ACF is not compatible with SIG MCX, 516, Q's shorty stock, and SB Tactical HBPDW brace.
ACF
(Ambidextrous Charging handle, Forward Controls) was in development
since mid 2018, with its features mostly fleshed out in 2018. As the
case of many of our designs that spend a long time in development, this
time was well spent, we don't believe in using customers to beta test
products.
Design objectives:
1. A stronger, more durable ambidextrous charging handle that can withstand repeated mortaring.
2. A better means of deflecting gas and debris from the shooter's face and eyes when shooting with a sound suppressor.
Simple
goals, the execution is anything but, as we called for improvements in
multiple areas. We based ACF's design on the TDP charging handle
because like many other original designs, the charging handle is under
appreciated for its simplicity and brilliance. ACF improves on the TDP
design where we can, but retains its best features.
ACF design highlights:
1.
The width of the T handle is barely wider than its TDP counterpart.
The sole reason ACF's T handle is wider is to provide protection to the
latches.
2. Anti-snag T handle. We retained the
gentle rearward sweeping slope of the T handle, and avoided a forward
cant. A forward cant is more snag prone, we also wanted the users to be
able to let go of the latch without having to make a exaggerated motion
to get his hand out of the way of the latch. In this, we again followed
the original design.
3. ACF is
significantly taller/thicker than the TDP design. Both the front strap
and the curved back strap of the ACF are aggressively serrated. The
back strap's slight curve follows the curve of the user's thumb. The
tall profile of ACF's T handle is designed to provide more surface area
without making the T handle wider, which we deliberately avoided. Wide T
handles are levers with mechanical advantage we don't need, they also
promote pulling the charging handle back at an angle. Small T handles
encourage the user to pull the charging handle straight back, along the
bore. Another benefit is the user's fingers are closer to the charging
handle's main body. When the user pull the ACF back, his finger clears
the forward assist's rim.
4. A "constant
motion" latch on either side of the T handle. The name derives from
that the latches don't come to a hard stop prematurely, but will instead
continue to move into the ACF's T handle when mortared. When a user
needs to mortar the weapon, no stress is placed on the latches. Though
the solid pins we use are immensely strong, the latches and the ACF body
are both aluminum. A design that allows the latch to hit a hard stop,
or bottom out, invariably stresses the material around the pin holes.
Imagine trying to slam a revolving door, it keeps rolling.
5. Pre 2023 ACF used solid pins. March, 2023 production ACF uses roll pins (spring pins).
6.
A taller and better gas deflection fence. ACF's fence is taller than
the upper receiver, and is horse shoe shaped to conform to the area of
the upper where it meets the charging handle.
7.
ACF's T handle is immovable, and fixed in place like the TDP design.
Like the TDP design, the fixed T handle is strong and has no moving
parts.
Machined from 7075 aluminum, ACF is Type III hard coat anodized, and available in black, FDE, and OD green.
Like all Forward Controls Design products, ACF is proudly designed and made in the USA.
U.S. Patent Nos. 7,900,546 and 7,240,600, under license.
NOTE:
ACF is not compatible with SIG MCX, Centurion Arms billet upper, and SB Tactical HBPDW brace.
