BADGER ORDNANCE TACTICAL LATCH

I installed this on my charging handle for my S&W upper, I would advise you to buy a spare roll pin just in case you mangle the other or the #1 roll pin starter/holder. It took about 15mins to install, biggest issue was aligning the handle and latch holes and driving th pin through. Fortunately my father was visiting from out of town and gave an extra pair of hands to stabilize the handle while I drove the roll pin through. Once installed though it makes charging my rifle easy. I would definitely recommend to those who have arthritis and difficulties gripping the original latch.

Personal preferences and use-requirements of firearm-features vary. In my opinion, this latch is another AR feature that should be available for every AR. This is well made and simple to install. It provides me with a easy-to-grasp, critical control. This was installed on my D. defense V11, no problem. I gave thought to replacing the charging handle but mine fits beautifully. This latch is an inexpensive, yet valuable addition to my rifle.

Comfortable and reliable. Was on my issue M4 from the armory (USMC), and was so easy to use and reliable that I duplicated the setup on my personal Colt LE 6920. The main advantage is easier one-hand operation of the charging handle from several different angles. In addition, it's not so large or hard-edged that it gets snagged on other gear. Doubt I'll own another AR frame that doesn't have one installed.

Save money when you need a larger grabbing surface for you charging handleby upgrading the one you have instead of buying a new one
Assembly is very easy. It took about 90 seconds. If your worried, buy the brownells 1/16th punch, and just take your time.
I love it!
I cant comment in reliability or longevity, but it appears very well made, so im not worried about it.

I have purchased & installed "all-in-one" latches, but have wanted to try this piece for ages. Installation is easy, as long as you have the correct tools and a vice (or a third hand).

Tools I used: 1/16 brass punch and brass hammer (from 354-000-017WB) and my Serrated Parallel Pliers (348-181-103WB). The latter are perfect since they have a small relief in one of the sides that's ideal for holding small pins.

I turned the latch onto a hard surface so the top was facing down. I took the punch and hammer and drove out the pin until it stopped against the hard surface. With a finger against the latch lever, I used the pliers to gently pull out the pin a bit further until I felt the latch lever was loose (spring tension will tell you when), and removed it.

I put the latch handle into my vice using a heavy cloth to prevent marring the handle. Inserting the Badger lever is a bit tricky: If you look through the pin, you will be able to see daylight. Align the new lever's pin hole so you can see daylight. Once it's aligned--and this is why you need a third hand!--hold it in place with one hand while you gently tap the roll pin in just enough so that the lever is retained. Once you do that, remove the latch handle from the vice, drive home the roll pin, and you're done.

While I spent 25 minutes trying to figure out how to do this, it's an easy 5 minute job. Can't wait to try the next one!

Changed out the stock latch on my Daniel Defense for this one and it's night and day. One handed charging is a snap. Installation is a little tricky replacing that tiny roll pin. Helps to have the proper tools too! A 1/16" roll pin punch to remove and replace the roll pin and a 1/16" punch to hold the latch in place temporarily while you hammer in the roll pin.

Put in on my AR 16 inch tactical and I love it. Easy installation. Very well made, no sharp edges, machined and smooth finish. Adds to look of gun.
Now see it as an absolute necessary for my 6x20 scoped AR. Can see why out of stock a lot.

My wife is starting to suffer from arthritis in her hands/fingers. When she started having trouble using a standard latch on her custom AR-15, I ordered in one of these latches.
Now, she can "Rack" the bolt with the heel/side of her hand without having to use her fingers. She has found this to be even more advantageous to her "style" of operating the AR-15 platform. She is now back to shooting her "AR" without the pain of arthritis in her hands in addition to inproving her overall operating speed.
I too have added this tactical latch to all of my "AR's" as well as having installed many on customers and friends "AR's" too.
While it does NOT take a Gunsmith to install one of these latches it does require the proper sized punch and taking your time. Do NOT Get In A Hurry! Also, stabilize your AR before installing one of these latches.
Using a 1/16" punch I gently tapped the retaining pin until it was out far enough to release the spring and factory latch. Be CAREFUL that you do not loose the spring or the pin! Neither comes with the Badger Ordance replacement! Also, try not to drive the pin completely out of the handle. Doing so makes installing the replacement somewhat easier and much less frustrating.
Installing the Badger Ordnance latch is now a matter of holding it in place while lining up the pin holes and gently tapping the retaining pin back in place.
Again, Do NOT get in a hurry! I can't empathize this enough! Take Your Time, and be GENTLE using the punch and hammer. Doing so will get the job done quicker, with less frustration, and less expense, while enjoying the personal satisfaction of "Doing It Yourself! :-)"
If your shooting an "AR" type rifle platform, and getting sore fingers, or suffering from the effects of arthritis in your hands/fingers/wrist then I suggest you try out this latch!
For those of you that might find it catching on your clothes, vests, ect, Badger Ordance now makes a a "Gen II" Tactical Latch {Brownells stock number #093-000-024} that is a bit smaller and may fit your requirements.
Additionally, Brownells also has their own brand "AR-15/M-16 Oversized Charging Handle Latch", #080-000-758 that you may wish to check out too.
As one other reviewer mentioned earlier, I too do not understand why this is not a factory option in some form! Thankfully, we have Brownells around to help us with that and many more problems! :-D
I hope this review helps my fellow shooters in some way, or perhaps, helps keep the frustration level down. }:-)
Cordially,
Coyote
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I shoot my AR with iron sights so using this latch to get around a scope is not a concern. I do use it in conjunction with a Magpul BAD lever for easy manipulation of the bolt.

Excellent addition for those who use a scope on their AR's; maybe even required to get to the charging handle. If using iron sights--or a scope with a far enough forward mount--then I'd skip it as unnecessary. Best to keep it simple. If you find yourself struggling to get to the charging handle, then get it. Easy to install. Take note that it does not come with a retaining pin so either don't lose/damage the old one, or buy an extra to be safe.

Good product and greatly enhances the way you can manipulate bolt if you have a scope on.

Do note that these have a reputation for breaking charging handle roll pins if used "properly" ie with your left hand :) Some other charging handles and latches have been designed to last longer like BCM Gunfighter. So keep an extra latch, pin and spring as spares, and/or preferably another fully assembled charging handle.

very nice stuff, perfect size, fits great easy to install

It is far easier to just buy the entire charging handle with the new Tac latch than trying to just replace the latch and having to mess with a tiny spring & pin that will cause you problems. I wish I would of read the suggestion to not remove the pin completely because I did and in trying to put it back in, it bent & I ended up having to buy a new one. Frustrating working with the tiny pin & spring, I took it to a gunsmith who thankfully had extra pins because he fought to get it in and bent a pin also. Next time I will definitely buy the whole assembly!

I was having issues because of the scope mounted on my AR10-NM. I purchased one of these, and installed it. I can easily pull the charging bar of the rifle with my left hand, while holding the pistol grip in my right hand. I would highly recommend this item, and will install it on any future AR-15 / AR 10 rifles I own.

Works great. The only bad thing about it is that its always catching on my tactical vest and unlatching. Would be great with out the vest or if I never used the weapon on a sling. One a little smaller would be much better

This is the 3rd one of these I have purchased and everyone is awesome, these are a must have on any AR platform.

An excellent addition for any AR. Eliminates the need to take eyes out of optics or stock away from your shoulder to charge. Especially useful with A3/A4 Receivers.

I installed this on my 6.8 SPC that has a Superior Shooting Spring (SSS); the tension was too great and caused the handle to significantly drag/cant due to the design of the latch. I switched the handle over to another scoped rifle that utilizes a standard buffer spring and no more issues.

Easy to install. Have the correct punch and don't knock the pin completely out. Tap the pin out until the old latch comes out. Replace the new latch and tap the pin back in. Takes 3 minutes.

This is a must have for a flat top AR with a scope. I put one on an AR-15 and an AR-10.

I must say I have ordered lots of stuff from Brownell's and 2 days after I place an order it is in my mailbox.

This is a great product, extends the charging handle for a better grip. Great for charging the weapon in shoulder, as well as great for clearing malfunctions. Works very well in combination with a B.A.D. Lever.

Students with sore fingers were clamoring for tac latches after long range days in a urban rifle class. Ordered 10 for the class and sold them all that week. Haven't had any complaints.

If you are using optics on an AR you need this.

I have used these on four ar15/16 type rifles-carbines and still wonder why manufacturers/assemblers don't use them as standard equipment. They are (to me) vital on a scoped flat top AR. Very useful.