Gear Review: HABU™ MOD1 Advanced Engagement Charging Handle

The Falcon 37 HABU MOD1 charging handle installed on an AR-15.

 
At times, my fingers have taken a beating when working my firearms. My bolt action rifle needed an extension to the bolt handle because the clearance from handle to scope was too narrow. I wound up getting my fingers caught a few times. A similar issue came to light with my friend Bill’s charging handle on his 5.56/.223 AR-15. He had a scope mounted where the eyepiece sat back over the charging handle quite a long way, thus impeding charging it efficiently. The original charging handle limited your ability to charge the rifle and it was a pain to use. After some research, his solution was to upgrade to the Falcon 37, INC – AR-15 HABU™ MOD1 Advanced Engagement Charging Handle.

The HABU MOD1 is made of 7075 T6 aluminum to Mil Spec standards. That means it is lightweight, solid and top-notch because that’s how I see it. It goes together with two screws rather easily. It has a built-in adjustable cheek riser to better fit the shooter. I found that to be excellent because as an AR shooter, it can be difficult to find a good cheek rest with craning your neck. It mounts to the AR just like a regular charging handle. Quite honestly, it looks pretty tough on the rifle.

The original charging handle was difficult to get to and resulted in scraped knuckles.


The handle is ambidextrous and that was a great selling point as Bill is left-handed and I am right-handed. It worked flawlessly for both of us. No more dinged up knuckles! We went to the range and both shot the AR with the new charging handle. Not only were we impressed, but we had to show the other guys at the range how well it worked. They liked the concept and asked to try it out. The one we tested is black, but you can order it in flat dark earth as well.

Bill says, ‘The charging handle is solid and not flimsy, assembles easily, and works very well. If you have an overhanging scope, this is a must have.’ 

The HABU MOD1 easily allows you to charge your AR that has an overhanging scope.


Overall, I think the HABU MOD1 is an excellent product! The one place I could not test it in was the rain or snow, as increased weather might cause slippage, but I highly doubt it. Other than that, I see it as a great upgrade to an AR.

The HABU™ MOD1 Advanced Engagement Charging Handle retails anywhere from $75.00 to $89.99. That might seem a bit high for most of us new to ARs, but it’s a small price to pay for all that it can do and knuckles it can save. It is one of those items that is specific to a person’s needs. If you want a charging handle that you can just reach for and utilize to charge the rifle, get one. If you have a scope that hangs over and interferes with charging, get one. I will be upgrading my AR with a HABU MOD1 in flat dark earth and make it a dedicated coyote hunting rifle. I have a feeling my new scope will hang over a bit and I want to be able to charge my AR flawlessly.

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