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Colemac65
15 January 2014, 16:51
I recently acquired a Raptor Charging handle here's my review. I'm running this on a LMT MRP CQB

First and foremost let's start this off by saying kudos to Rainier Arms for producing such an effective, sleek and SEXY charging handle. I love this thing.

1. When charging my weapon with either hand. I noticed the charge is smooth and uninterrupted. Various amounts of pressure was put on both sides as well and to say the least there is no undue movement or binding. Smooth charge is the best way to explain it.

2. With bare hands or gloves this thing is just a pull away and easy to grab. Wet, mud grime etc has not caused any issues

3. Made in AMERICA!!!

4. The design of this Raptor makes it easy to use with the thumb and finger method or with ones edge of Palm

5. The oversized roll pins are also a nice feature considering they are much larger than others on the market. Meaning less chance of failure.

6. The price is perfect at just about 80 bucks you can't go wrong with this. It makes a day of shooting much more enjoyable!

I can say I'm done with BCM charging handles and others I have used in the past. Rainier Arms superior manufacturing is proven right here in such a small part.

mustangfreek
16 January 2014, 01:40
X2

I just put together a rifle with a bunch of rainier parts and the raptor was one of them, my first and pay'd a little less at their grand opening which made it a no brainer..i really like it, and also have a bcm and recently grabbed a fortis hammer to try out also..

FortTom
22 February 2014, 15:26
I recently posted about buying one for my new build, and was leaning heavily towards getting one. One person sort of talked me out of it with a warning about catching your finger between it and the forward assist. Even though I almost always wear gloves, I thought long and hard, and ended up getting a BCM MOD 3 w/large latch. I'm having second thoughts now, nothing wrong with BCM CH's IMO, but I might put it on my LMT and order another from RA.

FT

FortTom
3 May 2014, 14:19
Update:
I just ordered one of these today for a rifle I'm building to be as light weight as possible. I've watched countless video's reviewing the Raptor and not once was it mentioned that the finger is in danger of getting caught between the CH and the FA.

One thing, even when I first joined the military in '75, that I always thought was awkward, was doing all CH operations with my left hand, especially clearing a weapon. Using my right, most of the time, just seems more natural for me.

I was also concerned about extra weight as it looks big, but one video put a Raptor on top of several other CH's from bone stock mil, to other left hand latch and ambi-handles.
Although it appears to be much larger, in most cases it's the same size, or ever so slightly larger than a basic mil-spec CH. The gen 2 got rid of the steel handles and replaced them with (skeletonized) aluminum. Shipping weight was 4.0 oz., so I'm assuming it weighs about 3 oz.'s or so. So that objection seems moot now.

Is it worth 90 bucks (price paid shipped and insured)? I don't know, that's 2 or 3X a BCM or similar CH and about the same as a BCM ambi-ch. I'll have to figure that one out after some good hard use.[:D]

My only real concern now, is the ease of disassembly/reassembly of the Raptor for cerakote. I'm planning on having this rifle cerakoted in foliage green, then camo dipped in ATAC pattern.

Hope I didn't screw this one up. I'll find out soon, since I'm going to assemble the upper, put it on an existing lower, shoot the hell out of it, then disassemble, and send all upper parts, and new lower and parts for cerakote and camo.

FT

Computalotapus
3 May 2014, 17:19
Lightweight build? You should look into 2 Vets Arms. They have a magnesium rail that comes in at 3 oz.

Sent from my Nokia Lumia Icon using Tapatalk

FortTom
3 May 2014, 17:35
Lightweight build? You should look into 2 Vets Arms. They have a magnesium rail that comes in at 3 oz.

Sent from my Nokia Lumia Icon using Tapatalk

Comp,
Have already procured a MI 15" SSK (keymod) at 8 oz. Paired with a Voodoo Arms 16" Ultra Lite barrel @ 1lb 3oz. So it's pretty much a done deal as far as parts go. I would have liked to take a look at the 2 Vet's version, had I known about it, but, I'm alright. I'm not shooting for "Ultra Light", but trying to stay as light as possible. Thanks for the heads up, though.

FT

Computalotapus
3 May 2014, 19:20
Comp,

Have already procured a MI 15" SSK (keymod) at 8 oz. Paired with a Voodoo Arms 16" Ultra Lite barrel @ 1lb 3oz. So it's pretty much a done deal as far as parts go. I would have liked to take a look at the 2 Vet's version, had I known about it, but, I'm alright. I'm not shooting for "Ultra Light", but trying to stay as light as possible. Thanks for the heads up, though.



FT




Anytime brother. And if you don't like that RA Raptor let me know...cause I love mine and it never hurts to have a backup :)





Sent from my Nokia Lumia Icon using Tapatalk

FortTom
3 May 2014, 20:34
Anytime brother. And if you don't like that RA Raptor let me know...cause I love mine and it never hurts to have a backup :)





Sent from my Nokia Lumia Icon using Tapatalk

Will do.....[:D]

Grunt167
3 May 2014, 22:18
I'm a big fan of the Raptor and any additional weight is well worth it in my opinion.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

mustangfreek
3 May 2014, 23:20
They need to offer a NIB raptor, as i like my raptor, but the fortis hammer which is coated seems just that much smoother co,paring the 2..

UWone77
3 May 2014, 23:32
They need to offer a NIB raptor, as i like my raptor, but the fortis hammer which is coated seems just that much smoother co,paring the 2..

There is something in the works along those lines... I think you guys will like it.

FortTom
4 May 2014, 11:44
There is something in the works along those lines... I think you guys will like it.
Why is there always "something in the works", just as I've laid down my money for the "old" model???[bash]

FT

Judicator
4 May 2014, 14:31
How else can it be improved besides coating? Now I'm curious :)


Sent from my IPhone, please ignore spelling mistakes. Siri is dumb.

mustangfreek
4 May 2014, 14:58
Why is there always "something in the works", just as I've laid down my money for the "old" model???[bash]

FT

I always feel the same FT, get all my parts saved up and bought over a period of time, only to see the "new" versions as i finally get mine together...[BD]

Anyways so spill the beans a NIB one or tin coated , or cerakote? [:D]

UWone77
4 May 2014, 16:42
Nothing wrong with having the "old" model. Whatever new comes out, the Raptor is still one of the best if not the best ambi charging handle on the market. Good companies however are always evolving, and improving their products, even if the improvements are considered minor. In this industry if you're not innovating or coming out with new products, you're dead in the water. As we can all see, just because your product is the flavor of the week, that doesn't mean next week it will be.

The proposed changes to the Raptor will not render your "old" Raptor obsolete, but NiB coated parts of it, may assist with lubricity and wear. Nothing is set in stone as far as I know at this point, so no need to get too worked over it.

FortTom
4 May 2014, 19:06
Nothing wrong with having the "old" model. Whatever new comes out, the Raptor is still one of the best if not the best ambi charging handle on the market. Good companies however are always evolving, and improving their products, even if the improvements are considered minor. In this industry if you're not innovating or coming out with new products, you're dead in the water. As we can all see, just because your product is the flavor of the week, that doesn't mean next week it will be.

The proposed changes to the Raptor will not render your "old" Raptor obsolete, but NiB coated parts of it, may assist with lubricity and wear. Nothing is set in stone as far as I know at this point, so no need to get too worked over it.

UW, I get all of that...problem with me is timing...would have loved for it to be NiB, but then again, I'm planning on disassembling it and getting it Cerakoted like the rest of the rifle. So, I guess I didn't miss out...

FT

mustangfreek
5 May 2014, 01:01
This is cool, as i like my raptor now as is, but the fortis hammer, although feels noticeably different , that upper seems easier to rack the bcg with this ch compared to the raptor and std bcm on another...i know there are slight differences in other things to consider, but the NIB Hammer gun just feels smoother....Thats just dry firing the NIB one, hoping to get out real soon and test out another gun and the other new build..



...But Really, Im in for a NIB raptor......sign me up......... I'll gladly.....T &E for that...[:D]

GOST
22 December 2014, 21:12
A little revisiting of an old thread but in this pic of the new AXTS rifle you can see a NiB coated Raptor.

https://fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-0/522118_789590944462828_5586106626672412762_n.jpg?e fg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=c5d7f5887ce79e41e1e8b45f8361cde0&oe=553D6A71&__gda__=1429309836_c4d27463a577bebcb7f172a8ce8c3c5 f

SeattleDude
22 December 2014, 21:17
I love Raptor charge handle. I am getting ready for another build and thinking if I should stick with another Raptor or try something else. =)

Tyrannosaur
23 December 2014, 09:46
I've tried the BCM ambi, LWRC ambi and the Raptor, I have to say I prefer the Raptor hands down but my interest is piqued with the new Mega one... Especially with the alleged price point of ~$40

mustangfreek
12 January 2015, 00:21
I've tried the BCM ambi, LWRC ambi and the Raptor, I have to say I prefer the Raptor hands down but my interest is piqued with the new Mega one... Especially with the alleged price point of ~$40


I also enjoy the raptor and also the Fortis hammer, have come to really like it...But also interested in the mega...Im on a picture thing today..so to continue it..raptor and hammers..[:D]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z176/mustang91_2007/eec95498-5ca3-474f-be7b-d0c8d42fd4eb_zpsb8a949bc.jpg

DutyUse
12 January 2015, 00:23
I also enjoy the raptor and also the Fortis hammer, have come to really like it...But also interested in the mega...Im on a picture thing today..so to continue it..raptor and hammers..[:D]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z176/mustang91_2007/eec95498-5ca3-474f-be7b-d0c8d42fd4eb_zpsb8a949bc.jpg

Which fortis finish do you prefer? I got the black colored one but am having a little buyers remorse

mustangfreek
12 January 2015, 00:41
Honestly i love them both, Got the Nickolene coated one first and right away could tell a difference from a std. CH, then got the black "teflon" coated one and its been the same, just a good working part, I wish the raptors would offer a coated option..

Buyers remorse, no..I am digging these things and there tough..

DutyUse
12 January 2015, 01:15
Honestly i love them both, Got the Nickolene coated one first and right away could tell a difference from a std. CH, then got the black "teflon" coated one and its been the same, just a good working part, I wish the raptors would offer a coated option..

Buyers remorse, no..I am digging these things and there tough..

Gost posted a NiB coated raptor by AXTS (sp?) .... But it's 120...

Maybe buyers remorse is a bit strong, more like I need its twin ;)

Deadwing
12 January 2015, 02:10
I've got 3 Raptors and love them. My only gripe with the Raptor has been the unequal length handles. Not a big deal, just a minor annoyance. The UCWRG version fixes that, but i'd like to see it as an option on other versions as well. I also really dig the monochromatic finish of the UCWRG version. Guess i'd better get another one while i can.

GOST
12 January 2015, 03:54
Here's the pic of the NiB coated one, but at $119.95 I think it's over priced.

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-0/1507766_804397396315516_8881138428727269563_n.jpg? efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=32266000bf6d43bdbf01af3dfeecb780&oe=55300244&__gda__=1428539706_4d3f3941e225c5b02de01ccc27f6ef9 8

toolboxluis00200
12 January 2015, 04:38
Here's the pic of the NiB coated one, but at $119.95 I think it's over priced.

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-0/1507766_804397396315516_8881138428727269563_n.jpg? efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=32266000bf6d43bdbf01af3dfeecb780&oe=55300244&__gda__=1428539706_4d3f3941e225c5b02de01ccc27f6ef9 8

interesting i wonder how it functions

Deadwing
13 January 2015, 00:22
Here's the pic of the NiB coated one, but at $119.95 I think it's over priced.

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-0/1507766_804397396315516_8881138428727269563_n.jpg? efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=32266000bf6d43bdbf01af3dfeecb780&oe=55300244&__gda__=1428539706_4d3f3941e225c5b02de01ccc27f6ef9 8

Damn… $120 for a charging handle? Too rich for my blood. Sure looks nice though.

UWone77
13 January 2015, 00:27
I had WMD coat a Raptor for me last year. On a CH, I don't think it's worth the money, and definitely not worth $120!

Thompson
13 January 2015, 09:45
I had WMD coat a Raptor for me last year. On a CH, I don't think it's worth the money, and definitely not worth $120!
Was there anything that you didn't like specifically about the NiB coating? I'd assume it makes cleaning a breeze - not like its hard to clean a CH anyways.

mustangfreek
13 January 2015, 14:20
ya , im not game for $120 shiny raptor, just saying if it was in its same price range as it is now, it would probably sell likes hotcakes

Deadwing
14 January 2015, 01:42
Personally, i think the regular price on a standard Raptor is pushing the price envelope. I mean, a BCM Gunfighter CH can be had for half as much. Even the ambi Gunfighter runs $20 less. Don't get me wrong, the Raptor is a fantastic charging handle, and i wouldn't trade mine for anything else. It also fills a niche in the market, so they can command a premium price. If they could regularly be had for about $69, as they sometimes are when on sale, i'd be more likely to get one for a new build and they'd likely replace the BCM as my go to CH.