In order to perform an immediate action or charge the carbine, current CQB techniques have the operator racking the charging handle to the rear using their support side hand only.  This is done in one swift and strong movement.  With the operator’s firing grip maintained, the weapon again has a loaded chamber, and the shooter can immediately bring a hot weapon back into the fight.

 

The current use of extended tactical latches has made this movement much more efficient.  The only drawback to this type of manipulation is all the force used to rack the charging handle rearward goes into the extended tactical latch and is then transferred into the roll pin.  With this scenario, the entire operation becomes contingent on the sheer strength of this tiny 1/16” roll pin, and its’ ability to take continuing blows.  Repeated and forceful support hand only racking of the charging handle eventually can lead to breaking the roll pin and loosing the latch completely.  With the latch blown out, the charging handle will not stay secured to the receiver as the bolt is moving back and forth during each cycle of the weapon’s action.  Not a good situation on a two way range.

We have been very fortunate to receive continuing feedback from trainers and operators alike for several years now regarding these issues.   Internally we have seen this many times while in the course of continually test firing weapons before sale.  Initially we matched up a couple prototype solutions, but in conversations with Eric at VLTOR, he was able to develop a better design at a better price for the consumer.    (VLTOR patent pending)