3 Gun Tips and Tricks

LOLZ... playing with knobs and face punches... I must be going to the wrong matches....

Although, it would be a pretty interesting match if I constantly had to watch out for face punches and someone playing with my knob.
 
POS compared to the PHASE 5 lever.

I tossed my BAD lever into the trash

In competition I find the PHASE 5 lever to be an asset.


For the lightweight competition gun, there is a pretty cool DIY option that won't break the bank

 
^ LOL. I like the modularity and flexibility on that unit.

The Phase 5 lever looks a lot nicer I think. I'm a bit torn on these levers. I am trying to avoid "race" gear for the most part....thinking that I want my proficiency to carry over to more standard gear. Sure would be nice to have that easy access to the bolt release/lock though....
 
How about AR mags? Do any serious competitors use 5 round mags? I tried a friend's LAR mags but they seemed pretty cheap. A bit finicky in the magwell and I could see how a bit of wear and tear might make them slow or unreliable... at least in my gun. Thinking of running 2 x 5/30 pmags clamped, and a 5/20 in my Bladetech pouch. Maybe another 5/20 in a pocket if the stage may require.
 
How about AR mags? Do any serious competitors use 5 round mags? I tried a friend's LAR mags but they seemed pretty cheap. A bit finicky in the magwell and I could see how a bit of wear and tear might make them slow or unreliable... at least in my gun. Thinking of running 2 x 5/30 pmags clamped, and a 5/20 in my Bladetech pouch. Maybe another 5/20 in a pocket if the stage may require.

Most competitors will run LAR or Beowulf magazines over the standard 5 rounders. If you are just competing for funzies sure, but if you are looking to be competitive, the 5 rounders on most courses of fire are not.
I have used the C-products metal LAR mags without issue and have never had the problem of feeling cheap. I have also run the C-product metal Beowulf mags without issue.

I have not run any of the plastic LAR or Beo mags but have seen a few of the 1st gen Press Check Venture Beo mags have feeding and drop free issues.
 
How about AR mags? Do any serious competitors use 5 round mags? I tried a friend's LAR mags but they seemed pretty cheap. A bit finicky in the magwell and I could see how a bit of wear and tear might make them slow or unreliable... at least in my gun. Thinking of running 2 x 5/30 pmags clamped, and a 5/20 in my Bladetech pouch. Maybe another 5/20 in a pocket if the stage may require.

That's only 20 rounds. We suggest guys be able to carry 30-35 rounds at a minimum. The stage may require more than that, you may miss a lot, or you might yard sale and have kit strewn behind you like a bag lady.
 
I've never looked at them that close, what's the difference between the two brands?

The Phase 5 is a complete unit and the magpul clamps onto the bolt catch. I had a BAD lever on my first ar and it worked without issue but when I got a new gun and swapped the BAD lever onto that gun, it created a few issues. I installed a Phase 5 lever and it resolved those issues.
 
I've never looked at them that close, what's the difference between the two brands?

The magpul lever clamps onto your mag release... If you don't install it exactly right or if your mag release is a little different it might not fit/work properly.
The Phase 5 is a complete, purpose built replacement for your existing bolt release.
I have never had any problems with mine. Although it makes the rifle easier/faster to handle during a stage, the best thing I find is the ease with which one can "unload and show clear".
 
The magpul lever clamps onto your mag release... If you don't install it exactly right or if your mag release is a little different it might not fit/work properly...

I've never thought of putting a BAD lever on my mag release...very clever...too bad you've just revealed another of your 3gun secrets! ;)
 
POS compared to the PHASE 5 lever.

I tossed my BAD lever into the trash



In competition I find the PHASE 5 lever to be an asset.

Buddy had a Phase 5 on his new decked out JP AR15. He couldn't get it to bolt lock back on last shot. Called JP, they said throw away the Phase 5 and install another brand of lever. He said, but you sold me this Phase 5 lever. They said, yes but we have stopped selling them.

As to BAD levers in general, I love them. With decent training I don't think they save you any time on the stage clock. For me the advantage is that in 3gun we have to lock our bolts back so frequently (at the start and end of every stage, on arrival to range) and I can do it while never taking my strong hand off the pistol grip. It just feels cumbersome when I grab someone else's AR and I have to switch hands to lock the bolt back. So that's why I love them.
 
Buddy had a Phase 5 on his new decked out JP AR15. He couldn't get it to bolt lock back on last shot. Called JP, they said throw away the Phase 5 and install another brand of lever. He said, but you sold me this Phase 5 lever. They said, yes but we have stopped selling them.

Weird... My Phase 5 works fine with my JP. upper (eta)
Perhaps there's been different versions of the lever over the years...
 
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The LAR mags are pretty short. Short enough that the mag is lost in a Bladetech pouch. Was going to run them taped end to end. Good idea? What's the best configuration and reloading technique? Best I can come up with so far (a whole 5 minutes)is both pointed in same direction, pulling mag out, rolling the gun over so mag well is pointed up a bit and then stabbing the new mag in without breaking grip.
 
The LAR mags are pretty short. Short enough that the mag is lost in a Bladetech pouch. Was going to run them taped end to end. Good idea? What's the best configuration and reloading technique? Best I can come up with so far (a whole 5 minutes)is both pointed in same direction, pulling mag out, rolling the gun over so mag well is pointed up a bit and then stabbing the new mag in without breaking grip.

Or get the GSDesigns mag extensions and you end up with a mag the same size and shape as a 30 rounder. I usually start with two of them coupled side-by-side in my rifle. I also use a mix of IMI Beowulf mags and LARs with Magpul ranger plates.
 
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