US Patent 9222738 Ambidextrous charging handle for firearm

A charging handle for a firearm includes a T-handle with a receiving slot for a latch plate that pivots between latched and unlatched positions about a pivot pin. The latch plate includes a finger grip and a thumb pad that permit ambidextrous operation of the latch plate. A latch return assembly including a spring returns the latch plate to a latched position.