Gauging interest in aftermarket XCR (M/L) charging handle knob..?

604 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Flskunkape, 7 d ago

Spazmann

Hey everyone, I apologize if this type of post isn’t kosher, I didn’t see anything expressly forbidding it in the rules so I thought I’d give it a shot. Also, sorry for the novel. I’m long-winded by nature.

I recently got into the XCR world and took delivery of an M, which is amazing. The very simple plastic charging handle knob works well but it’s one of the only things about this rifle that feels “cheap”. There isn’t anything wrong with it, but I’d like it to feel more “premium” and “tactical”. It’s pure greed TBH.

I have autodesk fusion 360 and a couple of nice 3D printers. I’m going to, sometime soon, prototype an aftermarket charging handle knob with a more positive grip and aesthetic appeal, with the intention of having the final design machined from aluminum once the function and dimensions are G2G. From what I can tell from visual inspection and diagrams, I believe that it would be an extremely simple part to design and machine. This would be dimensionally similar and function in the same way as the factory knob (barrel shaped, non-folding, forward-assist capability intact). It would be knurled or have some useful and pleasant-looking texture machining, instead of the smooth surface. I’m also of the impression that the knobs for the M and L are one and the same part, please correct me if I am wrong as I do not have an L to compare.

If this process goes well, I would be very interested in having a run of them made for folks who want one, and strive to make pricing very attainable (again, if this is allowed). I have no timeframe, but design work will commence relatively soon. I need to acquire a full charging handle assembly to examine and serve as a test unit first, as I am not interested in dismantling mine to do so. If someone has a spare knob and/or the aforementioned that isn’t damaged, I’d buy it for the cause.

I have a background in designing/printing/assembling film props with very complex internals and components, so long story short, I don’t think this would be out of my wheelhouse to do well and would be a good starting point, moving onto other parts eventually like the safety selector. This gun needs aftermarket support and I’d like to help make that happen. It’s mind blowing that it’s virtually non-existent with how awesome these things are.

Anyways, cheers everyone, and let me know.

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roflcopters

· #2 · 2 mo ago

I'd probably take like 5 just for the hell of it. I've mortared the plastic one pretty hard. I'd prefer it to be similar size to RA, with some cross-hatch or other texturing to improve feedback.
Don't worry too much about disassembling your charging handle, it's held in place by a small roll pin. A tiny roll pin punch should extricate it fairly easily.

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Spazmann

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

roflcopters said:
I'd probably take like 5 just for the hell of it. I've mortared the plastic one pretty hard. I'd prefer it to be similar size to RA, with some cross-hatch or other texturing to improve feedback.
Don't worry too much about disassembling your charging handle, it's held in place by a small roll pin. A tiny roll pin punch should extricate it fairly easily.

Good to know, thanks for the reply! My intention would be to produce something that dimensionally is virtually identical, but had some patterned texture to do exactly that, improve feedback. An interesting knurling, fluting, hexagonal, or spiral grip texture would be the plan. Functional AND aesthetically pleasing is the goal.

I just noticed after I posted this that K&M released the folding charging handle for the XCR. Looks cool, but I still want to play with making a more simplistic and original type of unit. Making money isn’t the end-game, having cool aftermarket parts IS.

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Sean K.

· #4 · 2 mo ago

No rules against your post.

Go for it! More options are never a bad thing. I'm personally fine with the charging handle as is....but I know a lot of others who want to change it out....albeit, usually for a folding, smaller profile one.

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Chowwow

· #5 · 2 mo ago

Given your credentials, I definitely look forward to your idea of a design. I'm definitely looking forward to it! My idea to install and add-on FCH to the existing slide was also recently fullfilled by K&M Aerospace, so anyone who wants that can buy one right now from them. I wanted to try building an original design myself but I just could not find the time or the right inspiration to do so.

If you want, I can send you my CAD files of the existing XCR-L charging handle; might prove useful in designing your own. Also note that while 3D printing is very useful, in terms of something people would want to buy, I think a metal FCH is desired. Metal would handle the stresses of the bolt slamming down on it or the user hammering on it to assist the bolt, as well as sliding along the side rail smoothly in operation.

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TexasChris

· #6 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

The charging handle is one of the only points on the XCR that needs addressing, it'll wear a hole in your back if you sling the rifle without a pack (at least for a right handed shooter, sling over right shoulder)....I would absolutely be in for minimum 6 if you could do a folding handle like the mountain man charging handle......if you don't go that route, like Sean said, options are good.

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Vegasgunhand

· #7 · 26 d ago

K&M Aerospace makes killer folding aluminum charging handle

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Sean K.

· #8 · 25 d ago

Vegasgunhand said:
K&M Aerospace makes killer folding aluminum charging handle

Not sure I understand the point of K&M's. It sticks out the same as the factory knob. If that's a major complaint (I know TC doesn't like it digging in while carrying slung)....this really doesn't change that other than potentially having more surface area to disperse some of the weight....though that's arguable since the shape may mean more 'hot spots' than a circular knob.

It doesn't say if forward assist is retained. Anyone know?

Is the purpose solely to give more 'purchase' with a longer lever when it's unfolded?

Mountainman's CH makes far more sense in that it is low profile. If it kept the FA, I'd probably get a whole bunch of them (assuming he actually decides to do another run...it's been since December of last year that he posted anything about it and it appeared his mill was all trammed up to do the work....I highly doubt he's not had other projects that got pushed to the forefront).

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themousethatroared

· #9 · 25 d ago

Sean K. said:
Not sure I understand the point of K&M's. It sticks out the same as the factory knob.

Same question here.
It sticks out the same amount, and the base is smaller and square/rectangular with two or more sharp corners, instead of a large flat round. Not sure if the hinged portion acts as an area to spread out the force, or hinges into the receiver to expose a sharper square shape of the base. Basically concentrates the load into a smaller area, and adds sharp spots.
The whole issue seems to make the case for the right handed AK charging handle.

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Flskunkape

· #10 · 25 d ago (Edited)

Yeah, I've had similar concerns about the k&m, I've had the page open in a separate tab but haven't been able to bring myself too pull the trigger on it. I've thought about getting one to try it out and maybe give a little write up on. I've got one of k&ms m17s in 308 and it has the same charging handle and its pretty comfortable and low profile on that gun. But it is at approximately 10 o'clock so it doesn't dig in like a charging handle that is perpendicular to the receiver. (Also when the charging handle is extended there are NO sharp edges. Everything is rounded/profiled as to not be sharp or rough.)
I've also got one of the mountainman slr style charging handles and it looks great and functions great too. I wish we could get his gen 2 charging handles. Maybe one day...

Edit: after pulling out all 3 rifles and comparing them I could see the advantage of an enlarged charging handle that the k&m provides on a xcr M, a 308 stuck case can be a bitch to get out. Albeit I've only ever stuck a steel case in a M and it required a ram rod to unstuck it as the lip of the case was ripped of by the extractor.

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Chowwow

· #11 · 8 d ago

Flskunkape said:
I could see the advantage of an enlarged charging handle that the k&m provides on a xcr M, a 308 stuck case can be a bitch to get out. Albeit I've only ever stuck a steel case in a M and it required a ram rod to unstuck it as the lip of the case was ripped of by the extractor.

Mini review of the K&M handler for the -M. So far, the handle SUCKS; it's really hard to pull back on the CH with the knob fully extended; it's easier pulling on the bottom base/joint of the CH to pull it back - which kinda defeats the purpose of the handler. The handler has no leverage against the slide because it's only connected via the CH shaft and partially contacting the extension off of the slide. Pulling the slide assembly now is already starting to peel the cerekote finish and I need to keep everything greased with CLP so that it slides smoothly. I haven't shot with the CH yet, but I will share how it holds up when I do.

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Ian B

· #12 · 8 d ago

Sean K. said:
Mountainman's CH makes far more sense in that it is low profile. If it kept the FA, I'd probably get a whole bunch of them (assuming he actually decides to do another run...it's been since December of last year that he posted anything about it and it appeared his mill was all trammed up to do the work....I highly doubt he's not had other projects that got pushed to the forefront).

I emailed Mountainman about this. He says, he’s planning on delving into charging handles when school ends for the summer. Maybe kids are his other project?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Flskunkape

· #13 · 7 d ago

Chowwow said:
Mini review of the K&M handler for the -M. So far, the handle SUCKS; it's really hard to pull back on the CH with the knob fully extended; it's easier pulling on the bottom base/joint of the CH to pull it back - which kinda defeats the purpose of the handler. The handler has no leverage against the slide because it's only connected via the CH shaft and partially contacting the extension off of the slide. Pulling the slide assembly now is already starting to peel the cerekote finish and I need to keep everything greased with CLP so that it slides smoothly. I haven't shot with the CH yet, but I will share how it holds up when I do.

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Thanks for guinea piging it, in an honest manner. I felt the other post letting us know about its existence felt a little shill like. Its too bad that its disappointing, I had high hopes of the handler because I love my M17S from K&M.

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