Rankin Industries Charging Handle

Product Description

The Rankin Industries charging handle is a proprietary AR-15 charging handle designed by Lance Rankin, the gunsmith and owner of Western Sport. This handle is built to Rankin’s specifications for shooters who want a racking handle engineered by someone who builds and repairs rifles daily.

A charging handle is the lever you pull to cycle the bolt carrier group, chamber a round, or clear a malfunction. The latch, length, and grip surface all affect how quickly you can manipulate the rifle under stress or with gloves.

Rankin Industries produces this handle for shooters who trust the same standards Lance applies to custom gunsmith work.

Key Facts

• Brand: Rankin Industries
• Product Name: Rankin Industries Charging Handle
• SKU: RI-Charginghandle
• Category: Upper receiver parts, bolt carrier group and charging handles

How This Charging Handle Fits Your Build

AR-15 charging handles mount inside the upper receiver and hook onto the bolt carrier group. When you pull the handle rearward, it drags the carrier back to compress the buffer spring and eject a spent case or load a fresh round.

Most factory handles are narrow and smooth. Upgraded handles like this one typically feature wider latches, extended levers, or textured grips to make the racking motion faster and more positive. Call 817-393-4000 to confirm compatibility with your specific upper receiver or carrier group.

Why Shooters Upgrade the Racking Handle

The mil-spec charging handle works, but many shooters find it hard to grip when wearing gloves or running the rifle quickly. A larger latch means you can grab and pull without repositioning your hand or breaking your cheek weld.

Upgraded handles also reduce the chance of a short-stroke malfunction during a press check or chamber inspection. You get more leverage, which matters when the rifle is dirty or the recoil spring is stiff.

Rankin Industries and Western Sport

Rankin Industries is the house brand of Western Sport. Lance Rankin designs these parts based on years of gunsmithing experience and feedback from customers in North Texas and across the country.

When you buy a Rankin Industries part, you are getting a component built to the same spec Lance uses in his own shop builds.

Buying from Western Sport in Roanoke, TX

Western Sport is a licensed FFL and SOT dealer in Roanoke, Texas, serving the North Texas and DFW area since 2007. Lance Rankin provides on-site gunsmithing, custom builds, transfers, and expert advice. Call 817-393-4000 to ask about fit, function, or special orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Rankin Industries charging handle fit my AR-15 upper receiver?

A: Most AR-15 charging handles follow the mil-spec profile and will fit any mil-spec upper receiver. Call 817-393-4000 to confirm compatibility with your specific upper, especially if you are using a side-charging system or a proprietary carrier group.

Q: How does this handle compare to Midwest Industries charging handles?

A: Midwest Industries and Rankin Industries both produce aftermarket AR charging handles designed to improve grip and leverage over factory mil-spec handles. Rankin Industries handles are built by the gunsmith who runs Western Sport, so you get local support and direct access to the designer. Call 817-393-4000 to discuss which option suits your build.

Q: What makes an upgraded charging handle better than the factory handle?

A: Factory mil-spec handles are narrow and smooth, which makes them hard to grip with gloves or under stress. Upgraded handles typically feature wider latches, extended levers, or aggressive texturing to give you more purchase and faster manipulation. They also reduce short-stroking during press checks.

Q: Can I install this charging handle myself?

A: Yes. Installing a charging handle requires no tools and takes seconds. Pull the takedown pins to separate the upper and lower receivers, slide the old handle out, and slide the new handle into the channel at the rear of the upper. Hook it onto the bolt carrier group and reassemble. If you prefer hands-on help, Western Sport offers gunsmithing services in Roanoke.

Q: Does Western Sport offer gunsmithing support for Rankin Industries parts?

A: Yes. Lance Rankin is the gunsmith and owner of Western Sport, and he designed Rankin Industries parts based on his shop experience. If you have questions about fit, function, or installation, call 817-393-4000 for direct support from the person who built the part.

Q: How do I order a Rankin Industries charging handle from Western Sport?

A: You can order through the Western Sport website or call 817-393-4000 to place an order by phone. Western Sport is located in Roanoke, Texas, and serves customers across the DFW area and nationwide. The team can answer questions about compatibility, shipping, and special orders.

Additional information