Opinion on Battery Assist Levers

BigGameHunter

BigGameHunter

Regular
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
I was curious with regards as to whom as experience with these on their AR rifles? I have a Norinco M4 and was wondering if first off these work properly with this AR.

Every other modification I have done to it has worked well however I have heard these levers possibly due to the quality of the levers themselves have issues with causing malfunctions (jams, screws walking, etc).

just wanted to know if any of that stuff is true as I like the concept of these devices but I am just wondering if it is just something that sort of looks good one paper but doesn't have much practical value.

Any input is welcome. Thanks.
 
I have the Tactical Link one on my AR and love it.
http://www.gptactical.com/en/products/ar-15-accessories/p17653584.html

When looking at these, make sure that whichever one you choose extends out of the trigger guard. Some of them do not and putting your finger in the trigger guard will get your DQ'd and yelled at in many matches. Also make sure that it allows you to both lock and drop the bolt carrier. Some of these only do one of those functions.
 
They change the manual of arms on your firearm, and can be more efficient to those who will train with it in mind.

The only function-issue the BAD-style levers may cause is the 'Arm' of the lever sitting too close to the receiver (tolerance between receiver and bolt catch); Causing failures to lock on empty because the bolt catch cannot full seat. A quick test fit, and a visual confirmation will let you know if you have to take a bit of material off the arm of the lever.

I've heard stories of them breaking after a hard knock (read: Run over by vehicle), and it locked the bolt catch into the permanent 'open' position, disabling the gun.

I use them on about half my AR's. I personally like them.
 
The B.A.L. lever did not work on my Norc (bolt won't lock back on an empty mag) but it did on my DPMS after I modified it to clear the receiver on the right side when engaged (tried in on the Norc again but no luck, even after changing out the bolt release lever).

In the interests in keeping the operation of both the same, I ditched the B.A.L. I don't feel that I am loosing anything personally. Some users have them and really like them.

A BAD lever (Magpul) may be different in effect on the rifle. I don't know and I don't care enough to buy one to try. As for working on the Norc it may be hit or miss. Some other users of Norc may have had different experiences.

If you want to try it out you can buy mine for a good price. Better if you have a buddy with one and get him to let you install it on your rifle to try.
 
They're a gimmick more designed for gaming than anything else. As mentioned, they don't fit all receivers and the manual of arms is entirely different for both left and right handed users. My concern is learning a skill set which focuses on a gun with such add-ons rather than learning a standard manual of arms that transfers between most platforms. I don't think as a competitor you will be over handicapped if you don't run one.

TDC
 
TDC said:
They're a gimmick more designed for gaming than anything else. As mentioned, they don't fit all receivers and the manual of arms is entirely different for both left and right handed users. My concern is learning a skill set which focuses on a gun with such add-ons rather than learning a standard manual of arms that transfers between most platforms. I don't think as a competitor you will be over handicapped if you don't run one.

TDC
Click to expand...

+1

A friend of mine let me try his and the only benefit to it was being able to lock back the bolt without removing your firing hand.

I work the charging handle and bolt release with my non-firing hand and still use a regular charging handle.
 
Although they work as designed I am not a fan for the following reasons
As mentioned above different training methods needed.(manual of arms)
Fine for gamers but not on a fighting riffle
Creates bad habits IMO

I have personally seen 2 recievers converted to paper weights after the small tips that it mounts to have broken off due to extra leverage applied by the lever.

It is your rifle and you that has to use it you may just have to bite the bullet and give it a try to see if it is for you or not.
 
I personally like them.

They speed up your reload a bit with relative ease, and your firing hand never has to leave the pistol grip.

Not for everybody, but I have put enough rounds through mine to trust that it is going to work everytime when I need it to.
 
Kevin M. said:
I personally like them.

They speed up your reload a bit with relative ease, and your firing hand never has to leave the pistol grip.

Not for everybody, but I have put enough rounds through mine to trust that it is going to work everytime when I need it to.
Click to expand...

This is my opinion as well, using the Magpul BAD.

Phenomenal piece of kit, IMO - and I'm not big on the "gaming" approach to stages or other training with the boys.

I had a sh*tty mag which double-fed on me in a competition stage, and I had the whole rig cleared fast enough the fellas didn't even notice I'd had a double-feed until I mentioned it. They figured it was just a bit of a slow mag change. Without the BAD, and especially running an optic on the top rail, it's much more difficult to lock the bolt back in these circumstances using just the ping pong paddle IMO.

I like it, and would put one on all of my ARs in the future.

-M
 
+1
I run them on all of my AR's, and having done several carbine courses, as well as Service CQB matches, they have become 'ingrained' in their usage at a 'motor memory' level.....
Locking the bolt back without taking your strong hand off the grip makes stoppage drills sooooo much easier.
It also means I have no issues transitioning between my AR's, XCR and ACR.
Agree that it changes the manual of arms, but if it makes it better, why not?
Sometimes change is good....;)

Doc M said:
This is my opinion as well, using the Magpul BAD.

Phenomenal piece of kit, IMO - and I'm not big on the "gaming" approach to stages or other training with the boys.

I had a sh*tty mag which double-fed on me in a competition stage, and I had the whole rig cleared fast enough the fellas didn't even notice I'd had a double-feed until I mentioned it. They figured it was just a bit of a slow mag change. Without the BAD, and especially running an optic on the top rail, it's much more difficult to lock the bolt back in these circumstances using just the ping pong paddle IMO.

I like it, and would put one on all of my ARs in the future.

-M
Click to expand...
 
I have not tried one yet but, I have to agree with TDC and the like. I dont like the idea of training my memory to hit a lever in a different place then a standard AR. If ever in a combat situation where you were forced to use another AR without it, the few seconds of fumbling could cost you your life. And, same goes for 3 gun and carbine matches. Something breaks or malfunctions on your AR and you are forced to borrow a friends for the match and his has no "bad" lever. You just added many seconds onto your time. Although I am willing to try one, I doubt I would use it for this reason. I will stick with Stoners design.
 
I personally will not install one because it changes the manual of arms too much. However, if you only shoot the ARs that you own, it could be a worthwhile thing to add if you like to.
 
First off... I am an ambi shooter but my strong side is left.

I tried the BAD lever. As a lefty ( mostly ) the role is different and the handling is also different.

Good thing is that my fire control hand never leaves the handle. I can lock the bolt back with my left hand trigger finger.

It also make's it possible to release the bolt forward with the thumb after I inserted a mag. Then again fire control hand stays there.

Now the problem is that it get's in the way with my NORGON ambi mag catch button when I shoot left. Not good.

conclusion:

I removed it. I use the charging handle ( ambidextrous ) to release the bolt after a mag is inserted on a open bolt or during a malfunction ( rack...etc...).
I can access my mag catch with ease.( With the BAD lever this is difficult under stress ) If I have to choose between been able to drop a mag easily or anything else it would be to release a mag fast.
I can also lock the bolt open with my trigger finger pressing down the bolt catch lever ( might want a "tactical" one with gloves it's not perfect ) if I really need to.
I don't feel I needed or that I was faster with it. I can do all and nothing get's in the way or get caught or brake.
Did not want to change the manual of arms.

Not sure it is necessary for a lefty. Really.
 
In regards to changes to the manual of arms:

I don't see it as being any different than learning the controls of an AK, Vz's, M14's, Sig's, Tavor's, etc.

There is no reason you can't build proficiency with and without the BAD lever.
 
I use the BAD lever. What's not to like? Does what it's supposed to do, allows for smoother & faster mag changes while maintaining your ready position. If I need to lock the bolt back I can do so while keeping my hand in position aswell. Works for me anyway. YMMV
 
Turned my AR15 into more if a one handed operated gun...

I've found in 3-gun competition the BAD does help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom