Galil charging handle product improvement

[buffalowinter]

The vertical Galil charging handle is one of those things that look good on the drawing board but suck in actual use. I assume the vertical/close to receiver charging handle is supposed to make it less likely to snag on things... except one of those things it succeeds in not snagging on are your fingers when you try to grab it. The Estonians have added a clamp on horizontal charging handle to fix this possibly career ending problem. There is also an aftermarket model made by FAB but seems to be unavailable.

So, I fabricated my own from bar stock. Before, and after:

It is very painful to charge the Galil if it has a rail and scope mounted without this mod. Incidentally, the same goes for the FN SCAR 16 and 17.

 

[stanley_white]

I always assumed the Galil charging handle was to enable a right handed user to avoid the “roll and rack” that the AK required.

-Stan

 

[perttime]

What is the problem with "roll and rack"? Or even charging the rifle with the right hand?

To me, the usual safety lever is the least ergonomic feature of an AK style rifle.

There was a time when I had to carry an Rk 62 with magazine inserted but chamber empty. I taught myself to push the safety off with the right hand thumb, while grabbing the charging handle with the fingers.

 

[stanley_white]

What is the problem with "roll and rack"?

From my point of view, there is no problem, but I didn’t design the Galil.

-Stan

 

[Mudburner]

Is this why almost every Galil charging handle knob I have seen is caved in flat on the right side? (From the set screw/whatever that holds this device in place)?

I think your fabricated piece is a very good idea. Almost like the original AK charging handle, no? (lol) If you have a spare, can I buy one?

 

[buffalowinter]

Here is the Israeli Army version made by FAB Defense.