dpms miculek stainless steel charging handle

[Skans]

I installed a stainless steel charging handle in one of my more used AR builds. It has functioned flawlessly without messing up the upper receiver at all. I would like to find another one, but can't find them anymore.

In looking for one of these charging handles again, I read a bunch of stuff claiming that they "might" not be compatible with the Aluminum upper receiver, etc, etc. Then, I realized that all of the bolt carriers are hardened steel, chrome or nickel plated and they don't mess up the upper receivers. I long ago completely dismissed any worry about with the Stainless charging handle. I just can't figure out why they stopped making them?

 

[anymanusa]

It had to cost a pretty penny.

 

[zukiphile]

I just can't figure out why they stopped making them?

I can only guess that the price made demand quite low. FWIW DS Arms makes one for $30-ish, but it isn't stainless. https://www.dsarms.com/p-15802-dsa-ar15-forged-steel-charging-handle-with-standard-latch.aspx

 

[Skans]

I can only guess that the price made demand quite low. FWIW DS Arms makes one for $30-ish, but it isn't stainless.

It's been so long since I purchased that stainless charging handle, I can't recall what I paid for it. I want to say it was around $60, but it could have been more.

While I like the fact mine is made out of stainless, I think I might order one or two of those forged steel charging handles. The worst it could do is rust, if the phosphate coating isn't done correctly. Worth it to me. Thanks.

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[ed308]

I just can't figure out why they stopped making them?

Weight and cost would be my guess. But some charging handler are over $100.

 

[zukiphile]

Skans, or anyone who uses steel charging handles, is the desire for a steel part just the piece of mind that comes with a more robust part, or have you encountered problems with the standard charging handle in your use?

I've read mostly about the over-sized latches tearing out of aluminium CHs, and less frequently people bending the CH while it is extended.

 

[disseminator]

I just put a NIBX coated one in a build, it was a little tight at first, but now it's great and looks neat too. It is more slippery than a black one.

 

[Skans]

Skans, or anyone who uses steel charging handles, is the desire for a steel part just the piece of mind that comes with a more robust part, or have you encountered problems with the standard charging handle in your use?

For me, peace of mind - I have seen a bent charging handle before, but I did not see how it got bent. I personally have never bent a charging handle. The weight difference is negligible between the stainless one I have and the aluminum one. the Stainless one I have is coated - you can't tell it's stainless just by looking at it, but you can feel the difference holding it side-by-side with an aluminum one.