The Maritime bolt catch and our ABC/R are both bolt catches, and they both have a larger upper paddle, that's where the similarity ends. As mooseman stated, we had different approaches to achieve different sets of goals, that's logical and proper.
Early on, military morons (MM) had suggested we extend the lower paddle with a rearward bias, such a thing had already been done on AXTS's proprietary bolt catch on their billet receiver. ABC/R's upper paddle is already larger and twice angled (the upper paddle has a10 degree cant at the lower 50%, and 15 degree cant at the top 50%, forming an "elbow") and wasn't the focus for this discussion.
Our view was firstly, the location of the bolt catch's lower paddle didn't present an issue for most users, and the upper paddle isn't meant to be accessed with an extended finger that can only exert limited pressure (compared to a thumb or palm) to the paddle, there's then scant needs to create a bolt catch with extended paddles with a rearward bias to enable it. Secondly ABC/R's design goal is quite different, it is to address the issue of ambi mag catches obscuring/masking the bolt catch's lower paddle, its angled and extra lateral protrusion more than adequately achieves that goal.
In the picture below, the ABC/R's angled and taller lower paddle clears the Norgon Ambi-Catch, and create a unique control surface area that can be easily and quickly distinguished from other control surfaces, such as the Norgon Ambi-Catch's lever.
Not all the AR's controls are placed in locations friendly for accessibility by both hands. Maritime bolt catch's approach makes it easier for the left hand finger to access the paddles while the left hand is grasping the pistol grip, while ABC/R's approach makes it easier to access in the conventional manner, especially with an ambi mag catch is present.
Last edited by Duffy; 06-08-17 at 11:09.
Roger Wang
Forward Controls Design
Simplicity is the sign of truth
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