View Full Version : Magpul BAD Lever Bolt Catch Extension
funkfool
02-09-2010, 15:24
OK - did a search on this and didn't see anything on this - so:
Does anyone have opinions on this part?
Is there a better one?
Is there a sale on them anywhere besides this place?
http://www.botachtactical.com/magpulbadlever.html
Magpul BAD Lever Bolt Catch Extension $28.45
The Magpul BAD (Battery Assist Device) is a screw-on addition for the standard AR15/M16 bolt catch. Designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of weapon reloads and malfunction clearance, the BAD enables manipulation of the bolt catch using the right-hand trigger finger without moving the shooter s hand away from fire control/ready position.
Developed from the operational experience of the Magpul Dynamics team, the B.A.D. Lever (Battery Assist Device) is designed to considerably improve the speed and efficiency of the AR15/M16 bolt catch. The B.A.D. Lever quickly addresses reloading and malfunction clearance shortcomings of AR15/M16 platforms by extending a paddle to the right side of the weapon, allowing manipulation of the bolt stop from the fire control/ready position with the right-hand trigger finger.
The BAD is optimized for use with milspec forged upper and lower receivers, but is also compatible with the HK 416, VLTOR VIS/MUR, LaRue Stealth, and many other billet upper and lower receivers. NOTE: The BAD is not compatible with the SR-25, AR-10, or other 7.62 caliber AR platforms.
Features
Fits standard mil-spec forged AR15/M16 lower receivers
Thin, anti-snag profile and textured surface still allows for traditional manipulation of the bolt catch while maintaining unobstructed access to the trigger
Easy attachment to the existing bolt catch paddle via one screw
Machined from durable billet 6061-T6 aluminum with mil-spec finishing
MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard anodizing with manganese phosphate on the screw per MIL-DTL-16232G
Torx mounting screw with Nyloc blue patch prevents back out under recoil
Torx wrench included
Made In The USA
No personal knowledge but from hearsay:
Gen. 1's were plastic and flimsy.
Gen. 2's are aluminium and good to go.
Friends dont let friends shop Botach.
Friends dont let friends shop Botach.
lol, you're not the first person I've heard say that. Why? Explain please.
Great idea but needs refinement. It violates rule #3. Keep your finger off of the trigger and trigger guard until on target with intent to shoot. You don't clear pistol malfunctions with your finger in there, so why do it on a rifle? If the lever extended out to allow a straight trigger finger to activate it, it would be safer.
I wouldn't advise using it.....
lol, you're not the first person I've heard say that. Why? Explain please.
Because Botach will sell you an item that they dont have in stock and keep your money untill you find out and call them. Also, they have terrible times processing orders among other crappy problems they have!! HTH
Personally I rather have a phase 5 tactical ebr v2 (extended bolt release). Phase 5 may cost more but these feel better when you use the lever, is a all one piece design, simple to install, actually works with a redi mag. And if you must buy you can get em along with a lot of other magpul items from www.dynamicarmament.com. I buy from these guys all the time.
Good to know... maybe we should have a "stay away from" thread. There are a ton of products out there I've lways wanted to try but have people who say stay away.
funkfool
02-10-2010, 10:35
Great idea but needs refinement. It violates rule #3. Keep your finger off of the trigger and trigger guard until on target with intent to shoot. You don't clear pistol malfunctions with your finger in there, so why do it on a rifle? If the lever extended out to allow a straight trigger finger to activate it, it would be safer.
I wouldn't advise using it.....
Great observation coloccw.
funkfool
02-10-2010, 10:38
Friends dont let friends shop Botach.
Well - I have ordered from them before and they did run me around for several weeks on a flashlight I ordered - went online and the Live Help person said "Oh yeah - we JUST got that in..." A month later I had to get in touch with them again and it finally came... So from personal experience I would have to agree.
SonOfTheGriz
02-11-2010, 15:31
Like others, I was skeptical at first, but seeing as the fine folks at Magpul put it out I figured it couldn't be as bad as some made it sound. After using it, my skepticism was gone. Once I re-open the channels to discretionary income I will likely place an order for one of my own and once I've got it I'm going to train until it's second nature to use it.
Operation of the device is quite simple and it DOES require use of a straight trigger finger. Never once when used it did my finger move into the trigger guard nor did I have it "slip" into that sacred space. It's a little odd at first to use your trigger finger for the operation and it takes a little re-training to fully utilize the device (the REAL downside I've heard from the shooters that don't like it) but I thought it was a solid bit of kit.
Clearing Type III malfunctions with it was a breeze and it was very nice to keep my hand on the grip while locking the bolt. Basic malfunction drills are pretty much unaffected but it speeds up reloads from bolt lock and makes it a little handier to lock the bolt back when handing over the firearm or leaving the firing line at the range. It also doesn't affect normal use of the bolt release, so if you slip into the "old" way of running the gun it'll still work just fine.
Just $.02 from an average-joe user and occasional practical shooting competitor... I was never on a "Team" and haven't played in a "sandbox" since I was about 10. As always, YMMV.
Cheers!
-SoTG
Good catch on the Gen 2 models, Ben. I hadn't looked at one since the original. That's what I get for being in the field and not hanging out in gun shops; perhaps I'll visit one this year.
Arguru15
05-21-2010, 20:55
Forget Botach service is a mess. I bought B.A.D. from below company for $27.50, see link
Kick azz prices on all there stuff:
http://ar-15tactical.com/items/magpul/magpul-b-a-d-lever-bad-lever-detail.htm
I'm a big proponent of this company. They have just about everything and are reliable.
[AR15]
Troublco
05-21-2010, 22:30
I was over at Bowers last Monday, he said they'd have some in soon. One is mine, though.....
patrick0685
05-29-2010, 19:36
Bowers has them now, i picked up two, you have to do a little "Triggerhappy" engineering to make them work on a M&P15-22 but they work great[Beer]
MOUNT-N-SLOT
08-14-2010, 21:21
We have FOUR I'll send someone for FREE!!!
First one who PM's me... They're YOURS!
Thanks,
MOUNT-N-SLOT
MOUNT-N-SLOT
08-17-2010, 13:45
The BAD Levers went to the lucky first poster!
Thanks to those who PM'd me.
MOUNT-N-SLOT
blackford76
08-17-2010, 14:32
And I have them installed allready! Thank you! [Beer]
Great idea but needs refinement. It violates rule #3. Keep your finger off of the trigger and trigger guard until on target with intent to shoot. You don't clear pistol malfunctions with your finger in there, so why do it on a rifle? If the lever extended out to allow a straight trigger finger to activate it, it would be safer.
I wouldn't advise using it.....
Actually, it sticks out the other side, through the trigger guard area completely. So when you operate it, your finger isn't in the trigger guard area.
As for the OP's question: the bolt carrier release lever on most AR's has some slop/play in it. Usually this isn't noticed since you don't wiggle it back and forth. But when you put the BAD on it, it extends that play and the actual tactile feel isn't that great.
I put one on both of my AR's, but I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of it. Honestly, it's just another attempt to kludge fix the fundamental human-design flaws the AR has.
This is just one of the many reasons I'm moving away from AR's.
H.
This is just one of the many reasons I'm moving away from AR's.
H.
Into what?
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