I snuck around the barn to smack a bird and I guess I was to close and when the action came back or forward it snapped it off. If it popped out, more than likely it wasn't in all the way or had come loose, which you don't typically see. I would just purchase a replacement and place it back it. Many auto loaders you have to push back on the bolt face or pull straight out to remove the charging handle. If it's not snapped off, no reason to take it to a gun smith. Look at the parts list and get it from the gun manufacturer, Brownells, Midway USA etc. It should go right back in with proper pressure.