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How to Install the AR15 Tactical Latch Charging Handle

AR-style rifles are used by target shooters and hunters. The rifles are chambered in a variety of calibers and upper receiver configurations. Many shooters mount a scope to the rifle, some of which have large lenses. This might make accessing and operating the charging handle difficult. A tactical latch is an oversized version of the stock latch on the charging handle. It sticks out further than a stock latch, and is easier to grab and operate if you're wearing gloves.

Things You'll Need

Roll-pin punches
Plastic mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the magazine. Retract the charging handle to check the chamber. Ensure there are no live rounds in the chamber.
- 2
  Push the rear takedown-pin from left to right. It is located above the grip. Break the action open so that the upper reciever tips forward, pivoting on the front takedown-pin.
- 3
  Retract the charging handle and remove the bolt carrier. Remove the charging handle and set it on a work bench.
- 4
  Use the punch and plastic mallet to tap out the roll pins where the stock latches pivot. Be sure to catch the stock latches, as they are under spring pressure. One latch has a longer, hooked portion that locks the charging handle in the forward position. Keep this piece. The other piece is discarded; it is replaced by the tactical latch.
- 5
  Re-assemble the charging handle; use the new tactical latch. Ensure that the tactical latch's two-prong forked section mates to the single-prong protrusion of the other latch piece.
- 6
  Hold the two pieces together by hand. Tap the roll pins into their locations.
- 7
  Test the operation of the latch by compressing the latch sections. The hooked portion moves outward when you pull on the handle.

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