good, meh idea? got a Aero .223 Wylde Fluted stainless

[44 AMP]

They aren't a performance items is all. A 100 dollar Ch doesn't do anything a $14 dollar one doesn't do.

when they both work.

Clearly there is a clearance issue between PSA charging handle specs and Areo upper charging handle channel specs.

(and to be clear, your problem is happening without the bolt carrier in place??)

If it were me, and concerned only with function and not looks, I'd go find an old GI charging handle (they can't be very expensive) and see if it drops in and works. I mean, really all they have to do is not bind, pull the bolt carrier back and latch shut when not in use, right??

Do you have other uppers you can test with? does the PSA handle work in a different upper??
Does Aero market their own handle? Any chance they intentionally make their upper so only their handle fits right? The way some "1911" guns have the grip screws spaced just enough off "GI spec" so only grips for that specific make/model gun will fit?

[wild cat mccane]

The previously recommended charging handle is $4 different than the PSA one I have. I'm sure the PSA is the bottom of the barrel, but Rise Armament at battlehawk for $22 is going to make the difference? i guess I try...

Yes. The PSA CH functions in two other PSA guns I have. Not even a slight fit problem with those. The CH come out of those two use use without any wear marks.

Yes. Trying without the bolt. Got really stuck with the bolt on the first upper.

Optic Planet reviews of the cheapest Aero created CH is really bad with most saying they flex.

[rickyrick]

Is this a standard upper receiver or one of the AeroPrecision proprietary receiver? If it’s just a standard receiver, Why not just move your new barrel and handguard to your old upper receiver? It would be 15-30min job tops.

[44 AMP]

Optic Planet reviews of the cheapest Aero created CH is really bad with most saying they flex.

Before I would condemn it as bad, I'd need to know their definition of "flex". Because, "flex" is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on what you mean.

I define "flex" as the ability to take a certain amount of bend and then return to true.

If they mean it bends and stays bent, that's not "flex".

[stagpanther]

Did this optics planet special upper come without CH and bolt carrier group?

[wild cat mccane]

So...I just beat the heck out of sliding the CH in. Aluminum on aluminum coatings, you know it will sand itself.

And it did. Now the CH works. Now that it's in, great. I'm less enthused on Aero after lots of googlign this issue.

Next up, does it shoot well. Hope it does. Who doesn't want a 16" 1:8, stainless, fluted 223 wylde in mid-length without a forward assist. Perfection set up.

[44 AMP]

Who doesn't want a 16" 1:8, stainless, fluted 223 wylde in mid-length without a forward assist. ...

I don't....

It's a personal matter, and has nothing to do with the quality or capabilities of the gun described.

I'm at that point in my life where climbing in and out of armored vehicles or helicopters, doing house/village clearing and close quarters combat are multiple decades behind me.

And, while a short barrel rifle is more convenient for those things, since I don't do that, choosing a rifle with a barrel so short it robs the round of some of the power it has (compared to "standard" rifle barrel length) isn't worth it. FOR ME.