YANKEE HILL MACHINE CO., INC. - AR15/M16 Charging Handle Latch

Sturdy, east to install, and does its job. No complaints here.

Normally mil-spec charging handles have been perfectly adequate not something I have seen to need to spend money on upgrading. Even as a southpaw shooter I've not seen the need to purchase ambi-charging handles. Granted you can't "palm" operate a standard charging handle as a lefty shooter but what civilian shooter is really going to need that feature unless perhaps you're in competitive shooting sports besides the forward assist kind of gets in the way too if youre a lefty.. The mil-spec size handle was fine until I starting using ARs with hunting scopes. The scope on an AR as many of you know can interfere with the charging handle. First, with the AR-15 my solution was to go with a Strike Industries latchless handle with extensions. This worked beautifully with my 450 Bushmaster. But now with the AR 10 this isn't an option. From research, photos and other reviews of many aftermarket handles and latches, even many of the extended ones weren't much longer/wider than the standard mil spec latch. Then I found this extended latch from YHM. From the photos which have been posted and the other reviews I decided to try this one out on my big AR even though the Brownells staff advised it wouldn't work. But it does fit and works great allowing for me to easily grab the charging handle of my big AR and chamber a round without the scope getting in the way. The left sided latch is even a 'plus' because with this latch all I need is to hook my left index finger around the charging handle to operate it. Granted the YHM latch sticks out pretty far but if your AR has a scope this is a great solution to alleviate any interference problem without breaking the bank especially if you want to put this latch on several rifles. Yes the latch is grey but that made it even more appealing to use it on a rifle with stainless barrel. Included with the latch is a new roll pin.

Save some money and buy this before you buy a whole new charging handle. A little on the big side but works well.

I've tried Badger and Mission First Tactical latches (one other one I can't remember the name of). But Yankee Hill produces the best oversized charging handle latch. The latch is as long as other ones but the surface area for my index finger is much wider than all others. It's well-gnarled so it much easier to grip yet because of the larger surface area, it's really easy on my finger. I've tried them all (most of the brand name ones) and I won't use anything else after using Yankee Hill Machine. Taking out the old original latch and installing this was a 15 minute job.

Dont let the picture fool you its bigger and its definitely not black. Fairly easy to install if youve built ARs before. It really works well with or without optics. The latch is sturdy enough to rack with one finger. I installed it on my WMD nib-x coated charging handle and its so smooth