Ergonomic charging handle for a rifle

Abstract

A charging handle for a rifle or semi-automatic rifle with a user portion positioned to provide maximum user comfort and minimum interference with accessories mounted on the rifle.

1 . An ergonomic charging handle for actuating an automatic or semi-automatic rifle comprising:
 a body having a first or tab portion to be fitted to the actuating mechanism of the rifle;   a second or user portion of said body disposed at an angle to said tab portion so that when said body is assembled on said rifle said handle portion extends away from accessories mounted on a barrel of said rifle in the vicinity of said actuating mechanism of said rifle.   
   
   
       2 . An ergonomic charging handle according to  claim 1  wherein said angle is 0° to less than −90° measured from a horizontal plane passing perpendicular through a longitudinal axis of the barrel of said rifle. 
   
   
       3 . An ergonomic charging handle according to  claim 1  wherein said user portion is sized to permit an operator to easily engage and operate said charging handle with one hand, finger, gloved hand, body parts or mechanical device. 
   
   
       4 . A charging handle according to  claim 1  wherein said user portion is provided with an enhanced griping or contact surface. 
   
   
       5 . A charging handle according to  claim 1  fabricated from metal, high strength steel, synthetic material, reinforced synthetic materials, reinforced carbon fiber composites and the like. 
   
   
       6 . A charging handle according to  claim 1  can be fabricated by one of casting, forging, machining, molding and the like.