Hey, AR 22 charging handle problem

[Caveman Jim]

I recently acquired a charging handle with an extended latch for my 5.56 pistol build.
I received it today and put it in my rifle, much to my surprise it would not pull out more than a half inch.
It seems that the CH is catching on the gas key instead of going through the hole on the end of the CH, bypassing the gas key and hitting the bolt cam pin to unlock the bolt...

Is there a specific charging handle that works with the AR 22 or are they all the same?
Here's a pic of the end of the offending charging handle on the right, mine is on the left.

After zooming in on the side by side pic, it appears that the AR 22 charging handle has a larger hole versus my original charge handle. I'm wondering why it is hitting the top of the charging handle in my pistol???

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[Caveman Jim]

No one knows???

 

[Stomper]

If it's a dedicated factory 22LR upper (and not a drop in conversion kit in an actual 5.56 upper) you'll most likely find that it's not a gas operated system, and find it's a blow-back system utilizing a "hybrid" bolt where all the recoil happens (as well as contains the recoil spring instead of using the standard buffer spring assembly contained in the buttstock).

So the "gas key" you are referring to probably isn't an actual "gas key" and is merely there to "ride" in the slot of the upper receiver in order to keep the bolt carrier from canting.

I'll go out and have a look at my ATI dedicated 22LR upper and get back to you shortly.

 

[MrMillspecer]

Can you swap the extended latch on to the other charge handle ?

 

[Stomper]

My charging handle doesn't even have a hole for the gas tube or gas key, plus it has casting sprues inside the channel. The "gas key on the bolt doesn't even ride inside that cha


Here's the actual recoil spring uncompressed (even thought there's a full-on buffet and buffet spring in the buttstock)


Here's the recoils spring while compressed:


The bolt face:


The charging handle sitting on top of the bolt:


My charging handle only slides out about 1.5 - 2" to charge the bolt as well:


Mine is an ATI, and your dedicated 22LR upper will be a variation of the same principle

 

[Stomper]

My charging handle doesn't even have a hole for the gas tube or gas key, plus it has casting sprues inside the channel. The "gas key on the bolt doesn't even ride inside that channel
View attachment 689475

Here's the actual recoil spring uncompressed (even thought there's a full-on buffet and buffet spring in the buttstock)
View attachment 689476

Here's the recoils spring while compressed:
View attachment 689477

The bolt face:
View attachment 689478

The charging handle sitting on top of the bolt:
View attachment 689479

Mine is an ATI, and your dedicated 22LR upper will be a variation of the same principle as mine.

 

[Snip]

The internals look like the M&P 15-22.

 

[MrMillspecer]

I have the ATI lower but replaced the trigger group and crappy buffer ,spring and tube. The upper broke within 30 rounds. The c-clip that holds the recoil spring wouldnt stay on. I got replacement parts to fix it and sold it to someone I didn't like. I went with Nordic Components dedicated .22lr upper and have had nothing but a good experience.

 

[MrMillspecer]

I hope you have better luck with yours Stomper. I did have an early version from Fisherman's Marine Supply.

 

[spookshack]

Not to side track the thread but 15-22's rock IMHO.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Can you swap the extended latch on to the other charge handle ?

Yes, already swapped it.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Thanks Stomper for that detailed information.
The charging handle that I got was from a dedicated A.R. 15/22 and i'll bet that the where marks were from that bolt.

Anyways, I swapped the latch to my new stripped CH.

Thanks for the comments folks!!!

 

[Mygrainman]

love my dedicated AR22..
CMMG barrel and BCG....everything else regular AR parts...
It's been flawless!