An ambidextrous charging handle for a Stoner-type firearm. The charging handle comprises two separate assemblies, these being an oblong handle that contains a latch assembly and a central shaft member. The parts are joined together by a compound pivoting arrangement in which a combination of the latch assembly and alignment grooves in the central shaft member interacting with slidingly engage a locating flange on the oblong handle, and a pair of pivoting connectors that secure the latch assembly to the oblong handle and the central shaft member independently from one another. The latch assembly includes cam activation via a retention relief cut acting against a fixed minor pivot connector. The second point of retention for the assembly is via a major pivoting connector the combination of which transmits the retraction force applied to the oblong handle on one end of the latch assembly and to the central shaft member through the interconnection of the minor pivot connector located at the proximal end of the latch body.