First impressions of the Neoteric Designs JAKL folding charging handle
So, after several months of it being developed and getting my upper back, I finally got to have some hands on experience with it and it's been such a huge improvement that once I get my 300BLK JAKL, it's going to be one of my first purchases. On the original charging handle, I have dragged my knuckles across the upper rail more times than I can count, to the point when charging the rifle I noticed I was more concerned on that. Could be I was just being careless when charging it or had a bad hold with support hand, but it was an issue using the old one. I hit the range with this one once I got it all and put almost 800 rounds though it and here are my first impressions.
Definitely noticed a speed up with my reload times when loading from an empty mag on a closed bolt. I know there is a bolt release like a standard AR platform but I have intended to run the JAKL at my next local 3 gun match, so I wanted to practice multiple reloading positions. Not being "afraid" of dragging my knuckles anymore was a huge help as I could just auto pilot when using the charging handle
It's very easy to manipulate, like sliding your finger against it let's it deploy out to start grabbing it. You can charge it using your index finger only if you wanted to do that instead of gripping it, but it just flows together nicely with getting it into action to deploy out l.
Heat resistance is pretty good, when the handguard started warming up a little bit, I noticed this wasn't getting anywhere as hot as the handguard. Even when shooting it suppressed.
Personal preference for me, I like the size/length of it, doesn't extend out too far where it's a snagging concern but also has enough room for me to rest my thumb underneath.
Another personal preference, it allows for an easier manual bolt hold open, when the rifle is shouldered, pull it back, then pressing the bottom of the bolt release with your thumb while the charging handle is in your hand is much easier to do now. It was possible with the old charging handle, but I noticed when doing that, my sights was coming off target, now, I can keep on target and do that.
Overall, I've been really happy with this purchase where for me going forward, it's a must have. The real test is going to be at that 3 gun match, where I'll be a little more rough with it and see how it's holding up, but I've been doing a lot of dry reload and charging at home, pulling the charging handle pretty rough and I don't see any changes with wobble or anything of the sort, so I think I'll be good at the gun match. I imagine if you are using any LPVO or scope, this also is a huge upgrade, I have not put an LPVO on it yet. I do want to to a 300BLK pistol soon and I will be doing that and it the 308 charging handle is the same or can be fitted for it, then once I get around to the 308 model, I am going to be buying another one.
So, after several months of it being developed and getting my upper back, I finally got to have some hands on experience with it and it's been such a huge improvement that once I get my 300BLK JAKL, it's going to be one of my first purchases. On the original charging handle, I have dragged my knuckles across the upper rail more times than I can count, to the point when charging the rifle I noticed I was more concerned on that. Could be I was just being careless when charging it or had a bad hold with support hand, but it was an issue using the old one. I hit the range with this one once I got it all and put almost 800 rounds though it and here are my first impressions.
Definitely noticed a speed up with my reload times when loading from an empty mag on a closed bolt. I know there is a bolt release like a standard AR platform but I have intended to run the JAKL at my next local 3 gun match, so I wanted to practice multiple reloading positions. Not being "afraid" of dragging my knuckles anymore was a huge help as I could just auto pilot when using the charging handle
It's very easy to manipulate, like sliding your finger against it let's it deploy out to start grabbing it. You can charge it using your index finger only if you wanted to do that instead of gripping it, but it just flows together nicely with getting it into action to deploy out l.
Heat resistance is pretty good, when the handguard started warming up a little bit, I noticed this wasn't getting anywhere as hot as the handguard. Even when shooting it suppressed.
Personal preference for me, I like the size/length of it, doesn't extend out too far where it's a snagging concern but also has enough room for me to rest my thumb underneath.
Another personal preference, it allows for an easier manual bolt hold open, when the rifle is shouldered, pull it back, then pressing the bottom of the bolt release with your thumb while the charging handle is in your hand is much easier to do now. It was possible with the old charging handle, but I noticed when doing that, my sights was coming off target, now, I can keep on target and do that.
Overall, I've been really happy with this purchase where for me going forward, it's a must have. The real test is going to be at that 3 gun match, where I'll be a little more rough with it and see how it's holding up, but I've been doing a lot of dry reload and charging at home, pulling the charging handle pretty rough and I don't see any changes with wobble or anything of the sort, so I think I'll be good at the gun match. I imagine if you are using any LPVO or scope, this also is a huge upgrade, I have not put an LPVO on it yet. I do want to to a 300BLK pistol soon and I will be doing that and it the 308 charging handle is the same or can be fitted for it, then once I get around to the 308 model, I am going to be buying another one.