New Trend in AR-Type Spoons

[legion]

I've noticed this year more an more AR spoons with side-charging handles rather than the traditional rear-charging handle + forward assist.

I can't help but think this is a way better design to build, particularly for a consumer-grade AR. I also think it's a cheaper design, though the ones I've found for sale are MORE expensive.

[Hugh R]

After 12/30/16 CA says I can't buy one of those. I'm sure the state knows what's best for me.

[legion]

I was talking about something like this:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/628873/ar-stoner-ar-15-side-charging-upper-receiver-assembly-556-16-barrel-with-15-m-lok-handguard

[Hugh R]

I don''t want to buy one, but that isn't the point. If/when I move to PA, I can buy one there. My 1940's .22 that I inherited from my wife's Dad is going to be illegal in CA because it has a removable magazine.

[id10t]

Because they are starting to emulate the finest battle rifle ever made...




Well, if it was on the left side as proper. The key being that you don't want to have to let go of the pistol grip in order to charge the chamber, change a mag, etc. The charging handle at the rear is not only convenient for lefties, but it allows charging or checking the chamber with the off hand.

[john70t]

Is that legal?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

It's not a new trend. People have been trying to "solve" the AR-15's charging handle "problem" for decades.

I built my precision AR (6.5 Grendel) with a side-charger, but only because the scope I originally planned to use made hitting the latch on the normal handle somewhat difficult.

I ended up using a different scope on it anyway, and use the normal handle 99.9% of the time.

The only situation I can think of in which a side charger would be TRULY useful is if you were running the rifle suppressed and had the gas shut off (via an adjustable gas block). At that point the rifle would operate like a bolt action, and having to break your cheek weld for every shot (to run the standard charging handle) would be detrimental to accuracy.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

After 12/30/16 CA says I can't buy one of those. I'm sure the state knows what's best for me.

No, after 12/21/16 you can't buy one. You have to have the 10 day wait. If you don't pick it up on 12/31 it gets turned over to LEO.

[JavaBrewer]

Common sense laws, lives will be saved.

As an old school (Garand style charging handle) guy I'm interested in the option. The #1 attraction to the AR is the flexibility to make it your own.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

Is that a "tactical" consumer-grade AK with side-charging handles, or something else?

It's a Mustang GT with paddle shifters instead of a stick shift.

Should a law abiding citizen be able to buy a Mustang with paddle shifters even though hundreds of thousands of Car Show attendees have been run over by speeding mustangs?

Yes. Don't blame the Mustang. If an accident occurs, investigate the malfunction and foolishness of the driver.

Cheers!

[tabs]

People in CA are too stupid to own guns.

[Gogar]

You could argue it's quite similar, because surely far more people are killed by Camrys and Kia Optimas and Civics and GMC Tahoes, but the Mustangs get all the press, because they are shiny and pretty but scarcely different in function.

Cheers M8!

[Gogar]

lol I find wet farts quite aggressive

[Arizona_928]

Comparing a spoon to a mustang. Classic
As for no charging handle. I'm partial. Nose to charging handle while shooting iron sites for me.

[Jeff Higgins]

I've always like the bottom charging handle.