A charging handle having a charging handle body including a base portion; a handle element slidably and at least partially rotatable relative to said base portion; and a latch element slidable and at least partially rotatable relative to said handle element, and wherein at least a portion of said latch element is formed so as to interact with at least a portion of said handle recess such that rotational or longitudinal movement of said handle element relative to a longitudinal axis of said charging handle produces lateral, translational movement of said latch element relative to said charging handle body.