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View Full Version : Devices that Allow the AR-15 BCG to be Locked or Released w/o Breaking Firing Grip



Jay Cunningham
03-04-2012, 08:27 AM
I want to start a list of devices that allow the AR-15 BCG to be locked or released w/o breaking firing grip. The intent is to simply gather data in this thread - it is not to discuss the merits of any of these devices beyond comparing them to each other and how effectively they do what their manufacturers claim they do. These can be lever devices or even complete lower receiver designs.

1. MagPul BAD Lever (lock and release)
2. Boonie-Packer Redi-Catch *discontinued* (lock)
3. A Revelation Engineering FCD
4. Troy Industries Ambidextrous Bolt Release
5. KAC IWS lower
6. Tactical Link - lock & release
7. AXTS AX556 - lock & release
8. AXTS A-DAC-F - lock only

Chris Rhines
03-04-2012, 09:14 AM
A Revelation Engineering FCD - http://www.areveng.com/# - Lock only.

-C

jstyer
03-04-2012, 10:16 AM
Troy Industries Ambidextrous Bolt Release

ETA: Both locks and Releases. Pretty much a B.A.D. clone.

jwperry
03-04-2012, 10:31 AM
KAC IWS lower, bolt release only.

rob_s
03-04-2012, 10:33 AM
Tactical Link (http://www.tacticallink.com/Battery_Assist_Lever.html) - lock & release
AXTS AX556 (http://axtsweapons.com/products/AX556) - lock & release
AXTS A-DAC-F (http://axtsweapons.com/products/A-DAC-F) - lock only


you're probably going to need to differentiate between devices that lock only vs. those that lock and release.

Jay Cunningham
03-11-2012, 10:00 PM
Any we missed?

rob_s
03-12-2012, 05:20 AM
you might want to add to the KAC that it will allow you to drop the bolt from the ejection-port side but not lock it.

I know there's more I just can't think of all of them.

Jay Cunningham
03-12-2012, 06:28 AM
I am going to categorize them more specifically. I want to weigh the merits of these in comparing them, and the strengths and weaknesses.

jwperry
03-12-2012, 07:51 PM
Any we missed?

Phase 5 Tactical Extended Bolt Release v1 (EBRv1)
http://www.phase5tactical.com/products/

Same concept as the Magpul BAD, but completely replaces the bolt catch as opposed to clamping onto the existing part.

JDM
03-18-2012, 01:06 AM
Jay,

Where is this thread going? I was doing dry reloads with my rifle today, and I was thinking about these types of things the whole time. I'm in the market, but I'm holding out till this thread progresses.

jstyer
03-19-2012, 08:36 AM
Can we open this up to discussion on the merits of each device?

Jay Cunningham
03-19-2012, 10:03 AM
It is open for that discussion.

What it is not open for is whether or not you think it's stupid, or would "get you killed in real life" or any of that crap. Comparing the devices to each other and simply discussing the pros/cons of each individual device or system (how well it does what it claims to do) is just fine.

joshs
03-19-2012, 10:28 AM
I've only used two of these devices, the Magpul BAD and the A Revelation Engineering FCD. I used the BAD for about a year before taking it off my gun. The biggest problem I had with the BAD was with it getting bumped while slung with the bolt locked back, which would send the bolt forward. I also didn't find the manipulations to lock/release the bolt all that simple; especially wearing gloves or when my hands were cold.

I've only had the FCD for a couple of weeks, but so far I really like it. Operation of the FCD is very intuitive because it uses a control that is already often manipulated. Another benefit of the FCD is that it doesn't contact the bolt catch at rest. This should preclude the problems that can result from the BAD and like devices that add weight to the bolt catch. The only downside was the installation, which requires the removal and reinstallation of the bolt catch and magazine release. I normally use vice grips to install the bolt catch pin, but the FCD prevents the use of vice grips, so I had to resort to the hammer and punch. Otherwise, I find the FCD to be an excellent device. No idea yet about durability, but there isn't a lot that could go wrong since the FCD is a single piece (really two pieces welded together) of steel.

jstyer
03-19-2012, 02:19 PM
The FCD is very interesting... if I didn't already have a BAD I'd for sure be picking one up.

Also, without trying to sound too critical... What is the purpose of the KAC lower release? When I hold the gun in my left hand, I find it very easy to access the ping pong paddle with the index finger of my fire control hand. Conversely, when I'm holding the gun in my right hand, I can easily drop the bolt with the thumb of my support hand during reloads, yet this 'feature' doesn't help me at all in malfunction clearing. Which raises the question for me: What problem was KAC trying to fix?