MECHARMOR TacOps-1 308 Charging Handle

Introducing the TacOps-1 Ambidextrous Charging Handle.

ambidextrous charging handle tacops1

June 20,2011 – Over the course of a few weeks I received several e-mail messages from folks in the field regarding the MECHARMOR TacOps-1 AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE. All were eager to point out two things. The first was that my site featured images from an early out of date version and secondly that I must try one of these CHARGING HANDLES for myself. In an odd twist before I was able to update my sites with current information on the TacOps-1 I was contacted by the manufacturer Mecharmor Defense. After a brief e-mail exchange I agreed to check out two samples of the TacOps-1, AR-15, and 308 AR versions. A few days later the mailperson delivered shockingly wonderful charging handle goodness. The TacOps-1 is a perfect example of internet images not doing a product justice. The TacOps-1 is massive to put it mildly. Below is an image of a BCM GUNFIGHTER Mod 3, TacOps-1, and Colt OEM AR-15 Charging handles (308 is the same just longer).

Charging Handle Comparison

On paper the Gunfighter Mod 3 is slightly wider than the TacOps-1. My examples show they are identical in width as shown in the image below.

tacops-1 bcm gunfighter

Manufacturers Description:

Mecharmor -The all new TacOps-1 charging handle is the newest and most effective ACTUAL combat innovation that has been designed specifically for the AR platform in some time. Not just another accessory; but a well thought out concept that dramatically changes and enhances the way your weapon is deployed, especially with optics on-board!

All users of the AR platform, especially those utilizing their weapon in combat or law enforcement operations know, that re-charging the weapon in any position, dictates the shooter come out of their Eyes On-Sight, High Ready, off hand or prone position to do so, wasting precious moments to reload or clear a weapon jam, while removing their eyes & situational awareness from potential threats. This issue has always been compounded greatly by the use of optics, especially those extending rearward over the charging handle, even a short distance. The TacOps-1 completely changes all this, adding speed, safety and operator assurance through faster, smoother handling of the weapon, and less body movement.

  • Sniper Ops: ONLY design that allows fast access with larger optics.
  • Cycle bolt in hidden prone position with minimal body movement.
  • High ready position; eyes & weapon on target during CQB operations.
  • Eyes & weapon on target during reload and jam clearing.
  • Ambidextrous design for traditional manipulation of handle if required.
  • Center thumb release button for more natural mechanical advantage.
  • Clear all optics and allow for lowest rearward mounting position.
  • Ergonomically correct for use with single point slings.
  • CNC manufactured from 7075 Billet aluminum with matt black anodize.
  • Manufactured in an ISO -9000 rated facility for maximum quality.
  • Designed and tested by former US Army Ranger Battalion Sniper.
  • 30% larger roll pin & 7 pound spring to reduce potential blow-back.
  • 100% American made from 7075 billet aluminum.

308 AR Charging Handles

308 AR Charging Handle Option and Upgrades. DPMS 308, DPMS GII and Armalite AR-10 Compatible

308 AR Charging Handle


BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle 308 AR

BCM 308 Gunfighter Charging Handle 308 AR | 308 AR Charging Handle

BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle | 308 AR Charging Handle

When the AR15 system was first introduced to and fielded by the US Military in the 1960s, the manual of arms for an infantryman was significantly different than what currently exists today.  To charge the rifle the shooter released their hand from a firing grip, grabbed each side of the charging handle with the thumb and forefinger or the first two fingers, (while applying pressure to the latch) pulled the charging handle all the way to the rear, and then released it to charge the weapon.

Like everything else in the last 45 years, tactics and weaponry have undergone a continuous evolution.  Red dot optics get the shooter on target quicker, shorter barrels allow the operator to more quickly negotiate tighter urban areas, and operator’s manipulations of the weapon system have become much more efficient and faster.  The current manual of arms has the operator maintaining a firing grip almost continuously while manipulating the weapon with the non-dominant hand in an effort to more quickly get the weapon ready to fire.  With that premise, most weapon manipulations are done only with the shooter’s support hand; to include operating the charging handle.

In order to perform an immediate action or charge the carbine, current CQB techniques have the operator racking the charging handle to the rear using their support side hand only.  This is done in one swift and strong movement.  With the operator’s firing grip maintained, the weapon again has a loaded chamber, and the shooter can immediately bring a hot weapon back into the fight.

The current use of extended tactical latches has made this movement much more efficient.  The only drawback to this type of manipulation is all the force used to rack the charging handle rearward goes into the extended tactical latch and is then transferred into the roll pin.  With this scenario, the entire operation becomes contingent on the sheer strength of this tiny 1/16” roll pin, and its ability to take continuing blows.  Repeated and forceful support hand only racking of the charging handle eventually can lead to breaking the roll pin and loosing the latch completely.  With the latch blown out, the charging handle will not stay secured to the receiver as the bolt is moving back and forth during each cycle of the weapon’s action.  Not a good situation on a two way range.

The BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle and extended latches feature internal redesigns to direct the force off of the roll pin and into the body of the charging handle during support hand only manipulations.  This new design has a built in backstop engineered into the extended latch and into the charging handle.  As the latch is opened up, its’ travel is limited by these flat surface backstops.  With this travel limiting feature, the stress is taken off the roll pin, and is now redirected into the entire body of the charging handle.

The BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Charging Handle offers two significant advantages.

  • Since the tiny roll pin is no longer the weak point – it is a much stronger system and tactical latch will stay intact even under repeated support side only manipulation
  • With the force kept inside the body of the handle, when the handle is pulled directly to the rear, it moves directly to the rear and does not angle off to the outboard side.  A much smoother operation.

Mecharmor Defense Systems TacOps-1 Charging Handle

308 AR Charging Handle – Ambidextrous tactical charging handle can be operated with minimal body movement in confined spaces, under concealment, or even in the prone position. Lets you to maintain constant visual contact with the target during magazine changes, jam clearances, and other high-stress CQB situations. Extended, ergonomically shaped grasping surface provides an extra-secure grasp and extra leverage for normal charging operation, yet won’t interfere with the forward assist or oversized optics that extend behind the rear of the receiver. Dual-mode latch mechanism has a second release button in the center rear of the handle for easy handle operation with the support hand, further increasing your operational versatility. The heavy-duty latch roll pin resists breakage under hard use, and the 7-pound stainless steel latch spring ensures the latch locks down tight—and stays locked—until you release it.

SPECS: 7075 T6 aluminum, hardcoat anodized, Teflon coated, black. .223/5.56 fits AR-15/M16/M4. .308 fits AR-Style .308 rifles

The MechArmor TacOps-1 ambidextrous charging handle is the only product of its type to be awarded the National Tactical Officers Associations coveted GOLD Seal of Testing & Recommendation award after rigorous field testing.”

Mecharmor Defense Systems TachOps-1 | 308 AR Charging Handle

Mecharmor Defense Systems TachOps-1 | 308 AR Charging Handle

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