Seems we've lost a bit of the product reviews by end-users on here, so thought I'd offer this up. Enjoy
Mag Releases. Everyone wants the ambi style for the cool factor, but what of some the extended versions that are out there? Are they worth the cost?
So I took Two Lowers and tested the differences on fitment, finish and over-all useage and impressions. I could've added the Noveske I have into the fray to cover off the whole "Tier" mentality (if you buy into that), but it seemed moot point after these two. There was no doubt these would fit the 'Noveske or any other notable manufacturers Lower.
Parameters
- 1 Spikes' ST15 Lower
- 1 NEA15 Lower
- Standard LPKs (DD & RRA respectively) installed
- Seekins Precision Billet Mag Release - Saskatoon Gun Works @$12.95
- B.A.D. EMR Anodized (Blk/Red) - CTCS Rainier program @$9.95 plus $30 import fee
B.A.D. EMR
The anodizing on the B.A.D units is really well done. Even through out and no hint of any machining/chatter marks at all through it. Finish is not really a matte finish, but neither a semi-gloss either. It kinda lies in-between. Threading is crisp and installs easilly with no need to fiddle with them to start the threads. Flat ribbing on the face greets your index finger during engagement. The BAD sits the furthest out from the standard piece. If you need something that has an extended reach cause your digit challenged this would be the one to look at. It does come with a draw-back as it requires more pressure to operate. As an aside the Red really pops out on both Lowers (see pics below).
Seekins Precision
The Seekins unit is also well machined. Its' finish is not as smooth, but porous giving it a rougher feel to the touch. It doesn' affect install or operation however. Like the BAD above there is no hint of any machining/chatter flaws through the finish. Threading is nicely done, but I did have to fiddle with it on the RRA LPK for it to catch. I did try a second Seekins unit I have with the same issue, so I'll chalk that up to the LPK and not the actual release. A nice "diamond" checkering greets your index when engaging. It's neither intrusive or abrasive to the touch, but gives a nice "touch cue" when you use it. As far as reach goes, the Seekins is almost the perfect height/reach (more on this later). Colour is not a deep/rich black, but accents the NEA quite decently. It possibly would go well with some older Colts, offering just enough contrast to subtlely stand out.
Here you can see the height differences between all the different Mag Releases involved.
From Left-to-Right; BAD Red & Black, Seekins Billet & Standard LPK
Final Thoughts
Both units are marked improvements over the standard one. Given their inexpensive costs (even with the CTCS import fee), they're a cheaper alternative for those wanting an extended unit but not a full ambi style. I haven't had an issue with either brand on the range, other then the above noted extra leverage required to engage the BAD unit. Even at that, it's really nit-picking & I'm sure I'll get used to it.
If I had to choose between the two styles/makes it would be a tough call. I like the anodizing of the BAD, but find it sits a little too far out for me. The Seekins sits well, but I could use it just a smidge taller and I do prefer the diamond checkering it has. If I could hybridize the two it would fall beetween them in height with the BAD anodizing (plse make an FDE version!) and utilise the diamond checkering pattern. Overall the three of the four units I have (2 BAD & 2 Seekins) have migrated into Lowers accordingly, save for the Red BAD. I'm not sure when or where it'll end up.
Hope some find this useful & apologies on the crappy cell pics.
Cheers!
Mag Releases. Everyone wants the ambi style for the cool factor, but what of some the extended versions that are out there? Are they worth the cost?
So I took Two Lowers and tested the differences on fitment, finish and over-all useage and impressions. I could've added the Noveske I have into the fray to cover off the whole "Tier" mentality (if you buy into that), but it seemed moot point after these two. There was no doubt these would fit the 'Noveske or any other notable manufacturers Lower.
Parameters
- 1 Spikes' ST15 Lower
- 1 NEA15 Lower
- Standard LPKs (DD & RRA respectively) installed
- Seekins Precision Billet Mag Release - Saskatoon Gun Works @$12.95
- B.A.D. EMR Anodized (Blk/Red) - CTCS Rainier program @$9.95 plus $30 import fee
B.A.D. EMR
The anodizing on the B.A.D units is really well done. Even through out and no hint of any machining/chatter marks at all through it. Finish is not really a matte finish, but neither a semi-gloss either. It kinda lies in-between. Threading is crisp and installs easilly with no need to fiddle with them to start the threads. Flat ribbing on the face greets your index finger during engagement. The BAD sits the furthest out from the standard piece. If you need something that has an extended reach cause your digit challenged this would be the one to look at. It does come with a draw-back as it requires more pressure to operate. As an aside the Red really pops out on both Lowers (see pics below).
Seekins Precision
The Seekins unit is also well machined. Its' finish is not as smooth, but porous giving it a rougher feel to the touch. It doesn' affect install or operation however. Like the BAD above there is no hint of any machining/chatter flaws through the finish. Threading is nicely done, but I did have to fiddle with it on the RRA LPK for it to catch. I did try a second Seekins unit I have with the same issue, so I'll chalk that up to the LPK and not the actual release. A nice "diamond" checkering greets your index when engaging. It's neither intrusive or abrasive to the touch, but gives a nice "touch cue" when you use it. As far as reach goes, the Seekins is almost the perfect height/reach (more on this later). Colour is not a deep/rich black, but accents the NEA quite decently. It possibly would go well with some older Colts, offering just enough contrast to subtlely stand out.
Here you can see the height differences between all the different Mag Releases involved.
From Left-to-Right; BAD Red & Black, Seekins Billet & Standard LPK
Final Thoughts
Both units are marked improvements over the standard one. Given their inexpensive costs (even with the CTCS import fee), they're a cheaper alternative for those wanting an extended unit but not a full ambi style. I haven't had an issue with either brand on the range, other then the above noted extra leverage required to engage the BAD unit. Even at that, it's really nit-picking & I'm sure I'll get used to it.
If I had to choose between the two styles/makes it would be a tough call. I like the anodizing of the BAD, but find it sits a little too far out for me. The Seekins sits well, but I could use it just a smidge taller and I do prefer the diamond checkering it has. If I could hybridize the two it would fall beetween them in height with the BAD anodizing (plse make an FDE version!) and utilise the diamond checkering pattern. Overall the three of the four units I have (2 BAD & 2 Seekins) have migrated into Lowers accordingly, save for the Red BAD. I'm not sure when or where it'll end up.
Hope some find this useful & apologies on the crappy cell pics.
Cheers!
