Forward Controls Design ABC/R v3 Forward Biased (Augmented Bolt Catch/Release) | FCD

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.

* “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.

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 Black 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. Starting from June 15, 2018, bolt catch roll pin, plunger and spring are included.

For more info on the dimpled ABC/R-AA, please follow this link.

Please note the ABC/R are not designed for use on 9mm receivers that use Colt 9mm magazines which require a Colt 9mm bolt catch, or Armalite AR10B receivers.