Charging handle for a firearm with angled latch

A charging handle configured to be received within an upper receiver of a firearm comprising where the upper receiver has a first end and a side having a latch pocket;

• said latch pocket further includes a base surface and an upper edge:
• a base including a spring bore with an end surface, said base further including a compression spring positioned within the spring bore, said compression spring having a first end and a second end with the second end of the compression spring abutting the end surface of the spring bore;
• a cross-member that is substantially perpendicular to the base;
• the cross-member being configured to be received lengthwise within the upper receiver such that the base is fully forward of the first end of the upper receiver;
• and
• a charging handle latch that pivots about a fulcrum pin, said charging handle latch including an upper arm and a lower arm;
• said upper arm having a latch pocket surface wherein said latch pocket surface has an angled latch surface relative to the cross-member, said lower arm being biased against the first end of the compression spring;
• wherein the angled latch surface engages the latch pocket of the upper receiver and contacts the upper edge of the latch pocket forming an angle between the angled latch surface and the upper edge of the latch pocket.

A method of applying a consistent force to a charging handle positioned forward of an upper receiver of a firearm to resist rearward movement said method comprising:

• providing a charging handle having a base and a cross-member having an imaginary centerline, wherein said base is operably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the cross-member, said charging handle further including a charging latch that pivots about a fulcrum pin;
• wherein the base includes a spring bore with an end surface, said base further including a compression spring positioned within the spring bore, said compression spring having a first end and a second end with the second end of the compression spring abutting the end surface of the spring bore;
• providing an upper receiver having a first end and an second end and that the upper receiver being configured to longitudinally receive the cross-member;
• the upper receiver including a latch pocket with the side of the upper receiver wherein the latch pocket includes an upper edge;
• inserting the cross-member of the charging handle within the upper receiver and positioning the base fully forward of a first end of the upper receiver;
• and
• engaging the angled latch of the upper arm of the charging handle latch within the latch pocket of the upper receiver and making contact with the upper edge of the latch pocket.