Strike CZ EVO S1-3 Polymer Handguard - Charging handle sticking

[M300Pilot]

I just had a gunsmith swap out my OEM handguard for the Strike Polymer Handguard and now my charging handle randomly sticks when charging and always when I lock it into place.  i.e. no HK slap.  Has anyone experienced this problem and have a possible solution?  I am sort of a sad tomato.  I'd prefer to use what I paid for but am prepared to put the original back on or explore a different 100% reliable handguard altogether.

Thanks

[Asylum9]

Are you trying to charge it while the safety is on? If so switch it to fire and try it. Unloaded obviously.

If that doesn't fix it, There is a little retaining/retention pin at the front end of the charging handle that can get bent during installation if you're not paying attention. If it's bent or deformed it'll scrape against the little channel it rides in & hand up.

I'd remove the charging handle & inspect it. Put a drop of lube in the channel during installation also.

Kinda surprised a gun smith would give it back to you with out doing a few function checks.

[M300Pilot]

Thanks for the reply.  Coincidentally as I drifted off to sleep last night it occurred to me that I could find a video online showing me how to remove it and look it over.   Again I cannot thank you enough for mentioning the bent spring.  I have no idea what to look for.  That said, I am a sad tomato right now.  I considered an aluminum hand guard or a new charging from HB Industries.  As for the gunsmith...I am a little disappointed and am hoping to find another one in here the KC Metro.

[MeatAxe]

Thanks for the reply.  Coincidentally as I drifted off to sleep last night it occurred to me that I could find a video online showing me how to remove it and look it over.   Again I cannot thank you enough for mentioning the bent spring.  I have no idea what to look for.  That said, I am a sad tomato right now.  I considered an aluminum hand guard or a new charging from HB Industries.  As for the gunsmith...I am a little disappointed and am hoping to find another one in here the KC Metro.

I would get an aluminum Midwest Industries hand-guard and one or two HBI all-metal extended charging handles (I like the Theta myself). Both items are top quality and IMO much better than the plastic parts.

It’s actually pretty easy to change these parts out yourself — lots of DIY videos out there on the subject.

[M300Pilot]

Long ago I swapped out the stock charging handle for the HBI ProStock Charging Handle.  I chose the polymer because I originally intended to buy the Airborne Arms Stinger hand guard.  I went cheap and bought the polymer Strike and I think I am paying for it now.  I appreciate the Midwest industries suggestion.  Perhaps me asking around on this board before I bought the polymer hand guard would have saved me some money and grief. 

[MeatAxe]

Yeah, it doesn’t hurt to ask before buying.

The Theta handle appeals to me because it’s slightly longer and has no sharp edges. I actually put two on so I can chamber a round from either side.

[M300Pilot]

I swapped out the stock trigger for the Theta trigger with the intent of picking up the matching charging handle.  I guess I should look at this a providence and embrace it buying an aluminum hand guard.  Yes, I want my scorpion to look tacti-cool but I simply want to know if I buy 'x', it will work.  At least my foolish purchase was a $40.00 hand guard and not a $40,000.00 automobile.  If you do not mind I'd like to ask...you've never had any problems with your Midwest Industries aluminum hand guard?  I will treat myself to a beer this weekend and eat the additional purchase then try to swap it out myself. 

[MeatAxe]

I swapped out the stock trigger for the Theta trigger with the intent of picking up the matching charging handle.  I guess I should look at this a providence and embrace it buying an aluminum hand guard.  Yes, I want my scorpion to look tacti-cool but I simply want to know if I buy 'x', it will work.  At least my foolish purchase was a $40.00 hand guard and not a $40,000.00 automobile.  If you do not mind I'd like to ask...you've never had any problems with your Midwest Industries aluminum hand guard?  I will treat myself to a beer this weekend and eat the additional purchase then try to swap it out myself.

I’ve been using MI hand guards on AKs for many years and they work great for me: rock solid but very light weight (much lighter than the OEM polymer hg on the EVO).

One thing I would do before installation is degrease all the screws and attachment threads, otherwise, the hg may shake loose while shooting. You can use brake cleaner, or I usually use BreakFree Powder Blast to degrease everything.

On assembly use blue loctite (I use #2422 from Fastenal). Then use an inch-pound torque wrench to tighter all the screws down. I can’t remember how many in. lbs. to tighten it to, but it’s probably in the assembly instructions.

Good luck!

[M300Pilot]

A MW Industries order it is while I enjoy a local craft beer this weekend.  Saying this may be overkill, but thank you.