A charging handle includes a shaft, a front end that is operably coupled to a firearm bolt carrier, and a head that is located on an opposite end of the shaft from the front end. One or more ventilation features may be located in a first half of the length of the shaft proximate to the front end of the charging handle to prohibit exhaust that travels from the front end along the upper surface and/or side surfaces of the shaft from reaching the rear of the firearm and/or the head of the charging handle.