AR-15 Side Charging Option - "Hard Charger" vs Side Charging Upper

[Phazer]

I'd thought about side charging handle replacements that look like wishbones. Like this:

These drop-in options always seemed like they'd flex too much and could come apart at an inopportune moment. Or, they'd allow for too much lateral torque when charging and make the handle harder to pull.

I'd looked at side charging uppers. But, I don't like reciprocating handles.

I did a quick search and found something that I'd apparently missed in the past. Check out the "Hard Charger" by Devil Dog Concepts:

Hard Charger

Gear Review: Devil Dog Concepts Hard Charger - The Truth About Guns


In theory, this appears to be a better supported option than the simple drop-in model.

Thoughts?

 

[Airborneguy]

$154?

Might as well do it the right way. He whole point is not to have to pull all the way back like a normal charging handle. This doesn't change that.

 

[Phazer]

 

[Phazer]

$154?

Might as well do it the right way. He whole point is not to have to pull all the way back like a normal charging handle. This doesn't change that.

I'd also considered something like this to completely get the rear charging handle out of the picture:
Side Charging AR-15 Stripped Billet Upper Receiver - Non Reciprocating

At $225, it's essentially the price of the Hard Charger + standard upper. So, for a fresh build, it'll be something to consider.

 

[Phazer]

For comparison:

 

[Uzi]

Yeah, I like it because it's innovative, but there are more reasons why I wouldn't want one of those. Firstly, I think an advantage of a side charger on an AR is so you can retain a site picture while charging the gun without pulling away or looking off to the side. That might not work out so well when your cheek is on the buffer and it smacks against your face because it's the exact same length as a stock charging handle... Probably end up busting a lip open or something. Secondly, I know right where that picatinny mount is would definitely be in the way of where I have all three of my red dot optics mounted on my ARs including the pistol. I don't see an advantage in the real world with this. Finally I don't feel a side charger is as necessary in general when you have a bolt release. Too many people forget about using the bolt release to their advantage.

 

[Phazer]

Okay...now I think I like true side charging uppers. In a malfunction situation (as the video below shows with dummy rounds at the end), it appears to be much more ergonomic to rack the bolt with a side charging handle than a standard handle: