Strike Extended Latch Charging Handle AR-15 Red Anodized Aluminum ARCHELRED

The Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle for AR-15, Red Anodized Aluminum (ARCHELRED, UPC 708747544701) is an enhanced charging handle designed to improve grip, leverage, and ergonomics on AR-15 pattern rifles. Built from lightweight aluminum and finished in a durable red anodized coating, it features an extended latch profile engineered for easier manipulation—especially when using optics, gloves, or operating from unconventional shooting positions.

Model Identification and Platform Compatibility

• Manufacturer: Strike Industries

• Product Type: Extended latch charging handle

• Platform: AR-15 / 5.56 NATO pattern upper receivers (Mil-Spec)

• Part Number (MPN): ARCHELRED

• UPC: 708747544701

This charging handle is designed to be a drop-in replacement for standard AR-15 charging handles and is compatible with most Mil-Spec AR-15 and M4-style upper receivers. It is generally intended for right-handed use, with the extended latch on the left side to aid conventional support-hand charging.

Construction, Material, and Finish

The Strike Extended Latch Charging Handle is built around a lightweight yet durable aluminum body:

• Material: Aluminum charging handle body and latch

• Finish: Red anodized coating for abrasion resistance and corrosion protection

• Color: Bright red, intended both for visibility and aesthetic contrast on custom builds

The anodized finish not only provides visual appeal but also adds a hard surface layer that resists wear from repeated cycling and contact with the upper receiver channel.

Extended Latch Design and Ergonomics

The defining feature of this model is its extended latch:

• Latch profile: Enlarged and extended beyond the contour of a standard latch to provide more surface area for the support hand

• Grip enhancement: Textured or contoured latch face (depending on production run) to aid positive purchase when racking the handle

• Use with optics: The extended latch improves access when a scope, red dot, or magnifier is mounted over the receiver, where a low-profile factory latch can be harder to reach

This design benefits:

• Shooters running optics and tall mounts

• Users wearing gloves

• Situations requiring fast or one-handed charging from the support side

The extended latch is spring-loaded and pivots in the same manner as a standard AR-15 latch, engaging the upper receiver notch to lock the handle forward until deliberately pulled.

Operating Function and Interface

Functionally, the Strike Extended Latch Charging Handle operates like a standard AR-15 charging handle while offering improved handling characteristics:

• Manual of arms:

  • Pull back on the handle (typically by the left-side latch) to retract the bolt carrier group

  • Release to allow the carrier to move forward under spring pressure

• Latch engagement:

  • The extended latch locks into the cutout in the upper receiver until pulled slightly outward and rearward

• Gas system interface:

  • Designed for use with direct-impingement AR-15 systems using a standard charging handle channel

Installation is simple: remove the existing charging handle and bolt carrier group, slide the Strike handle into the channel to the detent point, reinsert the bolt carrier group, and close the upper.

Durability and Maintenance

The combination of aluminum construction and anodized finish supports long service life:

• Wear resistance: Anodizing helps resist abrasion along the charging handle raceways in the upper receiver

• Corrosion resistance: Aluminum and anodized surfaces help protect against oxidation under normal firearm use and cleaning routines

• Maintenance:

  • Clean with standard gun cleaning solvents and lubricants

  • Avoid aggressive abrasives to preserve the anodized finish, especially if the red color is a key aesthetic element

Routine inspection for burrs, cracks, or latch spring wear is recommended as with any AR-15 charging handle, particularly on rifles that see high round counts.

Application and Use Cases

The Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle ARCHELRED is intended for:

• General-purpose AR-15 builds: As an ergonomic upgrade over basic Mil-Spec charging handles

• Optic-equipped rifles: Where a slightly larger latch significantly improves access under scopes or mounts

• Competition and range rifles: Offering quick, repeatable charging in dynamic shooting scenarios

• Themed or custom builds: The red anodized finish complements color-matched components and visually distinct rifles

It is suitable for training, recreational shooting, competition, and many defensive/utility setups where an enhanced charging handle is desired.

Technical Specification Summary

Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle – AR-15 Red Anodized Aluminum (ARCHELRED)

• Brand: Strike Industries

• Model: Extended Latch Charging Handle

• Platform: AR-15 / M4 (Mil-Spec upper receivers)

• Part Number: ARCHELRED

• UPC: 708747544701

• Material: Aluminum charging handle and latch

• Finish: Red anodized coating

• Features:

  • Extended left-side latch for improved grip and leverage

  • Drop-in replacement for standard charging handle

  • Optimized for use with optics and gloved hands

By combining a lightweight aluminum body, a red anodized finish, and an extended latch profile designed for improved access and leverage, the Strike Extended Latch Charging Handle AR-15 Red Anodized Aluminum ARCHELRED offers a functional yet visually distinctive upgrade for AR-15 builders seeking enhanced ergonomics, better control, and custom styling on their rifles.

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