it comes to the AR-15 charging handle do you use the index and middle finger to grab both “sides” of the charging handle or do you just grab one “side” with your index finger and thumb? I think it’s personal preference but some people say that you SHOULD ONLY grab it by both sides evenly. A topic for smith busters maybe?
Every "milspec" instance of AR use I've seen is the two finger "pinch". I prefer a one handed, left side hook with the crease of the finger. It's easier to do with the rifle up and in the firing position.
That's the beauty of an Ambi handle. There are several ways to operate it. You can use the back of your thumb or pull with the edge of your palm facing toward you. I got the LT in case something happens to my hands and I still need to charge the rifle. A standard CH only has a couple ways to engage
I need someone to add an explanation of the competition radian charging handle please.
The Ruger SFAR (.308/7.62x51) takes the AR15/M16 version, NOT the AR10/SR25 version, correct?
The raptors I have, have the same length latch on each side didn't see it here for some reason?
I've been interested in an ambi charging handle, but haven't been too convinced that paying around 40 to 80 dollars more (depending on model) is worth it. I don't have any suppressors (and won't be in a position to be able to get one for a while), so the gas-reducing feature on it probably wouldn't make as much of a difference for me unless my rifle is way over gassed which I can always take care of that by adjusting the gas block.
Being left handed I thought an ambi charging handle would improve weapons manipulation. It didn't.
Your point about suppressors and over gassed is legitimate but like you said there are other ways of fixing it.
I can see it being beneficial to some but ambi handles just don't seem worth it.
I wasn't either but I got one for $67 anyway. I got it in case something happens to one of my hands so it can be charged in multiple ways. Right, left, with your palm, the back of your thumb.... Lots of options. They have a real smooth action too. I would say its an upgrade that is worth it. ( plus it looks really cool)
I have personally experienced more gas to the face from the radian CH's versus say an older BCM/VLTOR CH.
YYMV
Does the SL charging handle help with blowback even without a suppressor?
I didn't get the LT because when i walk through fires I need my charging handle not to melt.
What about the Raptor Competition? What’s the difference between it and standard beside pretty red or blue colors?
Question: unless you damage your charging handle, what is the purpose of replacing your existing handle. As an example, I have an Sig. why would I want to replace the factory handle?
What is the reason for having different length handles on each side? If its fully ambidextrous?
do any of yall find the right side wobble a little more than the left?
Omg I’ve spent more than a hour trying to put that thing in backwards
I've heard that the SD Raptors are life changing, and that they also don't make a difference. I'm building a 12.5 with a CGS Helios, from actual users, is it worth the extra couple of bucks?
I have an SD SL Raptor on my 11.5" BCM and I love it. I bought is for the gas cuts as I will suppress it. I think they're worth it.
I don’t know if they make a difference but they sure look cool. But if you are shooting with a can do everything you can to dissipate that gas. It’s super nasty and turns a fun day into a chore. No matter what you have a nasty gun to clean so why make it even worse by also picking debris out of your eyes and face.
No, it’s a very minor difference between the standard and SD, both of which are beat by a mil spec charging handle. You can see this in the silencer co charging handle video where they use a radian SD. I personally use Geissele, they’re about the same price, on more heavy duty builds I use the Armageddon GMS 15 EVO, but that’s a very heavy duty steel charging handle, The reason I got that is in case I need to kickstart my rifle, and it stops almost all gas leakage from the ejection port. Mind you that charging handle adds a good few ounces to your AR
Silencerco makes a gas defeating charging handle that might be worth looking into
I've shot both the SD and standard back to back on two 10in sbrs both suppressed. The difference was night and day. Can't speak for any other brand besides radian tho
He handles these handles like they'll explode if he's too rough with them. 🤣
nope, but if I move them too fast the camera man will explode lol.
@@CalebSavant I mean, I'm game to see that in a 3 minute video as well. Can even make it into a joke, "oh no, Timmy just exploded again. We're gonna need another Timmy!"
I'm curious as to what the argument would be for the SL model, wouldn't that just make it harder to quickly grab the charging handle
I have read reports from some users on Gunnit who say that the latches on original models are TOO easy to manipulate: they are prone to being accidentally activated when the gun is carried on a sling, moving the bolt out of battery. The SL version reduces the risk of this scenario slightly.
@@Athonite huh, yeah i can see that. it would suck to go to pull the trigger and get nothing lol
Less likely to snag.
Woot woot 👍🏼🇺🇸
Badger Ordinance and Daniel’s Defense are my 2 favorite charging handles, in that order. Beefy and comfortable in the hand.
Mine is branded with a lion and the name armalite on it
As a Southpaw I think I'm deciding to not get radian at all and stick with the badass. I don't like the fact it has one side bigger and another shorter unless it can be switched. Don't like Orthodox specific catering. Just me though.
According to Radian the LT has the same strength as the standard raptor
I don’t get it. What is the difference between a radian raptor charging handle and other charging handles? Are they all just metal?
I have a 7.62 x 39 AR, would any charging handle work with it?
Would an SD charging handle be good option for an overgassed, non-suppressed AR, especially if you're just running a standard mil-spec CH? Or would you typically go for heavier buffer or AGB first?
If you’re getting a charging handle, get the SD incase you ever go suppressed. I ended up buying one of each cause eventually I got my can. As far as overgassing, are you sure that’s the case & what barrel/gas length you running? It’s all an equation, people get to caught up trying to treat the symptoms not the issue
I would take care of the issues with the rifle first, then pick a charging handle.
My Aero m4e1 11.5" gives me moderate gas face unsuppressed. Ejection pattern is good at about 2-2:30 position tho. Ballistic Advantage chf/CL /MP but port may be issue. I figure its just bc shorter. Nothing can do but change CH. I got a piston buffer all in one system but not shot yet. Im suppressing soon so will need to fig out. Any ideas?
@@LibertyFromLead do you have gauge pins? If so, see what size gas port you have. Calipers aren’t as accurate as some think, so gauge pins are most accurate for that.
If your barrel is out of spec, see if you can replace it or send it back.
If you can’t mess with the barrel, and all you can do is compensate for the barrel being over gassed. If you have other BCGs see how they run. You may have a barrel on the gassy side, with a really gas efficient carrier. If you don’t have that option, or a way to gauge your BCG, I’d suggest a SprinCo or Geissele super 42 buffer spring, & pair it with a H1 or H2 buffer. H2 or H3 if suppressed.
Another option, that I would NOT suggest but is a option. Canting your gas block off to either side a touch, partially blocking the gas port flow.
You need an adjustable gas block.
Superlative Arms is a great choice.
What does the "D" in SD mean?
Why are the ambi wings different sizes?
Another great feature is to run short stroke gas piston. 🤷🏻♂️
Bought a Radian before, not a fan. Bear creek arsenal and BCM makes a better handle IMO.
Are you sure you meant Bear Creek? The BCM is great too though.
Bear Creek Arsenal???
You must have gotten a fake Radian Raptor from EBay or Amazon.
why is one side longer than the other? does it help it clear the forward assist?
That's exactly right.
I love them myself. I don't have one. I would like one but, I just can not afford one. man they are expensive for what they are. I can't believe how much people charge, for a charging handle.
You can find the polymer version for 50 bucks if you look around.
Why would you want that one with the small latches? I’ve got a scope that’s kind of in the way. Is there a disadvantage to getting one with those super big latches?
Could potentially catch on your gear.
Some people don’t like the bigger latches because they can snag up on gear
Snags supposedly but get the big latches….snagging isn’t a big issue.
Unless you have grenades strapped on your chest.
@@cleetismcdougall5425 I can’t disagree with a guy named Cleetis! Any friend of the Dukes is a friend of mine!
Where's the titanium?
Why are the wings asymmetrical? Is it the mechanism that requires that? I know it’s small and you probably won’t notice it once it’s mounted but my brain sees that asymmetry and starts twitching. Edit- it’s for the forward assist isn’t it?
The left side is shorter because most people are right handed and when it’s slung the left side of the rifle will be against your body so the shorter latch won’t snag on your chest as much.
@@brettb5089 Ok. Well… it really is as simple as I thought it was originally.
I think they handle new colors and handles and stock on these items now as well as the differences between A.R. 10 and A.R. 15 it would be great to hear an updated video that deals with those choices as well because from a distance the ones on your table look identical
It's hard to justify spending $100+ on a charging handle with the options just on Brownell's
A Breek Arms Warhammer is probably the best charging handle you can buy (other than maybe a PRI Gas Buster) since it's only $40 and it's really great. It's what Ian and Karl used for their WWSD rifle.
If you shop around you can find aluminum radians for $60 and the LT versions for $45. The SD are really only for people shooting suppressed.
@@2amichaelj Where? Used on ebay?
Sometimes radian sells LT blems from there own website. Also they sell a safety and charging handle combo that is right around $100. Decent deal for a great charging handle and ambi safety.
The war hammer feels cheap compared to the radian. I’ve had both and the radian just feels more robust.
Cool story. When is Brownells going to unfornicate the shipping/receiving issue? Wait time has gone from 24/48 hours to at least 15 days now.
Caleb I am familiar with Radian Raptors, but thanks for going down the list and what the differences are for all. My question, what do you think of the Breek Arms Warhammer Ambidextrous Charging Handle? I am liking it and, have been trying it out on two of my ARs for about 1 year now and for the money... No problems at half the price of most Raptors... It is a little thin, but strong. Thoughts?
I like it! It is thin but pairs well on lightweight builds.
I was thinking about filling mine in with some epoxy or black hot glue to make it feel solid, I like it but I haven't ran it enough to know if it is durable.
@@CalebSavant I do too, especially on lighter weight builds! I try to run the 2 as light "as able." Also, thanks for the follow up! Makes me want to order another item from Brownell's and keep up "Smyth Busters!" I watch most, comment on a few, hit "LIKE" on all!
@@SW-ii5gg They seem solid to me, though I haven't been able to run mine as "hard" as I'd like to, but on the one with the most usage.. no problems. Interesting thought about using epoxy or black hot glue... I don't think it is necessary, they "hold" tough as nails, for over 1 year, now, and at 1/2 the price of Raptors!
But, let me know if the epoxy or black hot glue helps!
@@GmanGSW it seems well built, especially for the price, if I try the fill in I will try to remember to get back to you on it.
Nice, but my N95 masks have long been repurposed for use when I ’choot’ suppressed.