Apparatus, system, and method for actuating a charging handle

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch. A forward handle is configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch. A linkage rod is configured to be coupled to the forward handle and to engage the charging handle latch. One or more linkage rod supports are configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch, the apparatus comprising:
 a forward handle configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch;   a linkage rod configured to be coupled to the forward handle and to engage the charging handle latch; and   one or more linkage rod supports configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the linkage rod supports are configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points of the accessory rail, the one or more attachment points being selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more linkage rod supports comprise two independent linkage rod supports, and wherein a distance between the two independent linkage rod supports is based on the one or more attachment points selected by the user. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more linkage rod supports comprise a single linkage rod support configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points a fixed distance apart. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a hinge configured to couple the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position; and   a spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod is configured to engage a forward portion of the charging handle latch. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising the charging handle latch. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the charging handle latch comprises a forward portion and a lateral portion, the forward portion configured to engage the linkage rod, and the lateral portion configured to extend beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the lateral portion of the charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising the charging handle. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising the firearm. 
     
     
         12 . A system for actuating a charging handle of a firearm, the system comprising:
 a firearm;   a charging handle coupled to a receiver of the firearm;   a charging handle latch coupled to the charging handle;   a forward handle positioned forward of the charging handle latch;   a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle latch; and   one or more linkage rod supports attaching the linkage rod to the firearm.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the linkage rod supports are attached to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a hinge coupling the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position; and   a spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod engages a forward portion of the charging handle latch. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the charging handle latch comprises a forward portion engaging the linkage rod and a lateral portion extending beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the lateral portion of the charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface. 
     
     
         18 . A method for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch, the method comprising:
 engaging a forward handle, the forward handle positioned forward of the charging handle latch and communicating with the charging handle; and   actuating the charging handle by actuating the forward handle.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein actuating the forward handle comprises moving the forward handle backward. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the forward handle communicates with the charging handle via a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle latch.