04-23-2011, 02:55 AM
warped Wrote:It's actually more like the FAL, since it existed first.
Yep, both by handle location & first production date. But by design date the FAL, CETME (HK) are both about the same time. And the French CEAM Beat both the FAL and CETME into production, starting in about '50.
All were derived from the STG-44 & 45 work, which is where the "off side" charging handle came from. But the STG's did not have the folding handle, non-recip aspect.
I find the "offside" charging handle faster and more intuitive on pistol grip rifles, though I've been dealing with M1/m14 right side long enough it's muscle memory. Of them all the AR rear charge handle to me is the least intuitive. Just need to practice more!
Many who dis the HK forward handles are basing that on mis-adjusted clones. The real deal is very easy to work.