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Forward Controls Design Augmented Bolt Catch / Release (ABC/R v3) Review
$62.00 Get Deal
About Forward Controls Design Augmented Bolt Catch / Release (ABC/R v3)
ABC/R (Augmented Bolt Catch/Release) with its angled and larger top paddle and lower paddle with increased surface area, is purpose designed for use with AR15/M16 receivers equipped with ambidextrous magazine releases. Specifically, it is designed to address the difficulty with accessing the factory bolt catch’s lower paddle with an ambidextrous magazine catch, such as Norgon’s Ambi-Catch, on the receiver. Many of the ambidextrous mag release’s lower paddle is on the same vertical plane as the factory bolt catch lower paddle, making identification difficult by feel, especially with a gloved hand. The ABC/R’s chief effort is focused on that single issue. The lower paddle protrudes further, and is angled at 10 degree to give it even more surface area. These measures put the lower paddle and Ambi-Catch’s paddle on different vertical planes. That done, we worked on the top paddle. While we don’t use it ourselves, preferring to pull back on the charging handle instead to load and reload, we do recognize far more users use it, so the ABC/R’s top paddle is made larger, and given a 5 degree angle at the lower 50%, and 10 degree angle at the upper 50% cant. The angled paddle makes it easier for the palm or thumb to access. The notch immediately above the ABC/R’s lower paddle isn’t there by accident. As you run your finger down the bolt catch towards the lower paddle, the notch is meant to provide tactile feedback to indicate the beginning of the lower paddle. It is important be able to differentiate one control surface from another, all without diverting one’s gaze to it. For 2020 ABC/R version 3 consists of the following changes: * Ledge on top of the upper paddle, and bottom of the lower paddle to increase traction. * Upper paddle options: FB (forward biased), standard (centered upper paddle), RB (rearward biased). * “Butterfly” lower paddle with increased surface area, while maintaining a healthy standoff distance from an ambidextrous magazine catch’s lever. * Slightly lengthened magazine follower trip. Do note that the longer magazine follower trip is designed to make the bolt hold open after the last shot more reliable with more magazine varieties, but not meant to be a fix for out of spec receivers. We can lengthen it to a degree before running into unintended consequences by making the trip too long. ABC/R v3 upper paddle options accommodate individual user’s reloading technique. Upper paddle options include FB (forward biased), standard (centered, non-biased), and RB (rearward biased). FB (forward biased) is for right hand users that wrap their left hand around the magazine well, and use their left thumb to press the bolt catch’s upper paddle. The FB version has the upper paddle shifted to the muzzle end to facilitate this reloading method. Incompatibilities: Standard (non-biased) upper paddle remains the same position as v1 and v2 ABC/R, its upper paddle isn’t biased towards the front or rear. RB (rearward biased) is for left hand users that use their extended left index finger to access the bolt catch paddles. The RB version has the upper paddle shifted to the butt stock end to make the upper paddle more accessible. The “butterfly” lower paddle’s horizontal extension increases the lower paddle’s surface area, but stops short of reaching the bottom of the bolt catch in order to create a stand off distance between the extension and an ambidextrous magazine catch’s lever. It is our opinion and observation that close proximity of two control surfaces is best avoided. The butterfly lower paddle has increased surface area, and doesn’t interfere with an ambi mag catch’s lever. Machined from billet 8620 alloy steel and heat treated with DLC finish. The ABC/R v3 is proudly designed and made in the USA. Starting from June 15, 2018, bolt catch roll pin, plunger and spring are included. Please note the ABC/R are not designed for use on 9mm receivers. Due to the wide range of tolerances and designs that vary drastically from 5.56mm specs, we do not support ABC/R for use on 9mm PCC. ABC/R was designed for use on 5.56mm AR15/M16. ABC/R v3 with forward biased upper paddle may need minor fitting to work with BCM Mk2 upper receivers.
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Forward Controls Design Augmented Bolt Catch / Release (ABC/R v3) Questions and Answers
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Ratings and Reviews
My choice for lefty upper receivers
Curtis D.
2 years ago
I'm sure everyone knows of the quality of any FCD parts. I personally always choose the Forward Biased version of the bolt catch. It fits well with left handed upper receivers because it sits far enough forward to clear the forward assist. I usually use them with Cross Machine Tools' Left Handed Upper Receivers because they fit perfectly together.
FCD ABC/R v3
Andrew D.
2 years ago
It was easy enough to install and feels great, having the angled top pad is great and easy to access. I can’t say enough about the quality and finish but that’s expected with FCD stuff.
I'd give you 5 stars but all the sales are threatening my marriage
Jamal S.
2 years ago
I'll figure it out.
Great ABC!!
Roger E.
2 years ago
Fast shipping from these guys! This ABC makes a world of a difference when training. Thank you!
Large paddle less chance to miss engagement
Dan
2 years ago
Great precision bolt catch by FCD. The color was matte grey instead of the shiny grey of nitride. I had emailed FCD and within 6 min I got a reply from Roger owner that the nitride is underneath and because it came blotched a black oxide added was added on top thus explaining the matte grey. Instructed to add a light coat of oil and will be good to go. Photo attached with and without… read more oil.
Forward Controls Design Augmented Bolt Catch / Release
Howard P.
2 years ago
Really great part at a nice discount! This is probably the best of the current crop of ambi mag catches. Super fast shipping and a great experience, as usual. Thanks!
Forward Controls ABC/R
Justin G.
2 years ago
I’m never disappointed by any Forward Controls products. This bolt catch/release is my new favorite. I’ve always ever used Geissele’s maritime bolt catch because of the size, shape, and function. The FCD ABC/R is large enough and has a great angle and design to it. I went with serrated for my SBR.
Fantastic as always
Eric T.
2 years ago
FWC is one of my favorite small parts manufacturers and AR15 discounts shipped fast as usual
Dieseldragon
David D.
2 years ago
The function is there, but the finish on them were horrific. I had to send to cerakote. They were gray and stood out like a sore thumb. FCD quality is going downhill
Best bolt release
Dillon T.
3 years ago
There is no other like this bolt catch great product
Great product
Matt G.
3 years ago
Extremely easy install
Forward controls designs nuf said
Christopher n.
3 years ago
I don't think I've seen a bad product from these guys. Everything they make is great. That being said it's a bolt catch.
FCD Dimpled Bolt Catch
Nathan P.
3 years ago
As expected FCD is top notch quality. I'm still waiting for a few parts to finish my current build but it seems to be perfect in fit and form. This build has quite a few FCD parts and would have more if the availability was there. Thanks ar15discounts!
Duck sauce
Dillon T.
3 years ago
Best bolt catch on the market when u can find them
Awesome
Tony S.
3 years ago
This is one of my favorite items from FCD and I wouldnt hesitate purchasing anything from them. My experience with AR15Discounts has been just as awesome
AR15 Deals Score
Deal (1)
Popularity: 929
MSRP:
$62.00
$62.00
Used Price:
$43.40
$43.40
Sale Price:
$55.80
$55.80
Specifications |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Forward Controls Design | ||
| Category | Small Parts & Components | ||
| Weight | 0.0000 oz | ||
| Style | Dimpled – Forward Biased, Dimpled – Rearward Biased, Dimpled – Standard, Serrated – Forward Biased, Serrated – Rearward Biased, Serrated – Standard | ||
