Gear Review: A tale of three charging handles—is a HABU for you?

By Eve Flanigan

Top to bottom–HABU, milspec, and ambi charging handles. (Photo: Team HB)
Until recently, I was aware of two types of AR charging handles—mil-spec or a variant thereof, with the latch on the left side only, ambi, with latches on both sides, and now something completely different—the cuff-like HABU, which runs along the top of the buttstock tube. I’ve used all three, and as a naturally ambi shooter, have formed what I feel are informed opinions on the positive and negative aspects of each one. If you’re building your first AR or considering a charging handle upgrade, here are some points to consider.
Milspec charging handles are functional and economical. Starting at around $20, they’ll run all day just as they are. Upgraded metals and extended levers will increase the price, in some cases to just under $100.
As a left-handed shooter, I became accustomed to taking my firing hand off the ready position to run the charging handle. Befuddled or bemused looks from even experienced instructors are something I became accustomed to.
With age-related changes to my vision and in an attempt to be a more versatile shooter, I began to shoot primarily right-handed some years ago. Without a doubt, milspec charging handles are

Source: Guns.com