VLTOR Weapon Systems is renowned for its iconic designs from the Global War on Terror (GWOT) era, including the CAS-V handguard, Modstock, and A5 buffer system. However, the company has also been a leading manufacturer of high-quality charging handles for over 15 years. Originally sold as Bravo Company USA’s (BCM) BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle line, co-branded with both VLTOR and BCM markings, VLTOR’s charging handle design has been in production since 2009. Before ambidextrous charging handles became the industry standard, VLTOR’s non-ambidextrous models, available with small, medium, and large lever options, were considered the gold standard for charging handle upgrades in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Years later, VLTOR introduced an ambidextrous variant to meet evolving market demands.
Around 2020, BCM shifted to a new ambidextrous BCMGUNFIGHTER charging handle, moving away from the original VLTOR design. According to VLTOR’s website, the original design faced a prolonged period of legal and logistical challenges before being re-released exclusively under the VLTOR brand. That classic VLTOR charging handle— which you may fondly remember from the c-clamping days of Chris Costa and Travis Haley in Magpul Dynamics videos—remains in production in 2025. But does this design still hold up today? Absolutely.
The VLTOR ambidextrous charging handle is crafted from Mil-Spec Type III Class 2 hardcoat anodized 7075-T6 aluminum, featuring a raised lip to redirect gases. Its robust construction redirects forces from the roll pin to the handle’s body, reducing the risk of breakage regardless of lever size. Built-in backstops prevent the latch from over-traveling, further minimizing stress on the roll pins. The handle operates smoothly when pulled rearward, maintaining consistent alignment without angling to either side.
The VLTOR ambidextrous charging handle has approximately the same width as Geissele Automatics LLC’s Super Charging Handle (SCH) design. However, there are some notable differences in the approaches that each company takes when you look at the lever size relative to the width of the body. The Geissele SCH features considerably more surface area to engage with your fingers than the VLTOR does. Other companies, such as Forward Controls Design’s ACF (not pictured) take even more minimalist approaches to the surface area of the levers than the VLTOR design. VLTOR strikes a balance, with medium-sized levers that provide a secure grip without excessive snagging or premature latch engagement. This makes the VLTOR handle versatile for use with red dot sights or low-power variable optics (LPVOs).
The VLTOR 5.56 Ambidextrous Charging Handle may lack the modern aesthetics of newer designs, but its performance remains exceptional. Choosing a charging handle often comes down to personal preference or mission requirements, yet VLTOR’s design continues to be a reliable and effective choice. I would love to see VLTOR release a small lever ambidextrous variant for an ultra-low profile design and a run of “null ano”, a new dye-less anodizing, run of the handles for that extra visual appeal.
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