03-15-2012, 06:05 PM
Look at the charge handle latch recess on your upper. Is it worn to the point that the edge is gone, and exposed aluminum is visible? Do you karate-chop your charge handle or use the handle a lot for reloading?
This is one of the design weaknesses in the AR15, and I'm not really fond of it. It does facilitate a receiver that is enclosed to help keep out debris, but isn't the greatest ergonomically. If your upper sees a lot of use with harsh manipulation of the charge handle, especially on uppers that don't have a true Milspec Type III hard coat anodizing, you run into a charge handle that will pop loose and whack you in the nose.
The original charge handle design was like this, taken from the original AR10 design:
![[Image: Proto000001-600x174.jpg]](http://pullig.dyndns.org/retroblackrifle/sitebuilder/images/Proto000001-600x174.jpg)
The problems with it were that it had an open slot on top of the receiver that debris could enter through, was difficult to manipulate with winter mittens on, and became hot under high-volume fire if not wearing gloves.
It also wasn't the best upper for mounting optics on, although there were AR10 models with this charge handle design that did have an optics mount on the protective cover that is often referred to as a "carrying handle".
This is one of the design weaknesses in the AR15, and I'm not really fond of it. It does facilitate a receiver that is enclosed to help keep out debris, but isn't the greatest ergonomically. If your upper sees a lot of use with harsh manipulation of the charge handle, especially on uppers that don't have a true Milspec Type III hard coat anodizing, you run into a charge handle that will pop loose and whack you in the nose.
The original charge handle design was like this, taken from the original AR10 design:
The problems with it were that it had an open slot on top of the receiver that debris could enter through, was difficult to manipulate with winter mittens on, and became hot under high-volume fire if not wearing gloves.
It also wasn't the best upper for mounting optics on, although there were AR10 models with this charge handle design that did have an optics mount on the protective cover that is often referred to as a "carrying handle".