The Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle AR-15 Black Anodized Aluminum (ARCHELBK, UPC 700598349948) is an upgraded AR-15 charging handle designed to improve grip, leverage, and reliability, especially when operating from the side or under adverse conditions. Built around Strike Industries’ ARCH-EL (AR Charging Handle – Extended Latch) platform, it combines a forged 7075-T6 aluminum body with an enlarged aluminum latch and a hard anodized black finish. Brownells+3Buds Gun Shop+3Primary Arms+3
Model Identification and Platform Compatibility
Common catalog identifiers for this component include:
The charging handle is intended as a drop-in replacement for Mil-Spec AR-15 charging handles, requiring no gunsmithing for installation on compatible upper receivers. AR15Discounts+2Palmetto State Armory+2
Construction, Materials, and Finish
The ARCH-EL Extended Latch Charging Handle is constructed to balance strength, weight, and wear resistance:
Using an aluminum latch is a specific design choice by Strike Industries to minimize the long-term wear that can occur on the upper receiver where the latch locks into the recess, a point several product descriptions highlight. Palmetto State Armory+2Evandale Firearms LLC+2
Extended Latch and Ergonomic Design
The defining feature of this charging handle is the extended latch and enlarged grasping surface:
Extended latch surface: Provides a larger area for the user to grab, particularly from the left side of the rifle, improving leverage and ease of operation when optics or accessories are mounted over the receiver. TLO Outdoors+3AR15Discounts+3Palmetto State Armory+3
Ergonomic contouring: The handle’s shape and latch geometry are designed for a smooth, snag-resistant profile while still offering a positive grip. Buds Gun Shop+2Cheaper Than Dirt+2
Highly polished contact surfaces: Product literature notes a high-polish finish on critical areas to promote smooth, clean charging and reduce friction during operation. Buds Gun Shop+2Evandale Firearms LLC+2
The latch remains a traditional concealed latch style integrated with the ARCH body, maintaining normal AR-15 manual of arms while enhancing accessibility and control. Palmetto State Armory+2strikeindustries.com+2
Performance in Adverse Conditions
Multiple vendors describe this charging handle as optimized for use in harsh or adverse conditions:
Larger latch and grasping surface allow gloved or wet hands to operate the handle more reliably. AR15Discounts+2Buds Gun Shop+2
7075-T6 aluminum body with hard anodizing contributes to impact resistance and long-term durability under repeated use. Buds Gun Shop+2TLO Outdoors+2
Some descriptions also point out that the rear edge geometry can help deflect gas, oil, and debris away from the shooter’s face when firing suppressed or in dusty environments. Right To Bear+1
These design elements aim to maintain consistent operation across a range of environmental conditions, from range use to field applications.
Installation and Compatibility Details
The ARCHELBK charging handle is designed for direct replacement of standard AR-15 charging handles:
Installation:
Remove the existing charging handle and bolt carrier group from a compatible AR-15 upper.
Slide the new Strike Industries ARCH-EL Extended Latch Charging Handle into the charging handle channel, then reinstall the BCG in the normal manner.
No specialized tools or gunsmithing modifications are required for typical Mil-Spec upper receivers. strikeindustries.com+3AR15Discounts+3Palmetto State Armory+3
Platform fit:
Standard AR-15 upper receivers in .223/5.56 and similar cartridges that use a standard AR-15 charging handle.
Not intended for AR-10 / LR-308 platforms unless specifically purchased in the appropriate variant. (Separate ARCH-EL versions exist for AR-10 as noted in related product listings.) MidwayUSA+2Watchdog Tactical+2
Users should always verify compatibility with their specific upper receiver and barrel system before installation.
Dimensions, Weight, and Technical Specs
While exact dimensions are not always detailed in every listing, typical product data for the ARCHELBK include:
Type: AR-15 charging handle with extended latch
Material: 7075-T6 aluminum (body and latch are aluminum-based components) Brownells+3Buds Gun Shop+3Evandale Firearms LLC+3
Finish: Black hard anodized
Approximate weight: Around 1.1–1.6 oz (with several retailers listing ~0.1 lb) AR15Discounts+2TLO Outdoors+2
Latch style: Extended latch, enlarged side grasping surface
Intended use: AR-15 / 5.56 platforms with standard charging handle slot dimensions
This combination provides a lightweight yet robust upgrade for users who want improved manipulation without a significant increase in mass at the rear of the upper receiver.
Use Case Scenarios
The Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle ARCHELBK is commonly used in:
Optic-equipped rifles: The extended latch makes it easier to reach under or around magnified scopes or tall mounts. Primary Arms+1
Tactical and duty-style builds: Enhanced leverage and grip are beneficial for rapid malfunction clearing and charging under stress. Cheaper Than Dirt+1
Competition and training rifles: Shooters performing frequent manipulations during drills may prefer the smoother, enlarged contact area for consistency and speed.
Because it maintains standard AR-15 manual of arms and dimensions, the ARCH-EL Extended Latch Charging Handle is suitable for a wide range of builds where a more accessible, ergonomic charging interface is desired.
Technical Summary
Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle AR-15 Black Anodized Aluminum – ARCHELBK
By combining a forged 7075-T6 aluminum charging handle body, a black hard anodized finish, an aluminum extended latch designed to minimize receiver wear, and an ergonomically enlarged grasping surface, the Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle AR-15 Black Anodized Aluminum ARCHELBK offers a technical, drop-in upgrade for AR-15 platforms seeking smoother operation and improved handling in both routine and adverse conditions.
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