Description
The Radian Raptor is an ambidextrous charging handle for mil-spec AR-15 and M16 uppers, and this is the flat dark earth version (R0003). Both latches are extended and serrated, so you can palm-blade it, hook it with a finger, or thumb it from the strong or support side. Pulling either latch unlocks the handle, which is the whole reason to run a Raptor over a GI handle with a single extended latch.
The body and latches are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a Mil-Spec Type III hard-coat anodized finish. It is a straight swap for a standard 5.56 charging handle, no fitting required. Radian rates the mechanism for over one million cycles. The right latch is slightly longer than the left to clear a forward assist. Radian lists the 5.56 Raptor at 1.3 oz, about 0.3 oz over a GI handle. In the box: the charging handle, nothing else needed.
Heads up: This is the 5.56 / AR-15 size. It does not fit AR-10 or SR-25 pattern uppers, the S&W M&P 15-22, or the SIG 516. Radian makes dedicated handles for those.
Specs
- Fits: Mil-spec AR-15 / M16 / M4 uppers in 5.56 and .223
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Finish: Mil-Spec Type III hard-coat anodized, flat dark earth
- Weight: 1.3 oz (per Radian)
- Latches: Dual extended, serrated, ambidextrous
- Does not fit: AR-10 / SR-25, S&W M&P 15-22, SIG 516
- Made in: USA
Who it’s for
Anyone running an FDE or two-tone AR-15 who wants a full-metal ambi charging handle that works the same from either shoulder. A common first upgrade on a 3-Gun or Tactical Games rifle.
Who should skip it
If your rifle is black, the Radian Raptor Charging Handle in black (R0001) is the same part in the standard finish. If you run a suppressor, the Raptor SD vents gas away from your face and the standard Raptor does not. If you want to spend less, the Raptor LT uses polymer-overmolded latches at a lower price.
