biased position as seen in fig3 b the actuator 84 is at an angle 86 to the long axis 78 of the rod 62 and the latch mechanism 80 is in a latched orientation with the latch head 90 biased toward the rod 62 when the user depresses the actuator 84 the actuator 84 is generally parallel to the rod 12 as seen in fig3 c and the latch mechanism 80 is in an unlatched orientation with the latch head 90 moved away from the rod 62 when the operator wishes to move the charging handle assembly 60 out of full insertion in the firearm the operator depresses the actuator 84 causing the latch mechanism 80 to rotate about the pin 92 and causing the latch head 90 to move away from the rod 62 depression of the actuator 84 is not necessary for full insertion of the charging handle assembly 60 into the firearm as the forward edge of the latch head 90 is rounded and when contacted with the receiver housing will move away from the rod 62 with the spring 82 biasing the latch head 90 into the detent when the latch head 90 moves over the detent location turning now to fig4.