Badger Ordnance Forged Condition One Charging Handle (C1CH)
Badger Ordnance has released its long-anticipated Condition One Charging Handle (C1CH), bringing the company’s well-known Condition One design philosophy to one of the most heavily used control surfaces on the AR-15 platform. Known for its precision machining and duty-focused components, Badger Ordnance approached the charging handle with the same emphasis on strength, ergonomics, and real-world performance that has defined its optics mounts and accessories.
What immediately sets the C1CH apart is its manufacturing method. Rather than machining the handle from billet or extrusion, Badger Ordnance machines the C1CH from forgings, a process chosen specifically for its superior strength and durability. This approach is said to align with Badger’s long-standing commitment to producing components intended for hard use, and builds on the company’s history of patented ambidextrous charging handle designs.
The C1CH incorporates a raised gas fence to help mitigate gas blowback toward the shooter, particularly when running suppressed or during high-volume fire. The ambidextrous latches are ergonomically shaped and feature vertical serrations on both the front and rear, providing consistent grip whether charging from the support side or under stress. Rounded edges help reduce snagging on gear while maintaining positive engagement.
Badger Ordnance also focused on keeping the overall profile streamlined. The C1CH measures 2.42 inches in width, striking a balance between sufficient purchase and a low-bulk footprint that avoids interference with optics, gloves, or chest-mounted equipment. The result is a charging handle that is easy to manipulate without feeling oversized or intrusive.
Initial availability includes 5.56-compatible models in black and tan, with 7.62 and MCX-compatible versions slated for release in 2026.
The Condition One Charging Handle is available now through Badger Ordnance’s website and their dealers. For shooters looking for a forged, ambidextrous charging handle built with durability and refined ergonomics in mind, the C1CH should represent a deliberate and well-executed addition to the AR accessory market, at a competitive price. The weight is 1.1 oz.
The price is $100.00 and you can find them here: https://www.badgerordnance.com/condition-one-charging-handle-ar15-m4.html
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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"Badger Ordnance machines the C1CH from forgings, a process chosen specifically for its superior strength and durability."
I'll be the first to admit I put way too much emphasis on charging handles and have spent way too much money on several high end ones. This looks like a good product and I might even get one some day. With that said, have many people actually broken a charging handle stem? I've seen latches break or come loose but I can't say that I've seen a broken body. Genuine question.
In most other industries charging handles would be like $15