There was a time, long ago, that the charging handle was just a piece of aluminum up there on top of the rifle, it was just there and I used it as needed. Then I mounted an optic and discovered it wasn't just there any more and I needed to go in to contortions to operate it. All You experienced shooters have run in to this scenario. For the new shooters, shouldn't be many among this crowd, some advice for You.
TSgt David L., SPC Randy Zimmerman,
SGT James Murphy,
CPT Jack Durish,
PO3 Bob McCord,
COL Mikel J. Burroughs,
SPC Gary Welch,
SGT Mark Anderson,
CPL Douglas Chrysler,
Maj Marty Hogan,
1SG Steven Imerman,
SMSgt David A Asbury,
MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi, MSgt David Hoffman,
SSG Michael Noll,
MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D.SGM Erik Marquez,
CW3 Harvey K.