Oversized Charging Handle and Bolt Release - FFT or GG&G?

[SERPICO]

I'm fairly new to the forum. I have a M4, model 11715. I want to add an oversized charging handle and oversized bolt release and I'm looking for recommendations. So far, I've looked at the products offered at FFT & GG&G, and the bolt release tab from RX Arms.

Can anyone in the forum give me some recommendations on which of these products have worked well for you? As far as the charging handle, is it better to get the 1/2" or 3/4"? The 3/4" looks huge, but maybe there is a good advantage to having that size vs the 1/2" that I'm not aware of? 

As far as an oversized bolt release button, does the button work out better than the "tab" that's offered by RX Arms? I appreciate any help you guys can pass on. 

[John Doe]

I have the FFT charging handle and bolt release, and they are amazing in build and quality. I have had zero issues with either of them, and I run my M4 hard. I have the 1/2 charging handle and have had no problems with it. I highly recommend the FFT over the others. 

[SERPICO]

Thanks for the recommendation. FFT was at the top of my list, but GG&G had some good reviews as well, so I thought I would ask on this forum. What made you decide on the 1/2" charging handle over the 3/4"?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I’ve had the FFT and was not happy with it. It would rotate due to size and fall out constantly. I bought the RX arms and it’s just as good as the OEM in terms of retention but easy to grab per the reason to get the large handle.

i forget where I got my bolt release but the over sized ones are worth it!

[John Doe]

On 9/27/2025 at 4:09 PM, SERPICO said:

Thanks for the recommendation. FFT was at the top of my list, but GG&G had some good reviews as well, so I thought I would ask on this forum. What made you decide on the 1/2" charging handle over the 3/4"?

I didnt like the size of the 3/4. The 1/2 looks much better as well imo than the 3/4. The GGG is also a good brand but I just like the FFT more. The material, fit and finish as well as the customer service is all top notch.

[SERPICO]

@SuzukiGS750EZ Thanks for your reply. I watched a video yesterday from FFT that addressed the problem you talked about with the charging handle rotation and falling out. It sounds like you may have had a charging handle for an M1 or M2, and their design is distinctly different from the M4. Here is a link to the video if you are interested. 

 

[SERPICO]

@John Doe Thanks. I'm going with the FFT parts and will be ordering today. I've watched several of Todd's videos and they were pretty helpful. He seems like a good guy and wants his customers to be happy. He said in the video that he gets calls all the time from customers asking if they should get the 1/2" or 3/4". You can't go wrong either way and it's all just a matter of preference.

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

2 hours ago, SERPICO said:

@SuzukiGS750EZ Thanks for your reply. I watched a video yesterday from FFT that addressed the problem you talked about with the charging handle rotation and falling out. It sounds like you may have had a charging handle for an M1 or M2, and their design is distinctly different from the M4. Here is a link to the video if you are interested. 

 

Nope  Definitely M4. I bought direct from FFT. It fit, stayed in under reciprocation. The issue was when pulling the bolt back manually the detent divots at the end of the charging handle weren’t as good as the OEM combined with the diameter of the knob made it easy to spin the handle which made it eject. The RXarms as well as OEM have given zero issue. RXarms feels as strong of a detent as OEM but much more comfortable.

[John Doe]

11 hours ago, SuzukiGS750EZ said:

Nope  Definitely M4. I bought direct from FFT. It fit, stayed in under reciprocation. The issue was when pulling the bolt back manually the detent divots at the end of the charging handle weren’t as good as the OEM combined with the diameter of the knob made it easy to spin the handle which made it eject. The RXarms as well as OEM have given zero issue. RXarms feels as strong of a detent as OEM but much more comfortable.

Yes, I have heard of this happening, but I have never experienced this issue myself, even though I run my M4 hard. It has held up with zero issues. 

[12508]

KZ.  Been abusing it since 2008.
https://botach.com/kz-oversized-charging-handle-for-benelli-m4-shotgun/

[SERPICO]

On 9/30/2025 at 9:44 AM, SuzukiGS750EZ said:

Nope  Definitely M4. I bought direct from FFT. It fit, stayed in under reciprocation. The issue was when pulling the bolt back manually the detent divots at the end of the charging handle weren’t as good as the OEM combined with the diameter of the knob made it easy to spin the handle which made it eject. The RXarms as well as OEM have given zero issue. RXarms feels as strong of a detent as OEM but much more comfortable.

You might want to contact FFT. I'm sure they would help you out with this issue.

[mr2jeff]

I like Taran Tactical charging handle and GG&G bolt release

 

I have done the following upgrades on practically all of my m4's

 

•A&S trigger guard 

 

•RX arms titanium mag tube cap

 

•Taran Tactical - shell lifter , follower and charging handle  

 

•IWC - scout light mount 

 

•Mesa Tactical shell holder pic rail 

 

•Surefire light / Modlite

 

•Dave metal work safety 

 

•gg&g bolt release 

 

•oem handguards stippled (which I stipple)

 

•Limbsaver buttpad

 

Edited October 13, 2025 by mr2jeff