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Geissele

Geissele Airborne Charging Handle

Premium ambidextrous charging handle with gas deflection

Quick Specs

Price
$99
Weight
1.5 oz
Brand
Geissele
Category
control

Features

  • Ambidextrous
  • Suppressor-rated gas ports
  • 7075 aluminum

Capability Boosts

Suppression+1
Modularity+1

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-pattern

Overview

The Geissele Airborne Charging Handle (ACH) represents the pinnacle of charging handle design, engineered specifically to address gas blowback issues encountered when shooting short-barreled and suppressed weapon systems. 3D machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with durable Type-3 hardcoat anodizing, the ACH features a taller rear fence that redirects gas blowback away from the shooter's face. This design innovation has made the ACH the charging handle of choice for USASOC (United States Army Special Operations Command) and the URGI (Upper Receiver Group - Improved) program.

The ambidextrous ACH features shortened, dual-contoured levers with gently concaved radius cuts in both vertical and horizontal planes, creating a low-profile design that reduces snagging on gear while maintaining positive control. The checkered handling surfaces ensure confident operation even with gloves, and the overall design balances ergonomics with tactical functionality. At 1.42 ounces, the ACH is slightly heavier than basic charging handles but provides critical functionality for suppressed shooting that justifies the minimal weight penalty.

Real-world testing in military and law enforcement applications confirms the ACH's effectiveness at mitigating gas blowback during suppressed fire, significantly improving shooter comfort and maintaining sight picture. The raised rear lip creates a physical barrier that channels escaping gases away from the charging handle channel, preventing the eye-watering gas blasts common with standard charging handles on suppressed rifles. Users report noticeably cleaner operation and reduced fouling migration into the upper receiver. With its battle-proven pedigree and adoption by elite military units, the Geissele ACH stands as the premium choice for serious operators running suppressed weapons.

Key Features

  • 3D machined from solid 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Type-3 hardcoat anodized finish for durability
  • Raised rear fence for gas blowback mitigation
  • Shortened dual-contoured levers with concaved radius cuts
  • Checkered handling surfaces for gloved operation
  • Low-profile design reduces snagging on gear
  • Weight: 1.42 oz

Pros

  • +Excellent gas blowback mitigation for suppressed shooting
  • +Adopted by USASOC for URGI program
  • +Low-profile levers reduce snag risk
  • +Ambidextrous operation from either side
  • +Checkered surfaces work well with gloves
  • +Premium construction and finish quality

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than basic charging handles
  • Premium pricing at top of market
  • Gas deflection benefit only relevant for suppressed use
  • Shorter levers may not suit all hand sizes
  • Not compatible with AR10/SR25 without separate model

Detailed Specifications

Material
7075-T6 aluminum (3D machined from solid block)
finish
Type-3 hardcoat anodized
weight
1.42 oz
compatibility
AR15/M4/M16 pattern rifles (5.56mm/.223)
operation
Ambidextrous
latchProfile
Shortened and dual-contoured
gasDeflection
Raised rear fence for suppressor use
madeIn
USA
militaryAdoption
USASOC URGI program
colors
Black, Desert Dirt Color (DDC)

Compatible Platforms

+23 more

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