Hitting the bolt release

[Uncle Alvah]

When you are doing a tactical mag change on your AR, do you find it faster to purposely "thumb" the bolt release, or do you "smack" it with the heel of your hand?

[Looey]

I am wondering if you meant an Emergency reload vs Tactical reload? you should use the bolt release on a tactical reload, your chamber should have a round in the chamber.

when performing an Emergency reload I think is better to release the bolt with your thumb.
After inserting the new mag you push and pull the on it to make sure it's fully seated, your thumb should be pretty much right on top of the bolt release lever.

[TriumphRat675]

Thumb. I routinely failed to trip the ping pong paddle with the "smack" method because my sling gets in the way.

In my limited experience the thumb seems to be the faster and more reliable method; like Looey said after inserting the mag and push/pulling your thumb should be right by the bolt release anyway.

I've been experimenting with the BAD and so far it seems faster and more reliable than either of the above.

[Uncle Alvah]

I am wondering if you meant an Emergency reload

You are correct, thank you.

I've been experimenting with the BAD

[TriumphRat675]

Magpul B(olt) A(ssist) D(evice).

[C4IGrant]

I am wondering if you meant an Emergency reload vs Tactical reload? you should use the bolt release on a tactical reload, your chamber should have a round in the chamber.

when performing an Emergency reload I think is better to release the bolt with your thumb.
After inserting the new mag you push and pull the on it to make sure it's fully seated, your thumb should be pretty much right on top of the bolt release lever.

Agree.


C4

[ROCKET20_GINSU]

Also using your thumb will upset your sights less than a slap if you are getting back on target.

[NCPatrolAR]

To me, the thumb is the more positive way to release the bolt. As already pointed out; your hand is already next to the release and it's more efficient to simply move your thumb and apply pressure.

Negatives of using the palm/heel of the hand include: generating excessive movement of the gun in the direction of the strike and the tendency for shooters to cup their hand and strike the area of the release without making contact with the release itself.

[Nick710]

As a lefty, I would move my trigger finger and middle finger from the trigger to the bolt release. I don't have really long fingers and it takes a little extra effort to push the release, hence the need for two fingers.

Now that I have BAD lever, I simply hit the lever with my right hand thumb after I've push/pulled the mag. Much faster and more positive.