AR-15/M16 TACTICAL LATCH Reviews & Ratings

Excellent add-on for all my AR's from M4 small & light up to heavy barrel varmint model AR's on bipod's. Not too big to hinder operations and not too small to be useful. Adds to tactical and normal handling and charging function ease with either hand. Being Left Handed also makes it a useful assist. Works very well with large scopes and with just iron sights.

Good to go! Does the job & tangibly expands the size of the latch. Obviously itll change how your rifle feels. The finish is a flat dark grey thatd lend to paint or coating. Instillation was relatively simple with a small nail & hammer; SAVE your pin & spring. Id recommend it if you want to increase the size of the surface area of your charging handle & your after function NOT flash!

Sweet. This little thing does exactly what you want it to: makes it easy to find and grab the charging handle in the crook of your left little finger (palm up) or left index finger (palm down) even with a scope that extends past the release. There's a lot to be said for ambi charging handles, but for the price of one of those you can make a huge improvement in every AR you own with this extended latch. Took me about 15 minutes to install, could do it in 5 with what you learn doing it the first time. The scroll pin is the smallest I've ever seen so it helps to have a pair of tweezers with a good gripping surface, or better yet a small pair of forceps or hemostat. DO NOT attempt to hold the holes in alignment while you're trying to drift in the pin; use the 1/16" pin punch you used to drive the scroll pin out to hold the latch in place, then use the scroll pin to drive out the punch from the opposite side.

I purchased the Tactical Latch because operating the charging handle with the OEM latch and an optic mounted was awkward. Only issue with installation is that I didn't have a small enough punch to remove the roll pin. Instead of running out to buy a punch, I ground the point off an 18 gauge nail and that worked like a champ. When driving out the roll pin, be careful the tension spring inside the charging handle doesn't go flying across the room. When installing the Tactical latch, take care to make sure the tension spring is inserted correctly and the holes for the roll pin are lined up before replacing the pin. The only downside I've noticed is when using a single point sling the Tactical Latch can get snagged on clothing etc. but that hasn't been a major problem for me. Good product, reasonable price.

Great functioning add on.first I purchased Obsidian Arms Ar15 punch set from Brownells.I put the charging handle on a rag on my workbench then I used the 1/16 punch to tap the pin HALFWAY through handle just past old latch.that and the right punch make this job a 5min one compared to taking the pin all of the way out and using a small finish nail.Do it this way and you won't need three hands and a vice

I installed this on my charging handle for my S&W upper, I would advise you to buy a spare roll pin just in case you mangle the other or the #1 roll pin starter/holder. It took about 15mins to install, biggest issue was aligning the handle and latch holes and driving th pin through. Fortunately my father was visiting from out of town and gave an extra pair of hands to stabilize the handle while I drove the roll pin through. Once installed though it makes charging my rifle easy. I would definitely recommend to those who have arthritis and difficulties gripping the original latch.

Personal preferences and use-requirements of firearm-features vary. In my opinion, this latch is another AR feature that should be available for every AR. This is well made and simple to install. It provides me with a easy-to-grasp, critical control. This was installed on my D. defense V11, no problem. I gave thought to replacing the charging handle but mine fits beautifully. This latch is an inexpensive, yet valuable addition to my rifle.

Comfortable and reliable. Was on my issue M4 from the armory (USMC), and was so easy to use and reliable that I duplicated the setup on my personal Colt LE 6920. The main advantage is easier one-hand operation of the charging handle from several different angles. In addition, it's not so large or hard-edged that it gets snagged on other gear. Doubt I'll own another AR frame that doesn't have one installed.

Save money when you need a larger grabbing surface for you charging handleby upgrading the one you have instead of buying a new one Assembly is very easy. It took about 90 seconds. If your worried, buy the brownells 1/16th punch, and just take your time. I love it! I cant comment in reliability or longevity, but it appears very well made, so im not worried about it.

I have purchased & installed "all-in-one" latches, but have wanted to try this piece for ages. Installation is easy, as long as you have the correct tools and a vice (or a third hand). Tools I used: 1/16 brass punch and brass hammer (from 354-000-017WB) and my Serrated Parallel Pliers (348-181-103WB). The latter are perfect since they have a small relief in one of the sides that's ideal for holding small pins. I turned the latch onto a hard surface so the top was facing down. I took the punch and hammer and drove out the pin until it stopped against the hard surface. With a finger against the latch lever, I used the pliers to gently pull out the pin a bit further until I felt the latch lever was loose (spring tension will tell you when), and removed it. I put the latch handle into my vice using a heavy cloth to prevent marring the handle. Inserting the Badger lever is a bit tricky: If you look through the pin, you will be able to see daylight. Align the new lever's pin hole so you can see daylight. Once it's aligned--and this is why you need a third hand!--hold it in place with one hand while you gently tap the roll pin in just enough so that the lever is retained. Once you do that, remove the latch handle from the vice, drive home the roll pin, and you're done. While I spent 25 minutes trying to figure out how to do this, it's an easy 5 minute job. Can't wait to try the next one!