Why You Should Get a Side Charging AR15 Upper

Are you a firearms enthusiast looking for a new and unique addition to your collection? Side charging AR-15 uppers are becoming increasingly popular for their ergonomic design and the distinct edge they provide to precision shooters. This article is a guide for beginners and experienced shooters, exploring side-charging AR-15 uppers in detail. Stay with us as we explore why this unique firearms component is making waves in the gun community.

What is a Side Charging AR-15 Upper?

A side-charging AR-15 upper moves the charging handle from the back to the side of the rifle for operation. This design tweak offers a unique blend of functionality and convenience that has steadily gained popularity among shooting enthusiasts.

A side-charging AR-15 upper is different from the standard one. It has a handle on the side instead of at the back. This handle is used for charging the firearm.

This configuration, which mirrors some features of an AK-pattern rifle, is often considered more intuitive and efficient, especially during high-stress situations where rapid manipulation is crucial.

Advantages of a side charging handle AR15 include:

• Increased ergonomics: The side charging handle offers an easier grip and operation, which many shooters find more comfortable and intuitive.
• Faster cycling: Due to its location, the side charging handle can allow for faster cycling and be beneficial during rapid reloading.
• Less movement required: Unlike rear charging action, side charging AR15s don't require a significant shift in the shooter's position, which can help maintain steadier aim and control.
• Less interference with LPVOs or other optics: It can be difficult to charge an AR-style rifle when you have a large scope sitting above the charging handle. This completely removes that issue by placing the charging handle on the side of the rifle.

Potential Disadvantages:

• Need for proprietary parts: Side charging uppers often require specific bolts and handles, which might not be interchangeable with standard AR-15 components.
• Adjustment period: If you're accustomed to traditional rear charging handles, it might take some time to get used to the side charging mechanism.
• Snagging: One of the nice things about standard ARs is that nothing is protruding from the side of the rifle to get snagged on clothes, plate carriers, chest rig, etc. This can be a turn-off for some shooters as it can impact bringing the rifle to a firing position.

Which Side Charging AR15 Upper Should I buy?

Deciding what to purchase can be difficult. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent choices offered by firearms manufacturers. These manufacturers have recently introduced some new options for us.

Brownells BRN-180 Line

Photo Credit: Brownells

To simplify your life, you can choose from Brownells' BRN-180s, which come in 5 different lengths and they provide complete uppers. Their uppers are offered in .223 Wylde, 7.62x39mm, and even in .300 BLK.

The BRN-180 has a drawback. It is not ambidextrous. This means that you cannot switch the side charging handle to the left side of the receiver.

Palmetto State Armory JAKL

Photo Credit: Palmetto State Armory

Our new favorite kid is the PSA JAKL. It is a model inspired by the popular Bushmaster ACR. The Bushmaster ACR is considered as 'unobtanium' because it is expensive ($6K) and hard to find.

PSA made a more affordable ACR replica. It has modern features like an MLOK rail and Magpul accessories. These are features that we are already familiar with.

For only $1300 you can have this side charging AR15 which is ambidextrous. What's more, there are multiple colorway options such as Black, ODG, and FDE. If you don't want the whole rifle you can also opt to pay for just the complete upper. It would be pretty difficult to pass on that awesome-looking folding rifle stock, though.

Bear Creek Side Charging Upper Receivers

Photo Credit: Bear Creek Arsenal

If you solely want the upper receiver that provides side charging functionality, take a look at Bear Creek Arsenal. They're one of the few retailers that actually carry this product in stock.

They offer their side charging upper receivers in 7.62x39, 6.5 Grendel, 450 Bushmaster/.458 SOCOM, and of course .223/5.56 NATO/.300 Blackout.

Why Use a Side Charging Upper?

Why would someone choose to use a side-charging AR-15 upper over the traditional rear charging handle? The decision often comes down to several key benefits that a side charging upper brings to the table:

1. Improved ergonomics: The side charging handle can be easier to grasp and operate, offering a more comfortable experience, particularly during extended shooting sessions.
2. It also mimics the charging style of some other firearm platforms (like the AK series), making it a more familiar choice for shooters transitioning from those platforms.
3. Better handling for left-handed shooters: An AR15 side charging handle offers ambidextrous designs, greatly improving accessibility for lefties.
4. More reliable and durable design: Side charging uppers are often robustly built to handle the stress of being a primary point of contact during operation. This design tends to be more reliable and less prone to breakage than some traditional charging handles.
5. Unique appeal: Finally, the side charging AR-15 upper provides a distinctive aesthetic and functional difference. It can be an excellent choice for those who want to stand out at the range or simply desire a unique piece in their firearms collection.

Side Charging vs. Rear Charging AR-15s: Which is Better?

Choosing between a side charging and a rear charging AR-15 upper involves a careful evaluation of various factors. Here's a comparison across some key aspects:

1. Ease of use: Side charging AR-15 uppers tend to have an edge here, particularly if you value a quick, accessible charging mechanism. Still, shooters familiar with the traditional layout may find rear chargers more intuitive.
2. Customization options: Both side charging and rear charging uppers can be customized, but you'll find a more extensive aftermarket for traditional rear charging AR-15s, given their longer history and widespread use.
3. Price: Side charging uppers are generally more expensive than their rear charging counterparts due to the added complexity in design and manufacturing.
4. Availability: As of now, rear charging uppers are more readily available in the market, being the standard design for the AR platform.
5. Shooting experience: The difference in charging handle location can impact the shooting experience. The side charging handle allows for easier manipulation while maintaining a sight picture, which can be beneficial in certain shooting scenarios.
6. Compatibility: Rear charging uppers are compatible with the standard parts and components for an AR-15, while side chargers may need specific parts for optimal operation, like proprietary bolt carriers.

Ultimately, the choice between a side charging or rear charging AR-15 is subjective and depends heavily on your shooting habits, personal preferences, and budget. As with any firearm decision, thorough research and, if possible, hands-on testing will yield the best results.

Parts of a Side Charging AR-15 Upper

Understanding the parts that make up a side-charging AR-15 upper can help you get the most out of its unique design. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

1. Upper Receiver: This is the central part of the upper assembly, which houses the bolt carrier group, the barrel, and the charging handle. The receiver of a side charger is modified to accommodate the charging handle's unique placement.
2. Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): The BCG is essentially the engine of an AR-15. It cycles the ammunition and ejects the spent casing. In a side charger, the BCG has a notch where the charging handle interfaces with it.
3. Charging Handle: The charging handle is located on the side of the upper receiver in a side-charging AR-15, making it easier to access. It can be either non-reciprocating (stays stationary during firing) or reciprocating (moves back and forth during firing, think of the SCAR family of rifles).

What is nice about this system is unless you are buying a complete side charging upper, you can use a standard barrel, gas system, handguard, muzzle devices, or any other miscellaneous part you have connected to the handguard.

How to Choose the Right Side Charging AR-15 Upper

Assembling a side charging AR-15 upper is a slightly more intricate process than your traditional rear charging BCG, but with a few specific steps, it can be done quite smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the Gen-2 side charging handle from Bear Creek Arsenal:

1. Remove the Upper: Start by separating the upper from the lower by removing the takedown pins.
2. Unscrew the Rear Receiver Plug: The rear receiver plug, often known as the screw in the back of your side charging upper, needs to be unscrewed next. This plug, along with its O-ring, is designed to prevent gas from escaping from the receiver and potentially hitting you in the face, especially when shooting suppressed.
3. Unscrew the Side Charging Handle: Once you've unscrewed the rear receiver plug, use a T25 Torx bit or Allen key to unscrew the side charging handle from the BCG (Bolt Carrier Group).
4. Remove the BCG: Now you can pull out the bolt carrier group from the receiver. You'll notice that the side charging handle from Bear Creek Arsenal has two points of contact in the BCG:

One in the screw that attaches the handle to the BCG, and the other is a dowel pin that locks in the bolt carrier to prevent rotation and loosening of the screw. This design also allows the side charging receivers to reciprocate as the handle is attached to, and moves with, the BCG.

5 Reassemble: To put everything back together, you'll reverse these steps. Start by inserting the dowel pin of the side charging handle into the bolt carrier, then screw in the handle. Finally, screw in the rear receiver plug until it is tight with the flat side of the screw pointing down. It's important to note that the receiver plug does not need to be completely tight; it should be as tight as allowed with the flat edge down.

As with any firearm assembly or disassembly, always ensure the firearm is unloaded before beginning the process, and follow all safety guidelines.

Not every single side charging upper is standardized like your run of the mill AR. These are universal steps that most side chargers have in common but be sure to read the manual and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Use and Maintain a Side Charging AR-15 Upper

Despite looking kind of alien, your side-charging AR-15 will run very similar to your standard upper with three obvious distinctions. As we already covered you charge the weapon by pulling the side charger towards you. Second, there is no dust cover.

Your bolt will be open to the world even when not being used. Keep that in mind and regularly maintain the upper of your AR-15.

Lastly, there is no forward assist. The charging handle is forward assist coupled into one. It a round doesn't fully send puch that handle forward until you're in battery.

The maintenance of a side-charging AR-15 upper revolves around regular cleaning and lubrication. After using the AR-15, make sure to clean the bolt carrier group (BCG), charging handle, and the inside of the upper receiver to remove any residue.

Use a quality gun cleaning solvent and apply a thin layer of gun oil to all moving parts after cleaning them. No different from a standard AR.

When cleaning the BCG and charging handle, be sure to unscrew the side charging handle from the BCG, as outlined in the assembly guide, and clean each component separately.

Look for any signs of wear or damage on these parts, as these could impact the firearm's performance. Be sure to also check the wear on the plug and o-ring as they’re what keep the gas from hitting you in the mouth.

What is the difference between a side charging AR-15 upper and a standard charging handle?

The main difference lies in the location of the charging handle. The regular AR-15 upper has the charging handle located at the back. However, a side charging AR-15 upper positions the charging handle on the side. This new position can make it easier and more comfortable to use, especially for left-handed people or when wearing gloves.

Are all side-charging AR-15 uppers compatible with any AR-15 lower?

In most cases, yes. Side charging AR-15 uppers are designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers. However, it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer of the upper to ensure compatibility with your specific lower receiver.

Can I convert my existing AR-15 to a side charging upper?

Yes, you can. Converting a standard AR-15 to a side charging upper requires replacing the upper receiver with a side charging model. It's a relatively straightforward process that can often be done at home with the right tools and instructions.

How do I clean and maintain my side charging AR-15 upper?

The cleaning process is almost identical to cleaning a standard AR-15. Separate the upper and lower, remove the bolt carrier group by unscrewing the charging handle and removing the screw at the back of the BCG. Clean out the BCG, upper, and fire control group exactly how you would any other rifle. Then simply put back together.

Are side-charging AR15 uppers more expensive than traditional charging handles?

Side-charging AR-15 uppers are pricier than rear-charging ones because of their better design and extra advantages. However, prices can vary widely depending on the brand, model, and any included features.

Are there any downsides to using a side-charging AR-15 upper?

While side-charging AR15 uppers offer several benefits, they may not be for everyone. Shooters who are accustomed to traditional rear charging models might need time to adjust to the side charging handle.

Furthermore, the special design of side-charging AR-15 uppers may result in higher costs and potential entanglement with clothes or gear.

Ready to Build Your New Side Charging AR15?

So, there you have it, your comprehensive guide to side-charging AR-15 uppers. A fascinating twist in the world of AR15 customization, they bring tangible benefits to the table, from improved ergonomics and accessibility to a faster, more intuitive charging mechanism.

Like every part of your rifle, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's about what feels right in your hands, syncs with your shooting style, and fits your budget.

While you're embarking on this journey, remember that the assembly and maintenance of your firearm aren't just technical tasks—they're part of the art and joy of owning an AR-15. Follow our guide, take your time, and immerse yourself in the process.

But don't stop here. Our complete AR-15 lower kit offers a world of potential upgrades and customizations.

Ready to explore further? Dive deeper and discover how you can tailor your firearm experience to perfection at 5D Tactical. Remember, the best AR-15 is the one that feels like an extension of you.