Which do you prefer: Trigger finger bolt release or side AR15 style?

Which bolt catch/release system do you prefer?

  • Trigger finger usable, inside the trigger guard style

    Votes: 48 59.3%
  • AR15 side of reciever button/lever style.

    Votes: 33 40.7%

  • Total voters
    81

Armedsask

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Just want to get some ideas from the community. If you had to choose, which style of bolt release would you prefer? Something inside the trigger guard you can manipulate with your trigger finger (XCR, ACR style).

Or

A button or small lever on the side like the AR15, Swiss Arms, etc.
 
Manipulating the bolt catch on my XCR is far easier and faster than on my AR's.

It doesn't have to be inside the trigger guard as long as you can reach it with your trigger finger.
 
I would say whatever lets me perform all functions with my right hand on the grip where it belongs. I think the less I have to move my trigger hand the better.
Never tried an XCR, but a BAD lever fixes the AR for now. Still, would like an ambi bolt release. Throw in a trigger guard mag release like the walther PPQ has. It's all kinds of awesome and helps solve the left handed problem right out of the box.
 
I like being able to manipulate my rifle without having to take my grip hand off the pistol grip. Clearing a double feed or locking the bolt to the rear for a chamber inspection using a BAD Lever is so much quicker and easier.
 
I have to agree with Stevo, Bryce - inside the trigger guard is a good idea, but the more I think about it, the XCR is in a great location.
 
Here's what I've been playing around with for my AR180 lower . Pretty basic system but I think it will work nice.

This is in the disengaged position. When activated, the paddle moves all the way to the top of the trigger guard. Keep in mind this is an early version. The paddle shape and style will change.

20130227_225503_zps4cde6563.jpg
 
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I prefer the side.

I dont like to see people on the range with their finger in the trigger guard while manipulating magazines... but that's just me.

And I've not used the BAD levers or anything so I have no personal experiance on it's use.
 
I prefer the side.

I don't like to see people on the range with their finger in the trigger guard while manipulating magazines... but that's just me.
I think your concerns are unfounded. If you are manipulating magazines then you are in a position to fire and finger around the trigger guard doesn't matter.
 
I prefer the side because I shoot a Swiss. I've been able to get the magazine changes down pretty good, but there is always room for improvement:

That being said, I find the bolt release on the XCR (near the trigger) to be ergonomically faster than any left side paddle style bolt release.

When I finish seating a new magazine on my Swiss, I then have to move my hand from the mag, to the bolt release, and then to the forward hand guard, this takes time.

When you finish seating the mag with the XCR, the bolt release can be actuated with the trigger finger at the same time as moving the left hand from magazine to fore grip, instead of needing to hit the release thus saving a bit of time. With practice, I think I could be faster with the XCR on this particular drill. Keep in mind we're talking milliseconds here.
 
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I think your concerns are unfounded. If you are manipulating magazines then you are in a position to fire and finger around the trigger guard doesn't matter.

Totally agree. Having the ability to make magazines easier to release is safer in my opinion. Jams alone give this view validity. The key is to never point the firearm in a direction where it can discharge unless one wants it to.
 
I prefer the side because I shoot a Swiss. I've been able to get the magazine changes down pretty good, but there is always room for improvement:

That being said, I find the bolt release on the XCR (near the trigger) to be ergonomically faster than any left side paddle style bolt release.

When I finish seating a new magazine on my Swiss, I then have to move my hand from the mag, to the bolt release, and then to the forward hand guard, this takes time.

When you finish seating the mag with the XCR, the bolt release can be actuated with the trigger finger at the same time as moving the left hand from magazine to fore grip, instead of needing to hit the release thus saving a bit of time. With practice, I think I could be faster with the XCR on this particular drill. Keep in mind we're talking milliseconds here.

LOL, if I were that fast I'd have videos of me too ;) But honestly, cool breakdown, thanks.
 
I love it in my XCR. Makes for fast reloads and for a one handed operation. I shot an AR and it felt weird compared to the XCR. So inside the trigger guard is the best.
 
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