What Is The Best AR-15 Charging Handle For Suppressors?

Published on March 11, 2025
Duration: 22:39

This video tests various AR-15 charging handles for their effectiveness in reducing gas blowback when shooting suppressed. Instructors Kyle and Jason evaluate handles from brands like Griffin Armament, Geissele, and Aero Precision, comparing their gas-busting capabilities and ergonomics. The Griffin Armament SNATCH and Geissele Super Charging Handle are highlighted as top performers for mitigating gas to the face, with the PRI Gas Buster and Aero Precision Breach also showing positive results. The Century Manufacturing Deadlock is tested for its zero gas back claim, though it's found to still allow some gas.

Quick Summary

The Griffin Armament SNATCH and Geissele Super Charging Handle are top-performing AR-15 charging handles for reducing gas blowback when shooting suppressed. They effectively mitigate gas to the face, improving shooter comfort and reducing eye irritation, unlike some other designs that proved ineffective.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introduction: Gas to the Face
  2. 00:31Meet the Testers & The Problem
  3. 01:11How Gas Blowback Works (Direct Impingement)
  4. 02:14Testing Plan & Charging Handle Lineup
  5. 02:42Charging Handle Showcase: Woolpec, Aero, PRI
  6. 03:14Charging Handle Showcase: Geissele, Griffin, Radian
  7. 04:02Charging Handle Showcase: SilencerCo, Strike Industries
  8. 05:23New Contender: Century Manufacturing Deadlock
  9. 06:02Baseline Test: Standard Charging Handle
  10. 06:21Test: Milspec Charging Handle
  11. 06:42Test: Woolpec Armory Charging Handle
  12. 07:12Test: Aero Precision Breach Charging Handle
  13. 07:41Test: PRI Gas Buster Charging Handle
  14. 08:18Test: Geissele Super Charging Handle
  15. 09:01Test: Griffin Armament SNATCH Charging Handle
  16. 09:42Test: Radian Raptor SD Charging Handle
  17. 10:16Test: SilencerCo Charging Handle
  18. 10:42Test: Strike Industries Charging Handle
  19. 11:09Re-Test: SilencerCo Gas Defeating Handle
  20. 11:43Test: Strike Industries (Red) Charging Handle
  21. 12:22Post-Test Discussion & Top 3 Reveal
  22. 13:06Jason's Top 3: Aero, Griffin, Geissele/SilencerCo Tie
  23. 13:47Kyle's Top 3: SilencerCo, Geissele, Griffin
  24. 15:07Testing Century Manufacturing Deadlock
  25. 16:08Deadlock Test: Initial Impressions
  26. 16:46Deadlock Test: Mag Dump on Gassy Platform
  27. 17:39Deadlock vs. Standard: Gas Comparison
  28. 18:14Fairness & Re-testing Deadlock
  29. 19:02Final Deadlock Test & Comparison to Geissele
  30. 19:49Final Rankings: Geissele vs. Deadlock
  31. 20:02The Myth of Zero Gas Back
  32. 20:35Deadlock's Tab: Ergonomics & Tactical Considerations
  33. 21:04Sling Catch & Malfunction Risk with Deadlock Tab
  34. 21:33Overall Thoughts: Gas & Ergonomics
  35. 21:48Final Verdict: Top Charging Handles for Gas Pack
  36. 22:00Viewer Engagement: Your Favorite Charging Handles

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes gas blowback in an AR-15 when shooting suppressed?

Gas blowback in AR-15s, especially with suppressors, occurs because hot gases travel back through the gas tube and escape around the charging handle and bolt carrier group. This is inherent to the direct impingement system and is amplified by the increased back pressure from a suppressor.

Which AR-15 charging handles are best for reducing gas to the face?

Based on testing, the Griffin Armament SNATCH and Geissele Super Charging Handle are top performers for reducing gas blowback. The Aero Precision Breach and PRI Gas Buster also offer significant improvements over standard charging handles.

Does the Century Manufacturing Deadlock charging handle eliminate gas blowback?

No, the Century Manufacturing Deadlock charging handle does not eliminate gas blowback entirely. While it offers some improvement over a standard handle, testers still experienced gas to the face, contradicting the 'zero gas back' claim.

Are there any AR-15 charging handles that are ineffective for suppressed shooting?

Yes, the Radian Raptor SD and Strike Industries charging handles were found to be ineffective for suppressed shooting, with testers reporting significant gas blowback to the face and eyes.

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