Gas-Mitigating Charging Handle for AR-15 Builds
The SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle, commonly abbreviated GDCH, is designed to help redirect gas that escapes around the rear charging-handle opening of an AR-15 upper receiver. This is particularly useful on suppressed rifles, where additional operating-system backpressure can make rearward gas more noticeable to the shooter.
Model AC5062 combines SilencerCo’s proprietary O-ring sealing system with ambidextrous charging levers, aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum construction and a protective Type III hard-anodized finish.
Proprietary O-Ring Gas Seal
The defining feature of the GDCH is an O-ring positioned to seal the prominent gas-escape path around the rear of the charging handle. SilencerCo states that this seal mitigates the amount of blowback directed toward the shooter’s face.
The O-ring addresses gas escaping at the charging-handle interface. It does not prevent gas from entering the firearm’s operating system or eliminate every possible source of gas around the receiver. Actual performance can vary with the suppressor, ammunition, barrel length, gas system and upper-receiver tolerances.
Designed with Suppressed AR-15s in Mind
Adding a suppressor can increase the amount of gas and fouling moving rearward through a conventional direct-impingement AR-15. Some of that gas can escape through the opening around a standard charging handle and reach the shooter’s face or eyes.
The SilencerCo GDCH provides a drop-in charging-handle solution aimed at that specific escape point. A rifle that is substantially over-gassed may still require broader evaluation or tuning of its gas, buffer or suppressor system.
Ambidextrous Charging Levers
Ambidextrous levers allow the charging handle to be operated from either side of the rifle. This supports right- or left-handed manipulation and provides convenient access when charging the rifle or clearing its action.
The bilateral controls can also make the charging handle easier to reach when an optic occupies the area above the rear of the upper receiver.
Aircraft-Grade 7075 Aluminum
SilencerCo machines the GDCH from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum. The finished handle receives Type III hard anodizing for surface hardness and wear protection.
SilencerCo manufactures the charging handle in-house at its facility in West Valley City, Utah.
AR-15 Compatibility
SilencerCo lists AC5062 for AR-15 builds. Confirm that the host firearm uses a standard-compatible AR-15 charging-handle interface before ordering.
Compatibility should not be assumed with AR-10, LR-308, SR-25, SIG MCX, SIG MPX or other proprietary upper-receiver systems. Those platforms use different dimensions or operating arrangements and may require a platform-specific charging handle.
Replaceable Sealing Components
The charging handle ships with an O-ring installed and an additional replacement O-ring. The sealing component can therefore be replaced if it becomes worn or damaged through normal use.
Inspect the charging handle and O-ring during normal firearm maintenance. Replace a damaged seal before relying on the handle for gas mitigation.
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