The Best AR-15 Charging Handle Compared: Performance, Features, and Value

07/2025
Jul 07, 2025
? 5 mins

When it comes to upgrading your AR-15, the charging handle is one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—components. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a tactical enthusiast, or a weekend range regular, the right charging handle can make your rifle easier to operate, more reliable, and even more comfortable—especially if you shoot suppressed. Today, we’re breaking down five of the most respected charging handles on the market: the Geissele Super Charging Handle, Radian Raptor SD, SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle, BCM Mk2, and PRI M84 Gas Buster. Let’s see how they stack up and wins the title for: Best AR-15 Charging Handle.

What Makes a Great AR-15 Charging Handle?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s set the stage. A quality AR-15 charging handle should offer:

  • Ambidextrous operation for left- and right-handed shooters
  • Durability under hard use
  • Enhanced ergonomics for gloved or rapid manipulation
  • Gas mitigation for suppressed shooting
  • Smooth, reliable function in all conditions

Now, let’s see how each contender delivers on these fronts.

1. Geissele Super Charging Handle

Best AR-15 Charging Handle: Geissele Super Charging Handle (SCH)

Overview:
The Geissele Super Charging Handle (SCH) is a favorite among shooters who value robust build quality and thoughtful design. Machined from a single block of 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with a Type 3 hardcoat anodizing, the SCH is as tough as they come.

Key Features:

  • Ambidextrous levers with aggressive texturing for positive grip
  • Raised “fencing” at the rear to mitigate gas blowback—especially useful for suppressed rifles
  • Wider footprint than mil-spec handles for easier manipulation, even with gloves
  • Smooth, reliable operation with minimal flex

User Experience:
Shooters praise the Geissele SCH for its combination of strength and comfort. The gas-deflecting fence is particularly effective, making it a top pick for those running suppressors. Some users note the levers are slightly pointy, but most find them easy to operate and snag-free.

2. Radian Raptor SD

Best AR-15 Charging Handle: Radian Raptor SD

Overview:
The Radian Raptor SD is renowned for its smooth action and ambidextrous design. The SD (Suppressor-Driven) variant adds gas ports to help vent excess gas away from the shooter’s face, a must-have for suppressed setups.

Key Features:

  • Ambidextrous, oversized latches for effortless operation from either side
  • Gas venting ports to reduce blowback when shooting suppressed
  • 7075-T6 aluminum construction for durability
  • MIL-SPEC anodized finish for corrosion resistance

User Experience:
The Raptor SD is celebrated for its buttery-smooth pull and positive engagement. The large, textured latches make charging fast and reliable, even under stress or with gloves. While some users say gas mitigation is good, others note it’s not as effective as the Geissele or PRI M84 for heavy suppressed use. Still, for most shooters, it’s a premium upgrade that feels great in hand.

3. SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle

Best AR-15 Charging Handle: SilencerCo GDCH

Overview:
SilencerCo’s Gas Defeating Charging Handle (GDCH) is purpose-built for suppressed AR-15s. Its standout feature is a proprietary O-ring seal that blocks gas from escaping at the charging handle, dramatically reducing blowback.

Key Features:

  • O-ring seal for superior gas mitigation
  • Precision fit for minimal play and maximum effectiveness
  • Ergonomic, ambidextrous levers for easy manipulation
  • Durable construction for long service life

User Experience:
Shooters report a noticeable reduction in gas-to-face, making the GDCH a game-changer for those who shoot suppressed regularly. The levers are comfortable and easy to use, and the handle’s fit and finish are top-notch. If gas mitigation is your top priority, the SilencerCo GDCH is tough to beat.

4. BCM Mk2 Charging Handle

Best AR-15 Charging Handle: BCM Mk2

Overview:
Bravo Company Manufacturing’s Mk2 Charging Handle is the product of years of real-world feedback and continuous improvement. Designed for both reliability and comfort, the Mk2 features exhaust channels to direct gas away from the shooter.

Key Features:

  • Ambidextrous and single-sided options
  • Snag-free profile for dynamic environments
  • Exhaust channels above, below, and to the sides for gas diversion
  • 7075-T6 aluminum, hardcoat anodized for strength

User Experience:
The BCM Mk2 is praised for its ruggedness and reliability. The exhaust channels do a solid job of reducing gas blowback, though not always to the level of the Geissele, Radian SD, or PRI M84. The handle’s contours are optimized to prevent pinching or snagging, making it a favorite for duty and defensive rifles.

5. PRI M84 Gas Buster

Overview:
The PRI M84 Gas Buster is a classic in the world of gas-mitigating charging handles. Its unique internal channels are specifically designed to redirect gas away from the shooter’s face, making it a long-standing favorite for suppressed AR-15s.

Key Features:

  • Ambidextrous options available
  • Gas-busting channels for maximum blowback reduction
  • Large, sturdy latches for easy manipulation
  • Proven reliability over decades of use

User Experience:
Users consistently report excellent gas mitigation, especially when running suppressors. Some note that the handle can feel a bit bulky, and there have been rare reports of the handle unlocking under heavy gas pressure, but overall, the M84 is lauded for its effectiveness and durability.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Charging HandleAmbiGas MitigationErgonomicsDurabilityBest For
Geissele Super Charging HandleYesExcellentGreatExcellentSuppressed & unsuppressed
Radian Raptor SDYesVery GoodExcellentExcellentAll shooters
SilencerCo Gas Defeating HandleYesOutstandingGreatExcellentSuppressed rifles
BCM Mk2YesGoodVery GoodExcellentDuty/defensive use
PRI M84 Gas BusterYesExcellentGoodExcellentSuppressed rifles

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best AR-15 charging handle comes down to your priorities. If you shoot suppressed and want the best gas mitigation, the SilencerCo GDCH and PRI M84 are hard to beat. For a blend of ergonomics, reliability, and gas control, the Geissele SCH and Radian Raptor SD are top choices. The BCM Mk2 offers rugged reliability and smart design for those who want a duty-grade handle that won’t let them down.

No matter which you choose, upgrading your AR-15’s charging handle is a small investment that pays big dividends in performance and comfort.

DFCArms recommends the Geissele SCH or Airborne CH.

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