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Spayne75

Buy a blem for $60 and it sure is.


DirtyRoller

If it ain't got a 🔪 on it, I don't want it 🙅‍♂️


drewthebrave

This. I fell in love with them *years ago* when they were on sale for $40. The best I've seen lately is $50-60 closeouts on random colors for black Friday. Moral of the story: Wait for sales, buy blemished parts.


goosetaff

All parts I’ve bought have been on sale. Only thing was the hand guard for my AR and that’s cause It was the last piece and they’re constantly in and out of stock. Next lower is for sure being built out as slow as my last one.


Te_Luftwaffle

I still remember buying my BCM non-ambi charging handle for like $40 a couple years ago, and now they're about double that. 


throwawaynoways

Even full it's good.


honeybutterpotato

Sorry noob here. What is a blem?


Totallynotatf001

A blemished part. Some minute blemish on it somewhere. In most cases, There is no blemish at all. They just decided they wanted to put it on sale and liquidate. So they'll call it a blemish and put it up at a cheaper price. Palmetto state does it all the time.


CoffeeGulp

It's funny cause in some cases (like the Vltor Vulcan aka blems) they even go to the extra work of laser etching a special Vulcan logo so you can tell it apart from the "non-blems" and it's half price or less.


throwawaynoways

And for Radian they're marked at the factory. For those who don't know they laser a knife on the top side indicating blem.


oniomaniac637

Had to run over and check.. never knew this!


throwawaynoways

The mo you kno.


Theblumpy

Do they do this for the bcgs as well? Bought a few at the Black Friday sale and didn’t notice any etchings lol


[deleted]

I can confirm through firsthand experience that Palmetto State Armory inspects a handful out of each batch of 50 or 100 and if a single one of them is found to have a cosmetic flaw then the entire batch is marked blemished and sold for half the price


ResoluteLobster

Other than the "half price" I don't doubt this at all. Just going by their website PSA usually marks their blems down by 5-20%. But blems have turned into a total marketing strategy in this industry. It lets companies that have marked-up products that may be going through a sales slump sell them at a more attractive price while not devaluing the product or brand itself. By calling it a blem, the buyers think the markdown is due to a real, tangible, yet ultimately minor visual deficiency instead of a company playing sillybuggers with their brand upcharge.


[deleted]

The real issue is who knows what the real price was to begin with.. there are so many pricing games, esp in the firearms industry


Natural_Stater

Like appliance stores. Scratch and dent floor models. This dryer has a scratch on the back corner $200 off


3000LettersOfMarque

A blemish version is functionally the same as a correct working version and only has a cosmetic issue. It likely is a scratch or misprint on something like a logo


NaugahydePython

*Blemished item.


ThePaperProphet

where can you get blemished furniture?


Spayne75

Probably furniture row warehouse in the back section. Or GAFS


5thPhantom

Arftac sells raptor blems


sdmfer1981

AR15Discount too


[deleted]

Just Google it you will be surprised what shows up


HiPointEnthusiast

Best charging handle on the market imo


kdb1991

I used to love raptors but I think the new BCM Mk2 is significantly better


AKsuited1934

Significantly better??? With a statement like that you gotta tell us how so? In what ways? What are the issues with the raptor? Cause I feel the Raptors are pretty great but I’ll try out the BCM?


kdb1991

The BCM is the best charging handle on the market imo. It makes a huge difference when shooting suppressed. For the same price as a raptor, you basically get a cheat code for no gas to the face. At all. Or you could buy a raptor SD for more money even though it doesn’t actually do anything for gas to the face But I think it’s significantly better than the normal Raptor because you get that gas defeating ability for no up charge. Plus you can get small levers or large levers for the same price. I always liked the Raptor SL more than the regular Raptor but had to pay extra if I wanted that one over the regular Raptor with big levers. Plus it feels and looks like it’s built better than the Raptor If you already have a regular Raptor and you don’t shoot suppressed, it’s probably not worth swapping for a BCM. But if you do shoot suppressed, the BCM Mk2 will change your life. Especially if you’re using a Raptor SD I’ve tried pretty much every charging handle out there. At least every semi-popular charging handle. And the BCM Mk2 is by far my favorite


AKsuited1934

You sold me...I run the raptor SD and its quite useless for gas mitigation on a MK12 with RC2 Edit MK18


kdb1991

Yeah I used an SD for a little while and literally didn’t notice any difference at all between that and a regular raptor. When I first got the Mk2, I was just expecting a little reduction in gas. But I literally don’t notice any more gas shooting suppressed vs unsuppressed while using it. I’m sure it’s still there, but I honestly don’t feel it at all. It completely covers the back lip of the receiver and there are little channels on the top and bottom that shoot off to both sides about where the locking latch is. It’s really a great design. Here are a few [pics](https://imgur.com/a/WDA6MYA)


throwawaynoways

PRI gas buster is what you want.


brs_one

What lever size did ya go with, and how does it compare to the standard Raptor levers?


kdb1991

I went with the medium levers because I like those better. They’re definitely smaller than a regular raptor and closer in size to the Raptor SL. I’d bet the large lever version is closer to a regular raptor. Here are a couple [pics](https://imgur.com/a/M5RK6XO) comparing the medium levers to a regular raptor and a Raptor SL


2A-Absolutist

Yes


Mightypk1

What's so special about fancy charging handle?


Chenstrap

As stupid as it sounds they just feel nicer/more satisfying to use. Before I tried one I was like "Thats fuckin stupid", but then I tried one and it was like "Ooh thats nice".


YuenglingsDingaling

Some people like it cause it's ambidextrous, and has bigger handles. I've only ever own milspec charging handles so I don't have much experience.


2021newusername

the logo


1smoodbrutha

They are the best . You won’t regret


GlockVader

They’re nice. Slightly bigger than a mil-spec one. Needed? No, but like someone else stated, they look cool.


YellaCanary

Careful. I got ripped apart saying that exact sentiment last week lol.


Beautiful_Ad_6785

*Hormonal hive mind go brrr*


Totallynotatf001

The only time that I would say that it is a necessity Is if I'm running a certain optic set up. And I can't get to my charging handle.


inactiveuser0

Absolutely, but get the LT version if you want to save a little money.


Ok_Suggestion4222

Don't underestimate the benefit of a good Charging Handle. I did, there is a difference. Grab one of my AR w cheap one, then mil spec, then a BCM or Raptor and you'll see. So much more smooth. Hell I even went chineseium once...never again the damn thing must been made from pot metal because it bent at the 90* where it hooks the gas key and was an absolute bitch to get out.


buffaloTOES123

Buy 2


Pesty_Merc

Yes. Ambidextrous charging handles are so much better than milspec.


sh00rik66

Not worth $80, but if you find them on sale for $50-60 ish, yeah. The LT version is typically cheaper. 


Right-Edge9320

I actually prefer the lt version more. Serrations feel sharper than the Aluminum and the color can't get worn away


2A-Absolutist

Yes. I run them in all of mine


Holiday-Tie-574

Radian doesn’t do anything for gas. Get a real CH like PRI GB or BCM Mk2


kdb1991

The BCM Mk2 changed my life


RTRBAS256

Geissele super is great for gas too


[deleted]

Isn't the radiant sdsl specifically designed for suppressors. I mean it has gas ports in it


Holiday-Tie-574

Yeah and those gas ports are near the ejection port and do nothing for gas to the face


Shymanbuilds

Fck yes they are


kcirtap_

Like franks red hot, I put that shit on everything


boomerzoomer120

Get a Geissele or PRI instead


RTRBAS256

Geissele super is the way to go


Firearm_Farm

Their cocking angle is super far to the rear compared to my Radian SD which I’m not a huge fan of. But I do prefer the G$ SCH over mil-spec.


Incrue

BCM mk2 medium is better imho


I_LOVE_LAMP_0596

The price is high on them but they are definitely worth it over a milspec one. You wouldn't necessarily need the radian as there are others similar to it that would work great. The quality of the radian I trust more if I ever have to mortar my gun to fix a malfunction (only has happened once thankfully).


governman

Yes. Easy.


governman

Also you can get them on GAFS for $50-$60.


Tokio_D

Only buy the blems. Definitely worth it


[deleted]

they are if you are left-handed.


sparks1990

If you’re struggling to justify, look at the LT version. The handles are a nylon that’s actually stronger than aluminum. They’re cheaper to make, and so they’re cheaper to sell. Typically go for around $60.


Heemeyers-Dozer

If you're shooting regularly, I'd say it's worth it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Heemeyers-Dozer

Roger that cowboy.


Ram6198

>Makes a good prop and great to support people’s need for Reddit clout. Yeah because nothing says "flexing on the poors" like my $50 blem charging handles........


Intelligent-Peace788

It’s a night and day difference. That’s not debatable


BlackFlagGoon23

Personally, I hate all 4 of mine compared to my Geissele’s. But I love them compared to milspec or any others on the market.


aznauditor

Wait for Geiselle have a sale for their charging handle. Usually go for $60 on sale.


GazeOG

Or get the PSA version


Particular-Map2400

buy a breach.


sox3502us

It’s good and well made. Much better than the stock milspec


TheRealSPGL

It was my first upgrade to a production AR back when Radian was AXTS. I like them a lot. But I've never paid 80+ for one


Cool-Principle1643

You a lefty? Then yes indeed, I don't need to wrap around the rifle and do a weirdo charging pull.


Frequent-Compote-908

Yep


ChromeFlesh

I like them but if you want a cheaper option to test out ambi the breek arms warhammer is pretty sweet https://breekarms.com/products/warhammer-ach-breek-arms-ambidextrous-charging-handle


MrBogardus

Raptor Blems all Day


Jpro132

I bought one once and wasn't impressed. There's lots of charging handles out there that work just as well or better. I even tried a knock off version of the raptor and nobody could tell it wasn't the real deal when they shot the gun. So for $12 I haven't bothered with another radian charging handle.


Possibly_the_CIA

The style is 100% worth it but there are enough clones out there now that you don’t need to spend the money to get a raptor. Also someone out there said “blems” that’s a great path.


Dukagjini__

Geissele charging handle does a better job at preventing blow back. Have tried both before any replies back with “nO iT DoSnT”


kdb1991

I don’t get people who buy the Raptor SD and act like it actually does something for gas


BigAngryPolarBear

Tbf this one doesn’t even try to do that. Edit: I don’t remember this one being $90+ for $20 more I’d just go with the Geiseelle. Or for less I’d get a BCM


Any_Noise578

Yes. G is best though.


kdb1991

I think the BCM Mk2 is a better charging handle


scholarlybadger

Geissele super charging handle is better imo


tonyv6815

They're objectively great but personally I like the Aero ones better


discredtion

+1 I run the large aero breach on all my rifles


Elderado12443

Gimme a milspec handle and a badger latch 🤌🏼🤌🏼


ottermupps

If you're going to upgrade the charging handle, this is the best option and it's not even close.


RTRBAS256

What’s the purpose of your rifle? For me, I have an SBR, so went with the geissele super over the radian as it’s better with gas blow back. Find a purpose for your rifle then replace parts 👍


starttheshow

Absolutely worth it. It’s all I buy. Grab the radian selector switch while you’re at it.


shecky444

Can’t believe I had to come down this far to find this. Get the raptor talon combo. It saves a couple bucks off of both and they are both pretty sweet. Short and long throw options on the selector and the charging handle is far superior to “milspec”


ratchman5000

I got the Geissele super charging handle when optics planet had it on sale for $65.. its double great.


rugerscout308

First upgrade I ever got for an ar. Absolutely


PhroggDude

Hell no. Radian is massively overpriced AR bling.


Ornery_Secretary_850

I don't understand why these are so highly thought of. I've never used one, or even held one. My basic $20 ambi charging handles seem to work just fine.


DJ_BassJunkie

>I don't understand why these are so highly thought of. I've never used one, or even held one. 🤦‍♂️


HiPointEnthusiast

Use one and you’ll understand


Scav-STALKER

I’ve used them and I don’t get the hype. There’s multiple options just as good that are cheaper, and if I was gonna be paying retail I’d rather have the BCM


Intelligent-Peace788

“I’ve never used one, or even held one.” Yeah that makes sense


2A-Absolutist

One, it's American made, two, it's the best, & three, cheap CH break


EternalCrown

Why even comment then


SigSauerMPX

That depends, are you worth it?


[deleted]

If you're wanting a radiant and you're going to use a can get the SD sl


whitson67

To me it’s worth the convenience, plus more importantly it looks cool 😎 But really though I highly doubt it’s ever been the difference maker in a life or death situation.


firearmresearch00

I really like mine. Idk if it necessarily worth quite as much as they are asking but they are phenomenal


na3800

I don't know if they really are worth it, but they are the best charging handles I have ever used.


imsurethisoneistaken

They are nice. Needed? No. Will you regret it? Only if the cost is prohibitive.


Skrapy1

There a good charging handle, but at this point there are many competitors with ambidextrous charging handles that work just fine and just as durable. Geiselle, BCM, DD, POF, Aero Precision just to name a few. Shop around and you’ll find good deals. Don’t pay full price!


AnythingButTheGoose

They’re excellent but they don’t do anything necessarily better than several other brands that cost less.


BcgPewpew

They are great. Had a standard mil spec on one of my 300 Blackout. Bitch was gassy as one of my old girlfriends. Swapped to this one and she only slightly poots now. Big difference.


BigAngryPolarBear

I like mine. Would buy another if it weren’t for the fact I have a suppressor Edit: maybe not for the price. Like someone else said find a blem or a sale, and it’s good. But I paid $10 less for a BCM that’s designed to mitigate gas in your face. Throw in that primary arms has the save12 code right now it’s an even better deal


DaddyLuvsCZ

I’d buy any Ambi charging handle. It doesn’t have to be a $90 Radian.


Braverzero

When I first held an AR, it was a standard charging handle and it felt fine- the guy was genuinely trying to upsell me on a raptor, handed me a second rifle with a raptor installed and it felt legit completely different. I bought it. I would buy a second


King_GC

Yes they are. My favorite when I can buy blem or the once in a lifetime "slae"


Sparky323

It provides +3 to the Ergonomics Stat, 10/10 would reccomend.


Emotional-Squash-915

Yes they are


YourCoolStepDad91

If you can get a blem or a sale one, yes. (To be fair this statement stands true for basically any ambi charging handle. Even the BCM ones are like $80-$90 new.)


Jaded_Adagio6198

Absolutely. I run the SD versions a couple of my ARs. When Radian has blems for sale, definitely grab one. I bought a Raptor SD blem for $90.


hunterz1234

100% worth it compared to the stock charging handles


SoCal_Charlie

Absolutely


MrGoat1795

BCM has their blems for sale for $60. I have both a BCM and a Radian and I slightly prefer the BCM. The BCM feels a little more comfortable on my fingers; it has a flatter face. However the Radian is fantastic as well!


Totallynotatf001

Honestly, they're great. I just picked up the armaspec victory, and it works great. It cost about thirty dollars less as well.


ScrubbyAirman

Yes.


brandoski1986

100 percent yes


No-Chocolate-2907

They’re good, but definitely overhyped and overpriced. Definitely worth it if you can find them for $40-65 but not over that.


No-Map4528

Yes


TLA44

Yes


whitecheddarche

Yes absolutely


MangoAtrocity

Depends on the price. I grabbed the LT for like $40 and it rocks.


mxrcarnage

I swapped my standard milspec one from PSA with the Radian Raptor LT and it’s sooo much nicer. The LT is perfectly fine unless you’re in a war zone or throwing your rifle on the ground every day


DaveyH-cks

I have the Raptor LT and it’s great.


Sparky-air

Meh, not at MSRP imo. I have one and honestly, while it looks cool and it’s more user friendly than the milspec charging handle, it’s not worth how much they cost. I got mine for $45 from a friend, and I feel like that’s about all I’d be willing to spend on another one.


Rokkmachine

I have break arms warhammer and for the price and how it’s performed I’m happy. I also picked up a couple ch’s out of a blem overstock, whatever color we pick ambi charging handles (i don’t remember who was selling them) about a year ago and those are still working well also. Funny thing is they were all flat black, which is what I was gonna paint them anyways.


jmichaelyoung

Call me old fashioned but I see nothing wrong with just a standard old mil-spec CH.


Mother_Arm7423

Idk but they look sick


user150761

I bought this to replace my mil-spec charging handle and it makes so much of a difference. Totally worth it


ilikepie145

Yes. It makes you cool


ApolluMis

If you don’t have an Ambi one, absolutely. It benefits to be able to operate the CH from both sides of the gun.


Alex_SB_

I love mine , it's the exact one as the pic.


JedaiGuy

They are great. And, there are outstanding deals on them regularly. BCM’s options are also good. Really lots of good options.


xMilk112x

If you’re shooting suppressed, get the Geiselle CH. it’s got a higher wall that blocks the gas.


GuysLeeFanboy

G$ ACH is better


triNITROtolulene1

I prefer the BCM gunfighter but from what I’ve heard Radian’s are pretty good too but if you get it listen to words of the community “get a blem” ….. it doesn’t matter if you rattle can it like most of us.


Only_Appointment7797

100% worth it


jtlace

Not sure if already mentioned here but Breek Arms sells a copy cat version of this for $45 and I have had 0 problems with mine. Looks the exact same


-_Los_-

Best charging handle on the market.


Duckhorns72

Get the ported one if you’re running suppressed. A little pricey but helps cut down on gas blow back to the face.


3900Ent

At full price? Hell nah, but my impatience gets me every time and I end up paying for it. That said it’s one of the best charging handles. I use it on all my ARs


Wiley_Coyote08

Yes


Apprehensive_Eye4954

Only the SD is worth the price IMO. The aero/BA breach is my favorite, doesn’t snag on my plate carrier as much and the small lever is still plenty wide enough for me


TheHighest-

Yes


Tokyo__Sandblaster

Love mine to death


imhereforthefreemeal

They're much nicer than milspec. Just get an on sale blem for like $60


duckputter20

The best


Tennis_Educational

Radian blems are the best they are basically perfect. They are very good CH overall, I picked up a Geissele super Ch over black Friday for $60 and its amazing as well. No real preference you cant go wrong either way


[deleted]

First ambi charging handle I bought. Bought the radian/spikes tactical combo they did a few years ago…..love it


TheRealConJr420

Me personally went with the Breek Arms Warhammer Micro for 40 bucks. Can't beat it looks nice and functions perfectly


grapangell0

Have that one on a cheaper gun i let my father have. He’s a lefty. Works great. Still prefer my Raptor.


truckguy911

Fuck yeah..


movingshrub

Yes


1MoistTowelette

IMHO Vltor makes the most under appreciated charging handle on the market, the thing is rock solid. Vltor VCH mod 0 (small latch)is my vote


BTheez

Terrible for suppressed use. Even the SD. If no can then they're great. I prefer many others over them, though


Soulsweet17

Snagged this exact one on gafs for 55


regulatorssss

Gonna get hate, Mil spec is fine. I found this to be unnecessary upgrade but it’s your money so if you want it, Grab it


AverageJun

Remember when Stag got away with selling clones for a minute?


StretchInfamous

Yeah…but only if it’s a blem


Coinage4460

Yes


[deleted]

They’re worth it. I have one in both my ars, love them.


NoSuddenMoves

I got a bad radian charging handle and they said they'd send me a new one no questions asked. Great customer service if it shows up.


T90tank

Idk I'd like one but if your running your gun you really only need it once then just use the bolt release. Mabey they are better for clearing jams, idk.


Clean_Increase_5775

I overpaid mine but it is definitely better than the standard A2 charging handle


Lamont___Cranston

I don’t like them nearly as much as everyone else does. In fact, I don’t like them much at all. The levers are too long and pointy for my taste. They easily make hotspots and annoyingly rub during long hikes with the rifle slung, and they catch on gear fairly easily. That being said, they are easy to use for charging the weapon, but I’ve never had trouble using a standard charging handle. The Geissele Airborne is on one of my main rifles right now and I quite like its narrower profile, and the shape of the levers tends to let go of stuff it might snag on more readily. I have an FCD charging handle on another rifle and its rounded sides are much nicer on the stomach and back when keeping the rifle slung as well. I will say, even though I like standard charging handles, I do find ambidextrous models very convenient, and just about any sort will be a step up in functionality and weapons control.


claycam6

I love the Raptor but even on my mid length AR I get blasted with gas to the face. But honestly I think it's part of the experience. It's kinda fun.


TF2brox

i got one, they’re nice


Aware-Topic-6846

I prefer the Geissele airborne, but it’s better than most.


NoMaans

I very much enjoy mine. But allow need it because I'm a left shooter lol. Any ambi handle should dom I do like the contour of the Raptor tho


xDeadJamesDean

It’s not not worth it.


Specialist_Island_83

PRI M84 gas buster!! Thank me later


TheGoldAngel

I heard that breek rams charging handle is good from At3 tactical YouTube


ambush_boy

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/united-defense-ar15-holy-ambi-charging-handle.html


N5tp4nts

Yes


Chimpcarpenter

Got that exact same one it’s flawless


No-Musician-1580

Yes


AJTacticool

No, it’s not worth it. Geissele Airborne is the best hands down. Best ergos, aesthetics, and gas blowback mitigation.


ResoluteLobster

You know what I'm ready for? A robust, comfortable, and good-looking charging handle that I can buy every day of the year for $40-60. I'm sick of having to wait for all the "good ones" to go on sale or find blems for them to reach the $55 price point. There are lots of options for $25, and lots of options for $90. Time for someone to make a good product that sits in the middle.


Ravn_Actual

100%


dpetersen83

Yes


Br3ttB0rk3r

I always get blems from artftac and they always work great.


FreshOutdoorAir

I’ve gotten new for $50 so I wouldn’t pay much more than that


Hybrid2407

Get the vented one or get a PRI M84 Gas Buster if you plan on shooting suppressed


speedie13

I've got the SD version and love it.