Mixed feelings on my love and hate for this charging handle assembly - KIDD Innovative Design Bolt Handle Charging Assembly w/Guide Rod & Springs For Ruger 10/22

So I chose the Kidd Charging Handle Assembly to go with my Kidd Bolt and Barrel. Partially I got it because it got good reviews and partially I just wanted to be consistent and it wasn't terribly expensive. What I didn't consider was the installation process being a bit of a pain. On the plus side, the spring is not captured so you can swap springs around and adjust as needed for your 10/22. However, the spring not being captured makes it a bit trickier to install. I'm a 10/22 novice so didn't understand all the little tricks at first, but following instructions I've seen resulted in my first attempt having the Guide Rod pop off the guide rod seat in the receiver. Took me quite a while to get it out because the spring was not captured so the guide rod popped out of the bolt. The issue was trying to hold the charging handle down while dropping in the bolt. On my next attempted I just help the handle back with it tilted upwards. I then placed the bolt on top and used the bolt to press everything down. It went it correctly this time but really had me freaked out. If I were to do it again, I'd pick up the Volquartsen bolt with the build in charging handle. It looks way easier to install and would make disassembly for cleaning way easier. Not a bash at Kidd, just after experiencing assembly on this once made me realize that $75 more would have been worth it for the time savings and stress reduction in the future.

On the upside, I love that I can change up the spring or handle easily. Also, it feels really nice and is relatively low profile.