In my search to find an affordable, extended latch charging handle with a design that enabled me to Gorilla glue a rubber O-ring and rubber strip to block gas blowback, I ended up getting the Strike Industries ARCH-EL Charging Handle with Extended Latch (SI-ARCH-EL).
Who is Strike Industries?
Founded in 2011, Strike Industries is a firearms accessories company based in Santa Ana, CA with manufacturing in Taiwan.
Why Did I Get the Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch for my AR-15?
After spending a fair amount of money on numerous high-priced, premium, charging handles, I decided to look for a more affordable option that, as I mentioned earlier, would be conducive to some gas busting modifications since I mostly shoot suppressed.
Features of the Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch
- Made from forged 7075 T-6 Aluminum
- Extended Latch made from Aluminum to reduce receiver wear
- Enhanced Height Rear Shelf
- Should fit Most AR15 Uppers
- Offered in Black, Red, Blue and FDE Hard Anodized finishes
Pricing
MSRP is $37.36 (black) and $39.91 (red, blue, FDE). I have seen it in black for as low as around $30 when on sale. Obviously, to be this affordable, the Strike Industries charging handle is made overseas.
General Impressions
This charging handle feels very light (1.125 oz according to my scale) and appears to be of good quality. Black anodizing is as smooth and durable as any other charging handle I have used. The extended latch lever is a good size and I really like the feel of its spring actuation.
The Strike Industries charging handle fits well in my V Seven Enlightened upper.
As noted at the beginning of this review, I was interested in a charging handle that was not only affordable, but used a design that was conducive to gas busting modification. Specifically, one that enabled me to Gorilla glue a rubber strip (either 1/64″ or 1/32″) underneath the rear end and a section of rubber O-ring (Danco #15 O-Ring or smaller) on the top along the curved rear shelf between the handles. For some charging handles, such modifications are not possible due to their design.
At the Range
Having sent roughly 200 rounds, suppressed, down range, I found that the Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch glides rearward quite smoothly and does not bind up at all. Please note that this is a non-ambi charging handle.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an affordable, good quality, non-ambi, charging handle that also has an extended latch, I recommend checking out the Strike Industries Charging Handle with Extended Latch. Especially, if you shoot suppressed and want to turn your charging handle into a gas busting one, the Strike Industries charging handle is a really good option.