The AR-15 is one of the most versatile platforms in the gun world. With the ability to basically build these things like Legos, you can really fine-tune what you want.
And side-charging AR-15s are a great way to have a more unique AR. You’ll also probably never see another AR like yours at the range.
So, let’s dive into why you’d want to upgrade to a side-charging AR, how they work, and finish out with some of the best ones out there.
By the end, you’ll know if a side-charger is right for you.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor's Pick
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Most Durable
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Best PCC Upper
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Most Accurate Upper
Table of Contents
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Why Use a Side-Charging Upper?
The chief benefit besides aesthetic concerns is the fact that you can clear a jam and charge the weapon without breaking your firing grip or changing your shooting position.
It also makes it easier to charge the weapon one-handed in an emergency or to cycle the weapon manually in the event of a failure in the gas system.
It also just looks really cool.
Best of all, other than the upper and charging handle itself, your AR doesn’t really change so you can use all the same parts, barrel, gas system…same everything. You just need the upper itself and charging handle and the specialized bolt carrier.
How Do Side-Charging Uppers Work?
A normal AR-style rifle charges from the rear, right? You pull back on the charging handle, which extends from the rear of the receiver, that retracts the bolt and cycles the gun. Probably 99% of you are familiar with this process.
If not, reviewing our Best AR-15 Charging Handles article might help refresh your memory.
On a side-charger, you might have guessed…the charging handle is on the side.
These uppers are specially cut to allow for a groove on the left side for a charging handle, as you’d find on a SCAR or an MP5.
These charging handles are non-reciprocating and typically attach to a specially-machined bolt carrier group (which you can either buy or have a standard BCG machined with the needed notch).
Some only need a new cam pin, however, so be sure to look at those options if you’re not looking to change your bolt carrier group too much.
Best Side-Charging AR-15 Uppers
So, if you’re sold on the idea of a side-charging upper, you have a surprising number of options to choose from...
1. Faxon Firearms ARAK 21 Upper
Let me get this out of the way now…I freaking love the Faxon ARAK-21 Upper. I want one of these so bad, and I’ve wanted it since I first got to handle it over a year ago.
This upper is designed from the ground up to be a side charger. It actually moves the charging handle forward a good bit — almost like an HK G3 — rather than the typical side-charging AR-15 position with the charging handle in line with the bolt carrier group.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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The ARAK is designed to be a cross between the AR-15 and the AK-47, and it truly does bring you the best of both worlds.
As you would expect of an AK-ish design, the ARAK is a piston-operated system more so than it is an upper. It includes a barrel assembly and an integrated gas-piston system.
Best of all, it comes with everything you need to swap from 5.56x45mm to 7.62x39mm and back as your needs change, or just as the mood strikes you.
The upper is extremely reliable and comes with an adjustable gas system so you can tune your gun for suppressed use, or even manual operation with the side charging handle.
Overall, this is the option I’d go with if money wasn’t an object because it gives you some extremely practical benefits, and is truly unique.
What do you think of the Faxon system? Give it a rating below.
2. Gibbz Arms G4 Side-Charging Upper
Gibbz Arms specializes in side-charging uppers, and their G4 upper receiver is a good-looking and hard-working upper that won’t let you down.
They’re designed to work with standard AR-15 lowers. Other than a modified cam pin you have to install, there are no changes needed to the rest of your setup.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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The G4 uppers are available in a number of factory Cerakote colors, manufactured right here in America, Arizona specifically. They are some of the best-machined uppers I’ve put my hands on lately.
I’d put them alongside other high-end manufacturers like Aero and Faxon.
Overall, not a bad choice at all for a side-charging AR-15.
3. Quarter Circle 10 Side-Charging Upper
Quarter Circle 10 specializes in pistol caliber parts, and their QC10 side-charging upper is simply awesome.
This upper is modeled on the Gibbz G9 upper. Quarter Circle 10 worked with the engineers at Gibbz to produce something reflective of their pistol caliber expertise.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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This upper is designed specifically to work with pistol-caliber lowers and it’s the perfect choice for PDW builds. The latching, the non-reciprocating charging handle is one of the most well-designed and easy-to-operate charging handles around.
This is the upper I’d choose for a 9mm Glock-compatible lower, and would definitely be my first choice for a PDW-style build, especially a pistol-caliber SBR or AR-style pistol.
4. CMT Tactical UPUR-3A Side-Charging Upper
Are you looking for a precision rifle side-charger build? Do you need the most accuracy possible from your side-charger system?
Cross Machine and Tool (CMT) has you covered with their UPUR-3A side-charging upper.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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CMT has designed this to be an extremely accurate and reliable upper for precision rifle builds. They’ve brought their trademark precision machining to bear in the manufacturing process.
These uppers are machined from 7075 T6 aluminum, which is almost 70% stronger than the standard 6061 mil-spec aluminum.
They also utilize a five-axis machining process that allows them to be much more precise and turn out a much more well-finished product.
Overall, this is the upper I’d go with for a super high-end precision build that I needed to squeeze all the accuracy possible out of.
5. JP Enterprises PSC-12 Side-Charging Upper
JP Enterprises is known for its high-end ARs and accessories and the PSC Series Side Charging Uppers maintain that reputation for quality.
This upper comes in a lot of flavors from full-mass to low-mass 5.56, 9mm, and even AR-10 uppers that work with DPMS-style or Armalite/Knights pattern lowers.
And, unlike most uppers, it actually has a standard charging handle and the side charging handle, giving you the best of both worlds.
Though it is certainly pricey, you get a bolt carrier group, and an otherwise complete upper receiver, you just need to add a complete lower, barrel, gas system, and handguard. The upper has Picatinny rail all along the top for optics mounting, and is easy to assemble, and disassemble as needed.
Final Thoughts
Side-charging uppers are a great way to add some pizzazz to your AR-style rifle, and they bring some practical benefits and functional improvements as well.
If you’re looking to upgrade your AR, start a new, unique build, or just want to try the side-charging life, there’s never been a better time to get one.
What do you think of these side-charging uppers? Do you want one for your next build? Let us know in the comments below! Ready to put a great optic on your rifle? Take a look at the Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics!
37 Leave a Reply
Using a Smart Designed & Well thought out Left side charging Non-Reciprocating Upper Receiver makes All the Difference in the World when it comes to accuracy, easy of use and making the unit more user friendly. Holland Automatic rifles at somewhere dot com shows these operating & the copyrighted piston system as well.
BCA adding bufferless to their complete side charging upper repertoire.
I just got a BCA 20" side charging upper to use for NRA High Power matches. My only issue may be that I can't use my Troy ambidextrous bolt release on it. This may be an issue on slow fire stages. It does shoot 1 MOA groups for me so I guess I can't really complain.
I personally love a side charging upper. I hope to one day actually own a nonreciprocating side charging upper. Like the Jp enterprise version. That being said. I just have to figure out which organ or limp, I can live without. so I can sell it, to be able to afford a side charging AR upper. Then there is the Foxtrot Mike forward charging upper which I like very much allot, but to tell you the truth. I will probably end up with a Bear Creek Arsenal side charging upper. they offer a complete side charging upper with BCG, for the price of any one of the stripped side charging upper receivers options mentioned in the article, and from what I hear they are not a bad option for their parts being built 100% in house. just don't expect perfection and somewhat of corners being cut in the machining process. But yet till a good viable alternative for a low cost budget side charging 100% complete upper receiver with BCG. for around give or take $250. Now that is a reasonable price that leaves room for improvement. Plus now you can get piston side charging complete uppers as well at BCA. At a little higher cost but still worth checking into. I hope this helps everybody for viable option to the side charging option mentioned in this article, that are ridiculously high priced just for the stripped side charging upper but very nice non the less they are all great options if you have that kind of money but why spend it. Because unfortunately BCA doesn't offer a nonreciprocating version, so be carefully where you place your thumb or fingers it hurts pretty bad to get you finger smashed by hardened steel. If you have ever smashed your finger with a roofing hammer then you will have an idea of what it feels like. God bless all of you and "LETs GO BRANDON"
FoxtrotMike side chargers are an interesting compromise
Personally I think you may want to update this subject of side charging uppers. especially considering a few that you mention are no longer in existence, beside the fact that you can get a complete BCA side charging upper receiver, for less then the price you would just pay for just the side charging upper alone, without a Bcg. Just sayen not engender to offend anybody.
Hey Aaron, thanks for the feedback. We're in the process of updating a lot of our older content and this article is definitely on the list! So keep an eye out for upcoming updates. Thanks!
I realize this is old, but I just checked out Bear Creek. You can get a complete side charging upper in most calibers for less than $250. Anyone tried these?
Yes I have several different calibers from Bear Creek Arsenal and they are well made and work fantastic best bang for your buck highly recommend them
I have one on an AR10 in .308 and one on an AR15 in 300 BO. Both work really well. I'd get another if that's what I was in the market for. I have a Gibbz receiver on another, actually have two, and they work really well too. For some reason I've always felt side charging was a more natural method, but that's just me.
I've got a few, and a couple buddies I know have them. We've had no problems whatsoever, haven't had any failures with them. One buddy just got a 7.62 and it ran flawlessly, granted only a couple 100 through it. But some 7.62 in the AR platform don't play nice.
One thing if you do try Bear Creek, just tighten the screws on the handguard...I have had mine come loose.
Forgot brownells BRN-180uU
American Spirit is dead dude, been dead well before this article was last updated.
I really want a side charging 9mm AR pistol for home defense and range fun, but I'm relatively new to the AR world and don't want to venture into building one myself until I have more experience. Say I was to get the Gibbz or Quarter Circle (most likely Gibbz because they have a complete upper assembly), could I use any 9mm BCG and any 9mm/Glock mag compatible complete lower receiver?
If you're using a Glock lower then yes, any Glock cut BCG will work as will any Glock lower.
I’d say another advantage of a side charger is if you have an adjustable cheek riser (like the XLR), you can have it closer to the scope. The standard charging handle limits you how close you can get the riser without the charging handle hitting the riser on pull back, especially on an AR10.
Truth......I make the Sorbothane cheek pads and that's the biggest grip I hear about AR's ! Michael @ godagrip.com
Thanks folks for the input. My interest in side chargers is due to a life changing accident. My hands and fingers work so poorly that it is hard for me to manipulate any top charging handle. I am hoping the straight back pull with my best hand, ( the left ) will be an easier process. Does anyone find it easier to pull then from the top ?
I can't answer your question directly, but I can say the stroke of side-charging uppers seems to be shorter, no? If that's the case, the spring tension would be higher than what is experienced on a standard charging handle.
I did a build using the Bear Creek Arsenal side bolt. Actually, seeing this piece online inspired my build. Works smooth and clean, no operational "flaws" to report. Just put a bit of blue Lock-Tite on the handle threads. After roughly 1000 rounds, no complaints at all, still smooth as silk in operation. Only (small) downside is you have to remove the handle to get the BCG out for cleaning.
What about New Frontier Armory or Wolfpack Armory?
Gibbz makes NFA's stuff too
Any recommendations for a 300 AAC pistol build? Anyone familiar with Sanders Armory?
I don't disparage anyone's choice in AR-15 modifications, but I don't agree that side-charging is functionally better or faster for clearing jams than rear. Side charging introduces another dust & debris intrusion path. It's not ambidextrous. There is nothing to be gained from being able to use the support hand for charging the handle. Unless the weapon jams, you'll hardly ever be using the charging handle--you use the bolt release to engage the bolt into battery after changing magazines. On the rare occasion of a jam (every 1000 rounds or so), using the rear handle is as effective as a side charger, maybe better since you get more leverage in case brass is really stuck in there.
I have to call BS on this inexperienced opinion. With a left-side charging handle, you can keep your right trigger finger on the trigger and ready to fire in a multitude of scenarios:
1. Once a jam is cleared, no matter how rare, because if it can happen-it WILL happen, and if you don't have to lose your sight picture or your finger on the trigger, why choose a weapon that insists you do both?
2. When shooting with the gas system set for shooting suppressed and/or long-range precision shots from a prone position, the shooter need not decompose their position so they can use the awkward rear charging "T" handle (for you slower readers, that means moving your head away from the charging handle - or vice-versa). This allows them to keep their target picture stable & sighted without interruption from the aforementioned awkward rear charging handle.
3. If a combat-designed rifle cannot deal with field conditions that includes sand, dirt and mice, it isn't worthy for the field.
4. If properly designed and implemented, a non-reciprocating left-side charging handle WILL NOT allow any more dirt into the receiver That's what makes the ARAK-21 such an unmitigated success (that means there's no downside to using it).
I remember when short-stroke pistons were poo-pooed even worse than the left-side charging handle. I consulted with an inventor who developed it for LWC back in the '90s and that's about all they offer now (along with a LOT of other worldwide manufacturers). Personally, I would never buy an AR-type rifle until the short-stroke piston and left-side charging handle became standard equipment because of all of the gasses and unburnt powder being forced into the receiver and ending up in my face. I considered it barbaric. Evolve, people!
I am not understanding your explanation in your first section. If one needs to clear a jam, with a side charger one can certainly keep their trigger finger in the ready to fire position and simultaneously not disrupt his line of sight on target. This is specifically the main practical point of improvement over rear charging handle operation, unless as the Prosser C mentioned above that rear charging will be more difficult now due to physical impairment, and of course what has since become the very best advantage to having a side charger (not including one made by the aforementioned JP Enterprises and CMT Tactical) is for running suppressed. The gas to the face is nearly completely gone with a side charger.
Sorry man, I replied to the wrong comment.
Side is better.
The REAR is in your face and you have to totally disengage.
Some mfg have optional sides if it is so important. What military style AR is ambidextrous?
And dirty? Get a piston system, the best! If you use the old style, clean after each session, not 1000 rounds. Piston leaves chamber spotless...
Dirty gun stuck brass, use piston gas system...time to get with the improvements.
I have a Rocker River Arms LAR-PDS. It operates very well & have no issues with it at all. A lot of fun & great shooting for a side charge, piston carbine rifle.
great overview. been wanting an faxon arak but they've been sold out forever. guess ill keep waiting.
I have a Bear Creek Arsenal Dual Charging Upper and love it. Like the first upper mentioned above, mine has the standard charging handle, as well as the side charging handle on the BCG. I got the entire complete upper for under $250 about a year and a half ago. Have had no problems with it. The only very small issue is that you have to remove the side charging handle from the BCG with an Allen Wrench, in order to remove the BCG from the receiver. Can't just slide it out like you can with a standard AR upper. Not a big deal.
I purchased a Bear Creek 300BO 16" HB upper after shooting one at a local OD range and I was really impressed with the quality of the upper so much so I got another 16" in 223 Wylde in 410R SS and I got .75 groups @100 with Walmart ammo. Sure one can spend a lot more but why? when this is fine really well made
The one from X-Products works great.
no mention at all of the Bear Creek side charging, and dual charging receivers and complete uppers? I know they are budget components, but anyone can afford them. Spend the money on a good barrel and optics.
Bear Creek may be the best buy for the money.
You must need a special BCG for a side charger does that come with those outrages priced striped uppers ?
It depends on the upper. Some of them require a different BCG, some can use a standard BCG, and some need a standard BCG that they then mill to fit.