XD Talk

windsearcher · 05-15-2012, 01:05 PM

Ok, maybe my "google-fu" needs some work, but in searching I find plenty of mention of the Magpul BAD lever, but not any suggestions on if that is THE best of the ones out there.

I've seen some comments on their use ranging from best thing ever, to just a gimmick, to "train with what you are issued."

On the Last opinion - I am a civilian, and this is my personal rifle, so this is being tricked out for my personal use.

I have tried one out on a friend's AR and liked what it did for the reloads / malfunction clearing, and I'd like to try it out.

That being said, I see there are several manufacturers of the "battery assist levers" - with MagPul maybe being the best known.

Do you guys have any opinions of which one may be the best bang for the buck?

Thanks!

HTOWN stunna · 05-15-2012, 01:09 PM

I have the magpul bad lever on two of my rifles and am putting one on my third build. i am left handed and like that i can insert a mag with my right hand them drop the bolt with my right thumb instead of switching hands after loading a mag and slapping the mag release on the left hand side of the rifle. I usually do a mag change and sweep the lever with the palm of my right hand kind of like doing the HK slap on HK style weapons to drop the bolt.

Milhouse86 · 05-15-2012, 01:10 PM

The magpul one is tried and true and only like $30 bucks. For that much just go with the known.

They look like a nice little feature. Necessary no but cool/fun/useful yes! I have taken a break on my AR but when I get back around to it this is the first on the list of what do next.

Shaniac · 05-15-2012, 01:47 PM

Can't speak for the others but I have the Magpul BAD on both of my AR's and love 'em...

And here is a little porn for ya!

Thunder71 · 05-15-2012, 01:51 PM

So they 'are' useful for lefties? I personally think the AR is built for a lefty the way it is from the factory... I was really surprised how intuitive everything was for me.

WantBigBoom · 05-15-2012, 01:59 PM

The only one I think could give a run to the MagPul BAD is the Phase 5 EBRv2, which is one piece, but a standard bolt catch with an add on BAD is still usually cheaper than the Phase 5.

I'm currently undecided on my current build between the BAD and the Phase 5. There's lots reviews on the BAD out there, and I really like the minimal movement and repositioning of hands for mag changes, just don't know if a one piece design would be worth it given the cost.

Shaniac · 05-15-2012, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder71

So they 'are' useful for lefties? I personally think the AR is built for a lefty the way it is from the factory... I was really surprised how intuitive everything was for me.

No, the BAD is more useful for right handed shooters. The BAD is attached to the bolt catch on the left side, it drops down and runs horizontally through the trigger guard to the right side. If you are a right handed shooter with a BAD you can do the following tasks:

You may or may not already know this...

You can keep your right hand on the pistol grip and use your index (trigger finger) to push up on the BAD lever while you are pulling back on the charging handle to lock the bolt back. This is helpful if you plan to compete with your AR as you typically have to show chamber empty at the end of a run.
Upon firing your last round the bolt will automatically lock back. You will then dump the empty magazine and with your left hand, load a new magazine in the AR. At that point, while your right hand is still gripping the pistol grip, you can take your trigger finger and push down or in on the BAD lever and this will release the bolt and chamber a new round. In this scenario, the BAD takes an extra step out of the reloading process as you would have to slap the side of the bolt catch with your left hand, without the BAD, to release the bolt before you can grab the handguard to fire again.

Basically the BAD adds speed and puts you back into the game faster and more efficiently...

HTOWN stunna · 05-15-2012, 02:13 PM

when i get home ill post a video of how i use my bad lever, i was gonna make a left handed ar as my third build but then thought what the hell i could save the extra money used for a left handed upper and bolt on accessories. Like you said I have had zero issues with a right handed ar even while putting my nose to the charging handle and shooting. It might be meant for right handed shooters but i can load a mag with my right hand and drop the bolt in one sweeping motion instead of having to reach over with my right hand while turning the rifle to slap the mag release on the left side, or taking my left hand of the grip to drop the bolt while grasping the rifle handguard with my right hand

t_byrd · 05-15-2012, 03:45 PM

I have the BAD lever and to be honest, I wasn't aware of any other companies that made something similar. The only reason I bought the lever was to assist in catching the bolt when there is no mag in the rifle, or if there are still rounds in the mag and I want to lock the bolt back. Plus, it makes it easy to release the bolt one handed if I need to.

I like it; I'm no combat ready military man, just your average civilian, but I figured for what I was getting, the $30 was worth it...

Mudinyeri · 05-15-2012, 04:57 PM

I tried the BAD lever on two different rifles. Here are my thoughts:

1. After installing the BAD lever, one of the rifles frequently failed to lock on an empty magazine.

2. I'm a big fan of gross motor skills for a gun that may be used in a gunfight. The BAD is contrary to this time-honored principle.

3. The BAD went against my Army training. I fumbled with it under pressure (see point #2).

4. I sold both BAD levers for $20 each.