ABC/R (Augmented Bolt Catch/Release) with its angled and larger top paddle and lower paddle with increased surface area, is purpose-designed for use with AR15/M16 receivers equipped with ambidextrous magazine releases. Specifically, it is designed to address the difficulty with accessing the factory bolt catch’s lower paddle with an ambidextrous magazine catch, such as Norgon’s Ambi-Catch, on the receiver. Many of the ambidextrous mag release’s lower paddle is on the same vertical plane as the factory bolt catch lower paddle, making identification difficult by feel, especially with a gloved hand.
Standard (non-biased): The upper paddle remains in the same position as v1 and v2 ABC/R, its upper paddle isn’t biased towards the front or rear.
FB (forward-biased): For right-hand users who wrap their left hand around the magazine well and use their left thumb to press the bolt catch’s upper paddle. The FB version has the upper-paddle shifted to the muzzle end to facilitate this reloading method.
RB (rearward biased):Â For left hand users that use their extended left index finger to access the bolt catch paddles. The RB version has the upper-paddle shifted to the buttstock end to make the upper paddle more accessible.
The ABC/R’s chief effort is focused on that single issue. The lower paddle protrudes further and is angled at 10 degrees to give it even more surface area. These measures put the lower paddle and Ambi-Catch’s paddle on different vertical planes. That done, FCD worked on the top paddle. ABC/R’s top paddle is made larger and given a 5-degree angle at the lower 50%, and a 10-degree angle at the upper 50% cant. The angled paddle makes it easier for the palm or thumb to access.
The notch immediately above the ABC/R’s lower paddle isn’t there by accident. As you run your finger down the bolt catch towards the lower paddle, the notch is meant to provide tactile feedback to indicate the beginning of the lower paddle. It is important to be able to differentiate one control surface from another, all without diverting one’s gaze to it.
- Machined from billet 8620 alloy steel.
- Heat-treated with black nitrided finish.
- Proudly designed and made in the USA.
NOTE: August 2021 batch of ABC/R v3 bolt catches with centered upper paddle have a bead blast finish and a dark grey color which turns black with a light coat of oil. As shown below:
