A firearm comprising an upper receiver and a charging handle is disclosed. A charging handle is coupled to the upper receiver and comprises a handle assembly rotationally coupled to a main body about a first and a second pivot point. The handle assembly includes a first handle having an edge nearest the main body and a latch extending from the first handle parallel to the main body for interfacing with the upper receiver in a first position, a second handle having an edge nearest the main body, and a push rod positioned between the edge of the first handle and the edge of the second handle, such that when force is applied to the second handle, energy is transferred through the second handle to the push rod and to the first handle, moving the latch into a second position.