Patent ID: 6311603
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: F41A

Abstract:
A charging handle for a firearm having a receiver, a bolt reciprocating within the receiver and a gas tube for directing powder gases to cause operation of the bolt within the receiver, said charging handle comprising a generally elongated member having an upper surface and an underside with a lower surface and a forward end portion, a body portion and a rearward end portion, said body portion having an open channel located in said underside thereof and said rearward end portion having at least a portion thereof adapted to extend outside of said receiver and being sized, shaped and adapted to be grasped by a hand of a shooter using said firearm wherein the improvement comprises: a gas groove located in said upper surface of said rearward end portion of said charging handle for diverting powder gases traveling along said upper surface of said charging handle away from said firearm; and a gas groove located in said lower surface of said rearward end portion of said charging handle located to be in fluid communication with said open channel located in said underside of said body portion of said charging handle for diverting powder gases from said open channel away from said firearm.