Left hand charging handle

[Forced March]

A thoughtful reply RSR.

[CitizenPete]

Email to me from Dan at Czechpoint :

If you do purchase one from somewhere, be sure that the handle is screwed into the bolt carrier (not welded to the bolt carrier only).   Reason:  Bolt carrier welded handles can break-off/detach during shooting and cause injury.  How do I know?  Dave at Neit Arms (now closed) in Canada had experimented with welded handles and one detached and broke his eye socket.   Screwed in handles is a must.   
 

In addition, you really need to check headspace to ensure a replacement bolt carrier does not cause a headspace issue.  It usually does not cause a headspace issue, but it can happen and you need to check with headspace gauges.


We appreciate your business.

Good luck.

[cciman]

So even though this is story is oft repeated, I think that a proper weld will work pretty well.
Again, there are no bolts or threaded fasteners holding my trailer frame together, nor the joints in my rollcage, nor engine subframe- just weld points.

I have an empty shell case pounded onto the tip of one of my AK charge handles- and that thing has been on on for years and I cannot wiggle it-- I just can't imagine a welded piece being thrown off.  I haven't decided to do it, but if I do, I'll let you know how it goes.

The fellow that does tab welding on this forum, said he could do it, but I have not decided to do it.

[RSR]

CP -- thanks for the update!

Glad to hear I'm not just overly cautious!

Also, two other reasons for the left hand charging handle that I forgot to mention initially are
1) the sight picture -- so as to not occlude your view/vision out of your left hand eye,
2) similar to #1, but so as to not have the movement close to/in front of your left hand eye cause a distraction and/or flinching when shooting...

[Forced March]

UPDATE!

My self made left hand charging handle broke... 

It was just an experimental piece/welding job and it did last roughly 3,500 rounds.  I never saw it fly off, just went to charge my vz and there was nothing for me to grab... 

I know I could have done better craftsmanship but I probably wont try it again.

[CitizenPete]

UPDATE!

My self made left hand charging handle broke... 

It was just an experimental piece/welding job and it did last roughly 3,500 rounds.  I never saw it fly off, just went to charge my vz and there was nothing for me to grab... 

I know I could have done better craftsmanship but I probably wont try it again.

Lucky you still have both eye sockets left in your skull.  Charging handles should be tapped and screwed into the carrier first and then welded.  Post about this in the forum.

[Enthusiasm]

So glad forced March is OK!!
Be careful people, crap happens, wear safety glasses!
My SKS left side bolt carrier is going no where, and I would like something like this on one of my vz's but the angle is different on a vz

[CitizenPete]

Lets get this straight...  Charging handles on these types of carriers should be tapped and threaded into the carrier (then welded).

That SKS charging handle looks to be threaded into the carrier - is that correct?  I have removable charging handles on other 7.62 rifles and even have installed (probably foolishly) the Tromix large knurled charging handles over several Kalishnikov style rifles, and had a left side NON-reciprocating handle on an AKM from a FAL that was built into the top dust cover.

The removable charging handle (on a SIG) is attached into a slot and held in place by a spring loaded lock. The only reason its removable is for removal of the "AR type" bolt carrier. It is light and secure when locked in place.

The Tromix charging handle cover  for AKMs is attached with a huge metal pin that you screw down onto the original handle with a big honking allen wrench and with RED lock-tight.  I inspect them every time I shoot the gun(s) and I still don't' trust them not flying off, even though I have never heard of a problem.  I am always tempted to take them off.

The non-reciprocating left side FAL handle built into the AKM top cover, is "non-reciprocating" and worked by grabbing the front of the bolt carrier with a tab when pulling the charging handle back. The mechanism rode in a welded track inside the top cover, but stayed forward and actually the handle folded flat during cycling of the action.  Never feared for it removing the left side of my face.

I am not trying to be a dick about this, but this is deadly serious shieza!  I posted this quote from Dan once before and I will post it again since it does not appear to be remembered:

...If you do purchase one from somewhere, be sure that the handle is screwed into the bolt carrier (not welded to the bolt carrier only).   Reason:  Bolt carrier welded handles can break-off/detach during shooting and cause injury.  How do I know?  Dave at Neit Arms (now closed) in Canada had experimented with welded handles and one detached and broke his eye socket.   Screwed in handles is a must.   

"...broke his eye socket.."  thats not something you leave the range from and stop off at McDonalds for a Quarter Pounder on your way to the emergency room to have your head stapled back together.

One final quote from Forest Gump:

Momma always said: Stupid is as stupid does.

ForcedMarched almost became ForcedSquint -- he should have known better, IMO.

[RSR]

The folks selling this service on gunbroker only weld them on as well...  So buyer beware.

Additionally, I believe the lightning double handle carriers are the exact same deal.

[Forced March]

I have experimented with drilling/screwing/pinning left hand charging handles.  And I'm now offering the service for $160.  Not the cheapest service but if needed, now atleast there is a repeatable provider.  Photos will go up in a week or so to my add.

[RoyMercer]

So why does the handle break? Lots of things are welded and if done correctly can be as strong as the metal (so I have read anyway).  Is it the power of the bolt slamming the carrier open / closed?

[RSR]

Probably an alloy mismatch or something...  All I know is everyone in the know from the Czech Republic to the US says that the only left hand charging handles not putting you at risk for facial injury are the screw in then weld ones.

[RoyMercer]

Thanks RSR. I had not thought of that and it makes sence as being a possible reason.

[OneGuy67]

Hello!  I'm new to the forum and found it through a search for this particular topic, so I'm resurrecting an old/dead thread.  I hope I'm not out of line by doing so.

This is particularly directed to Forced March, as I am interested in obtaining a left handed/handled SKS bolt carrier.  Being new, I'm still looking around and figuring out how to navigate and message.  I am failing on the messaging part.

So, if Forced March is still doing these conversions or if anyone on the forum is familiar and could recommend someone who does the conversion, I would greatly be appreciative!

I am updating a SG Works Bullpup for left handed use.  Shoots well, but being a lefty, I've taken the bolt to the face more than once and I would like to stop that.

Thanks!

[Wobbly]

Hello!  I'm new to the forum.....

Welcome from Georgia.

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