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LowAndLeft
11-05-2023, 02:01 AM
Are $30+ aftermarket bolt catches like Radian, Geiselle, Wilson Combat, etc. really that much better than mil-spec? Pros and cons (other than cost)? Thanks.
ST911
11-05-2023, 07:17 AM
Are $30+ aftermarket bolt catches like Radian, Geiselle, Wilson Combat, etc. really that much better than mil-spec? Pros and cons (other than cost)? Thanks.

They're handy. Larger surface area and harder to miss when manipulating. May not fit some forged lower receivers. They cost a little more.
WobblyPossum
11-05-2023, 08:35 AM
They're handy. Larger surface area and harder to miss when manipulating. May not fit some forged lower receivers. They cost a little more.

Did you mean they might not fit some billet receivers? I’ve never run into a bolt catch that wouldn’t fit a forged receiver.
Wake27
11-05-2023, 09:15 AM
FCD (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/ABCR-v3-Augmented-Bolt-Catch-Release_p_237.html) is the one to buy. Con is price, pros are everything they state on their site. I like the serrated centered variant.
ST911
11-05-2023, 09:40 AM
Did you mean they might not fit some billet receivers? I’ve never run into a bolt catch that wouldn’t fit a forged receiver.

FML. Yep. Insufficient caffeination apparently.
Screwball
11-05-2023, 10:29 AM
I like the Geissele Maritime release… however, I just want an enhanced release with a better bottom half so I can easily lock the bolt back.

I can do it with the standard release, but like the enhanced ones better.
WobblyPossum
11-05-2023, 10:34 AM
I’ve never tried an aftermarket bolt catch/release. I have been eyeing the FCD one Wake27 posted. Thats probably the one I’d get if I decided to make a purchase.
HCM
11-05-2023, 10:37 AM
FCD (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/ABCR-v3-Augmented-Bolt-Catch-Release_p_237.html) is the one to buy. Con is price, pros are everything they state on their site. I like the serrated centered variant.

FCD is good.

I like the Badger Ordnance one.

https://www.badgerordnance.com/enhanced-bolt-catch-249-44.html

IME it’s fit any lower which will fit a GI bolt catch.
That Guy
11-10-2023, 05:35 AM
As a left-handed shooter, I do like my Geissele Maritime bolt catch. It's swept back so it is easier and more consistent for me to manipulate with my trigger finger.

Aside from having to take the time to install it, and possibly having to buy the special punch for the bolt catch pin, I haven't noticed any con's.
DDTSGM
11-10-2023, 01:40 PM
Like 'That Guy' I'm a lefty. I have Maritime bolt catches on several of my rifles as well as an FCD Augmented Bolt Catch Rear Biased on one rifle.

I prefer the Maritime over the FCD Augmented because the Maritime has more rearward bias making it easier/surer for a lefty to use IMO. Additionally, the bottom pad of the FCD doesn't have a rearward bias making it more difficult to lock the bolt to the rear with the left trigger finger.

https://cdn.geissele.com/media/catalog/product/cache/91f36b3065dccd45c97fe249d8cd662a/m/a/maritime_bolt_catch_rotation-02.jpg

111291

The both the Maritime and the FCD are made from 8620 steel per the mil-spec. FCD mentions heat treatment in the product description, Geissele does not. This may be one reason the FCD Augmented Bolt Catch costs double the G Maritime Bolt Catch.

I have broken one Maritime Bolt Catch at the pivot hole. Geissele promptly replaced it.

Geissele also notes: the extended controls of the Geissele Maritime Bolt Catch will partially cover the pin hole for the hammer, a smaller punch may be required to push the
hammer pin out of the receiver from the left side, and the hammer pin should only be installed from the right side of the receiver.

https://geissele.com/amfile/file/download/file/95bdf985a85a620b7914cee995278174/product/543/
SteveL
11-10-2023, 02:26 PM
IMO they're worth it, mainly because I despise the tiny little boot heel shaped nub for locking the bolt open. If you don't mind spending the money, then FCD is the answer. I also like the one from Seekins Precision for a less expensive option.
Darth_Uno
11-10-2023, 03:14 PM
IMO they're worth it, mainly because I despise the tiny little boot heel shaped nub for locking the bolt open. If you don't mind spending the money, then FCD is the answer. I also like the one from Seekins Precision for a less expensive option.

I've got a couple Seekins and Geisseles on mine. I've said for years I really never saw the need for oversized bolt or mag catches, but now that I've run a couple I wouldn't want to not have it.
Pnut
11-15-2023, 05:40 PM
Will the Geissele unit work with a gun equipped with anti-roll pins?
DDTSGM
11-15-2023, 06:38 PM
I doubt that you could lock the bolt to the rear using the bolt catch as the lower pad covers a portion of the hammer pin and the protrusion of the set screw on the hammer pin would likely prevent the user from depress the pad enough to engage the bolt catch.

Likewise to install or remove the anti-rotation pins you would have to remove the Maritime Bolt Catch in order to insert and tighten the set screws.

Nope, don't think it would work.
M2CattleCo
11-15-2023, 07:53 PM
Never saw the point.
breakingtime91
11-15-2023, 08:03 PM
I run a maritime. Oem Bolt catches suck to manipulate when your hands are bloody. Trust me, it sucks. Give me a bigger bottom to lock the bolt back any fucking day.
baddean
11-17-2023, 05:29 PM
Interesting that this thread came up now.
I've been running a B.A.D. lever on my sbr for a while now and recently aquired a second AR.
The lever finally got loose on the bolt release pad and was sloppy enough it was hard to lock the bolt open with it.
I wanted both rifles to be the same so I've moved on from the bad lever.
Bought two bolt catches from Strike Industries.
https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-ar10-ebc.html.
Very well made and easy to install and use.
As fine motor skills diminish the larger pad makes life easier.
They also sell one with an oversized extended release pad.
https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-ar-xbc.html
Just another option.