Stoner side charging AR upper receiver-any experience
by Cherokee 
, Medina, Ohio, Friday, January 20, 2017, 18:59 (2802 days ago)
Does anyone have any experience with the side charging AR upper receivers? Midway has them on sale for 200 and I think I would like the side charging better. Comments welcomed...
Yes and No....
by Gunner , St Louis, Saturday, January 21, 2017, 00:39 (2801 days ago) @ Cherokee
Yes to side charger, No to Stoner brand.....
http://forum.sixshootercommunity.com/index.php?id=44650
I really like it, feels more natural to me than the regular rear charger.
Gunner
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https://www.instagram.com/41gunner/
41 Mags rule, Baers rock!
Thoughts....
by Gunner , St Louis, Saturday, January 21, 2017, 10:12 (2801 days ago) @ Gunner
My bad, I saw side charger and thought it was a left handed one like my X Products upper. Saw Doug's comments and looked at the Stoner, different style.
Thoughts......
1) I am not a big fan of adding weight to the BCG, might be an issue, might not, just not a fan.
2) I prefer the left handed style as it allows you to keep your fire control hand in position and not release it to charge the rifle. Might not be an issue with a plinking rifle but a self defense weapon it would be.
3) With the X Products and Gibbz type upper the handle stays in locked forward position when the weapon fires, unlike the Stoner type, in which the charging handle cycles upon firing, good chance to get a finger and/or hand whacked.
Gunner
--
https://www.instagram.com/41gunner/
41 Mags rule, Baers rock!
Thoughts....
by Cherokee , Medina, Ohio, Saturday, January 21, 2017, 18:01 (2801 days ago) @ Gunner
I like the reminder of the added weight...for this reason I think I'll pass.
I trained on the M14 and have been shooting M14/M1A, M1 Carbine, Mini-14 for many years; my thumb has avoided the recoiling action and I'm accustomed to using my grip hand so those were of no concern. Thanks for the comments.
I used a Gibbz side charger
by Slow Hand 
, Indiana, Saturday, January 21, 2017, 06:28 (2801 days ago) @ Cherokee
I built kind of an oddball on a special lower. I put an adjustable gas block on a 16" .300 black out barrel with the intent of making it a straight pull bolt action for the least noise when suppressed. Then, if I want semi auto, I just have to open the gas block up the proper number of turns. I haven't shot it enough to get that dialed in, but it is pretty quiet when shut off!
I wanted a left sided charging handle so I could keep my firing hand in place and reach up and reload. I do like the feel if it and could see using one for a more standard build. It is a non reciprocating handle, so you completely lose any forward assist action, which isn't a concern to me anyways.
I'd say if you like the FAL system go with a right hand like Gunners X-Products or my Gibbz:
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-m16...
If you like the AK or Garland/M-14 style then go with the Stoner:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/872317/ar-stoner-side-charging-upper-receiver-assembl...