Local AR-15 Gunsmith

[cbrussell]

I am looking for a local AR-15 gunsmith who can convert my AR-15 to a reciprocating side charger by installing a bolt knob on my carrier and milling out the frame. Any suggestions?

 

[steves1911]

Maybe try Scotts Gunsmithing in Glen Burnie. Have you looked into buying a stripped side charging upper instead of modifying your current one?

 

[outrider58]

Most examples I've seen were not very good. You normally have to be able to remove the knob in order to remove the bolt carrier, and in there lies the rub. They tend not to be very hardy, given they screw directly into the side of the carrier. Remember, you will need to exert a lot of pressure on that knob, should you have a malfunction. There is no other way to clear the gun via 'mortaring', which in most cases can result in breaking the knob off.

There is one version I've seen made by Bear Creek(not necessarily known for quality) that looks a little better than the run-of-the-mill reciprocating side chargers. It comes with an already cut receiver and though pricey, it is likely less expensive than having a smith customize and retrofit an existing carrier and receiver. It is OOS for the moment but has good reviews. You might give them a shout to get an idea on the wait time.

https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ar-15/ar-15-receiver/upperreceiver-sidecharging.html

 

[dist1646]

Fairly easy to do yourself if you have a drill press with a milling vice. Not local but, White Oak Armament is an option.

 

[omegared24]

Most examples I've seen were not very good. You normally have to be able to remove the knob in order to remove the bolt carrier, and in there lies the rub. They tend not to be very hardy, given they screw directly into the side of the carrier. Remember, you will need to exert a lot of pressure on that knob, should you have a malfunction. There is no other way to clear the gun via 'mortaring', which in most cases can result in breaking the knob off.

There is one version I've seen made by Bear Creek(not necessarily known for quality) that looks a little better than the run-of-the-mill reciprocating side chargers. It comes with an already cut receiver and though pricey, it is likely less expensive than having a smith customize and retrofit an existing carrier and receiver. It is OOS for the moment but has good reviews. You might give them a shout to get an idea on the wait time.

https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ar-15/ar-15-receiver/upperreceiver-sidecharging.html

I have one. I modified my charging handle with something that wouldn't loosen as easily.

Heck, if the OP has something to trade I'd put the upper and carrier up. I'm not a fan of them.

 

[RRomig]

Most examples I've seen were not very good. You normally have to be able to remove the knob in order to remove the bolt carrier, and in there lies the rub. They tend not to be very hardy, given they screw directly into the side of the carrier. Remember, you will need to exert a lot of pressure on that knob, should you have a malfunction. There is no other way to clear the gun via 'mortaring', which in most cases can result in breaking the knob off.

There is one version I've seen made by Bear Creek(not necessarily known for quality) that looks a little better than the run-of-the-mill reciprocating side chargers. It comes with an already cut receiver and though pricey, it is likely less expensive than having a smith customize and retrofit an existing carrier and receiver. It is OOS for the moment but has good reviews. You might give them a shout to get an idea on the wait time.

https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ar-15/ar-15-receiver/upperreceiver-sidecharging.html

This is the way I went. The upper and carrier. I replaced the bolt. I’ve barely shot it so I can’t say how durable it is but it shoots great. I like the side charger over the original design for a few reasons.

 

[Rocinante]

I am looking for a local AR-15 gunsmith who can convert my AR-15 to a reciprocating side charger by installing a bolt knob on my carrier and milling out the frame. Any suggestions?

Side-charging AR-15 uppers exist.
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ar-15/ar-15-receiver/upperreceiver-sidecharging.html

(in this case with BCA it's more cost-effective to buy the complete upper, strip it for the upper and BCG, then sell the parts you don't need or just swap the uppers: https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ca...barrel-1-7-twist-pistol-7-handguard-scg2.html)

 

[outrider58]

Side-charging AR-15 uppers exist.
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ar-15/ar-15-receiver/upperreceiver-sidecharging.html

(in this case with BCA it's more cost-effective to buy the complete upper, strip it for the upper and BCG, then sell the parts you don't need or just swap the uppers: https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/ca...barrel-1-7-twist-pistol-7-handguard-scg2.html)

I know, a lot to read through...

 

[19smiller]

I tried one of these out a few years back. Liked them better than the regular side chargers.

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Sp...ocating-Billet-Upper-p/jb-non-recip-upper.htm

 

[smokey]

https://www.rainierarms.com/devil-dog-concepts-ar-15-hard-charger-side-charging-handle/

 

[outrider58]

Found these...

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/side-charging-billet-upper.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/d...de-ambidextrous-side-charging-handle-bcg.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/d...-carrier-knurled-side-charging-handle-x2.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/D...2x-Knurled-Side-Charging-Handles_p_26801.html

https://davidsondefense.com/AR-15-Side-Charging-Upper-Receiver-Builds_c_3145.html

 

[Sundazes]

Get in touch with user Clandestine.

 

[SkiPatrolDude]

Found these...

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/side-charging-billet-upper.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/d...de-ambidextrous-side-charging-handle-bcg.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/d...-carrier-knurled-side-charging-handle-x2.html

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/D...2x-Knurled-Side-Charging-Handles_p_26801.html

https://davidsondefense.com/AR-15-Side-Charging-Upper-Receiver-Builds_c_3145.html

Davidson defense / delta team tactical is no bueno.

Trash parts.

This is an all around bad idea. Sell what you have and buy a platform that has what you want. Hell just buy a Brownells BR180 upper.

 

[outrider58]

Davidson defense / delta team tactical is no bueno.

Trash parts.

This is an all around bad idea. Sell what you have and buy a platform that has what you want. Hell just buy a Brownells BR180 upper.

Totally agree, as per my first post here, but people are allowed to make their own mistakes.

 

[omegared24]

Davidson defense / delta team tactical is no bueno.

Trash parts.

This is an all around bad idea. Sell what you have and buy a platform that has what you want. Hell just buy a Brownells BR180 upper.

I agree. The only parts that worked well were the upper and carrier. The bolt and barrel were garbage. I'm sick of hearing people say they have one and it works great, they have warranties, etc.

 

[outrider58]

Get in touch with user Clandestine.

He talked me out of these long ago.

 

[jrumann59]

He talked me out of these long ago.

the side charger or your pants..... if it was your pants did he try his new lube mix...

 

[outrider58]

the side charger or your pants..... if it was your pants did he try his new lube mix...

It weren't my pants.

 

[Jerry M]

What about Hanover Armory or Fulton Armory?

 

[cbrussell]

I did not know of Hanover Armory; thanks for the heads up.
While I understand a new upper would perhaps be more efficient, I would like to use my present upper.
White Oak is a possibility, however, I was looking for something closer to home.