Strike Industries Extended Bolt Catch
$16.95
$12.99
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Isaaccyclist's Review of Strike Industries Extended Bolt Catch
I did not purchase this from Optics Planet, but if I had, the product in no way reflects Optics Planet's service, which is always stellar.
I currently use a "Strike Industries Enhanced Bolt Catch Large-Wide Dual Paddle" on another build and it is STELLAR. I'm a lefty shooter with smaller hands and this latch makes life a lot easier for sure. In addition to being ergonomic, it catches as it should but releases with no effort- you push the paddle and the bolt slams shut. Easy, and as I imagined it should work- like the EOM mil-spec catch, but better. Hence, the "upgrade."
However, on my recent build (10.5" AR pistol) I thought I'd give this version of Strike's bolt catch a shot because this had a different look to it and "should" be the same, right?. No. This one has has been a struggle from the get go because of the pressure required to release the bolt. Using only your index finger is impossible as You simply cannot get enough leverage. I get I have small-ish hands but there's NO HOPE! You simply cannot release the bloody thing at all! The catch face LOOKS like the other, but upon inspection, I noticed the catch face appears to be thicker than the stock version. Maybe mine was a fluke (though I seriously doubt that) or, maybe it's how they designed this particular one; who knows. Because it's from Strike, it SHOULD be the same as the other Enhanced Bolt Catch except for the paddle shapes - it is NOT.
Finally, between the 3x of uninstall, Dremeling, polish, install routine, I ground the catch face AND rounded the top third enough that it functions as it should. FINALLY, now it's good to go.
Bottom line: If you don't mind gunsmithing your stuff to make things work, Great! I recommend this and you'll be happy. If tinkering is not your thing, stay clear and look at the other version.
I currently use a "Strike Industries Enhanced Bolt Catch Large-Wide Dual Paddle" on another build and it is STELLAR. I'm a lefty shooter with smaller hands and this latch makes life a lot easier for sure. In addition to being ergonomic, it catches as it should but releases with no effort- you push the paddle and the bolt slams shut. Easy, and as I imagined it should work- like the EOM mil-spec catch, but better. Hence, the "upgrade."
However, on my recent build (10.5" AR pistol) I thought I'd give this version of Strike's bolt catch a shot because this had a different look to it and "should" be the same, right?. No. This one has has been a struggle from the get go because of the pressure required to release the bolt. Using only your index finger is impossible as You simply cannot get enough leverage. I get I have small-ish hands but there's NO HOPE! You simply cannot release the bloody thing at all! The catch face LOOKS like the other, but upon inspection, I noticed the catch face appears to be thicker than the stock version. Maybe mine was a fluke (though I seriously doubt that) or, maybe it's how they designed this particular one; who knows. Because it's from Strike, it SHOULD be the same as the other Enhanced Bolt Catch except for the paddle shapes - it is NOT.
Finally, between the 3x of uninstall, Dremeling, polish, install routine, I ground the catch face AND rounded the top third enough that it functions as it should. FINALLY, now it's good to go.
Bottom line: If you don't mind gunsmithing your stuff to make things work, Great! I recommend this and you'll be happy. If tinkering is not your thing, stay clear and look at the other version.
Pros:
- ergonomic
- Looks different than Mil-Spec
- Makes you appreciate the original Large-Wide Dual Paddle version
Cons:
- Required Modification to function
- Fussy
- Little to no benefit of wider top paddle
Best Used for:
- AR style weapons
Would Recommend:
Yes
17 of 29
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