Convert AR-15 To Side Charger

[cbrussell]

Does anyone know of a gunsmith in the the Maryland/Pennsylvania area who can convert a AR-15 to a side charger? I am looking for some one who can drill and tap the existing bolt carrier and mill in a slot on the upper. If there is no one local, who would be the best option to send the gun?
Thanks for the help.

 

[Melnic]

You can buy uppers that can side charge. I know one brand that charges on the left. You then get an AR smith to swap your stuff. I did it for my Dad’s AR


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[ted76]

I think that you would end up spending less money buying a compete side charging upper or at least buying a side charging stripped upper and BC and using your existing parts.

 

[Jimbob2.0]

What the guys above are saying, buy a side charging upper. They are cheap enough. You can always switch back and forth.

One of the reasons the AR platform is so popular is its reliable, easy to maintain, cheap and modular.

 

[rtse4me]

I have a side charger upper on my Grendel from Precision Firearms. It comes with everything less bolt. I think I paid around $300 when it was on sale. Nicely machined and really smooth.

 

[dist1646]

www.keystoneaccuracy.com

White Oak Arms sells side charging upper receivers w/ bolt carrier too.

 

[outrider58]

I have these;

https://gibbzarms.com/product/blem-g4-side-charging-upper-receiver-right-handed/

http://www.americanspiritarms.com/product-p/scr-woc.htm

 

[DutchV]

The advantage of buying one is that you can get a non-reciprocating bolt handle.

 

[cbrussell]

I was looking for a reciprocating charging system and really didn’t want to buy another upper. It isn’t a cost problem, I just wanted to keep the same upper. Keystone might be a good choice but I was hoping for someone closer. I could go the White Oak route but again, wanted someone in the Maryland, York Harrisburg area.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[GuitarmanNick]

I would think that milling a standard upper may weaken it too much. My understanding is that the some side charging uppers are reinforced.

 

[md_al]

Devil Dog Hard Charger?

https://devildogconcepts.com/products/hard-charger

 

[Magnumite]

$245 for a White Oak upper assembly is only about $80 more than a conventional upper assembly. A smith doing the necessary machining wouldn’t touch a conversion for near that amount. More like 3 times that

 

[Rack&Roll]

The advantage of buying one is that you can get a non-reciprocating bolt handle.

Was gonna say...

Bolt handle slamming forward with every round because of BCG and upper sidewall simply drilled out?

No thanks!

No upper is worth that.

 

[lkenefic]

Was gonna say...

Bolt handle slamming forward with every round because of BCG and upper sidewall simply drilled out?

No thanks!

No upper is worth that.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Depending on if you're a left hand or right handed shooter, and which side you elect to drill... etc... there's a much more simple solution.

 

[Rack&Roll]

And if the interest in a favorite drilled-out upper dissipates, you’re stuck with it.

 

[outrider58]

You boys act like you never shot an AK before.

My latest pistol build, a side charger(non-recip)...

 

[cap6888]

You boys act like you never shot an AK before.

My latest pistol build, a side charger(non-recip)...

Specs

 

[outrider58]

Specs

QC10's 'QC5 MP5' receiver set(w/ side charging upper[Gibbs])
Faxon 9mm bolt group
SBTactical PDW brace
Adco 5" barrel (left hand threading)
Surefire Ryder 9 Ti suppressor
Spikes 9mm buffer
Tubb's AR10 action spring
UTG rail (love these, cheap and sturdy)