*Note this model is designed to be compatible with LMT MARS-L Lower Receivers but will ALSO work in standard TDP Spec Lower Receivers. The Standard ABC/R v3 that is available in more variations as far as paddle position will NOT work with LMT MARS-L Lower Receivers.
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.
The ABC/R's chief effort is focused on that single issue.
The lower paddle protrudes further, and is angled at 10 degree to give
it even more surface area. These measures put the lower paddle and
Ambi-Catch's paddle on different vertical planes.
That done, we worked on the top paddle. ABC/R's top paddle
is made larger, and given a 5 degree angle at the lower 50%, and 10
degree angle at the upper 50% cant to facilitate easier reloading techniques. 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 be able to differentiate one control
surface from another, all without diverting one's gaze to it.
For 2020 ABC/R version 3 consists of the following changes:
* Ledge on top of the upper paddle, and bottom of the lower paddle to increase traction.
* Upper paddle options: FB (forward biased), standard (centered upper paddle), RB (rearward biased).
* "Butterfly"
lower paddle with increased surface area, while maintaining a healthy
standoff distance from an ambidextrous magazine catch's lever.
*
Longer magazine follower trip to compensate for slightly out of spec
lower receivers not locking the bolt back after the last round is fired.
ABC/R
v3 upper paddle options accommodate individual user's reloading
technique. Upper paddle options include FB (forward biased), standard
(centered, non-biased), and RB (rearward biased).
FB
(forward biased) is for right hand users that 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.
Standard
(non-biased) upper paddle remains the same position as v1 and v2 ABC/R,
its upper paddle isn't biased towards the front or rear.
RB
(rearward biased) is 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 butt stock end to make the upper paddle more
accessible.
The
"butterfly" lower paddle's horizontal extension increases the lower
paddle's surface area, but stops short of reaching the bottom of the
bolt catch in order to create a stand off distance between the extension
and an ambidextrous magazine catch's lever. It is our opinion and
observation that close proximity of two control surfaces is best
avoided. The butterfly lower paddle has increased surface area, and
doesn't interfere with an ambi mag catch's lever.
Machined
from billet 8620 alloy steel and heat treated with black nitrided
finish. The ABC/R v3 is proudly designed and made in the USA. Bolt catch roll pin, plunger and
spring are included.
Please note the ABC/R are not designed for use on 9mm receivers that use
Colt 9mm magazines which require a Colt 9mm bolt catch, or Armalite
AR10B receivers.