Love it
I hate featureless rifles. I have tried different options and this is my favorite. Feels solid and works well once you get used to it. I now own several for my rifles.
Works as advertised
Install was very easy (see JTactical website on youtube channel for install video). I could see how it could become damaged if you are careless about the install and operation but during normal operation there is absolutely no way to break it. The detent pin can become misaligned when separating the upper and lower receiver but can be put back into place without removal of the reciever extension with some effort. Magazine changes are still very fast but one big drawback is there is no last round hold open; although, JTactical has released a rifle that has a last round holdopen in conjuction with the Hellfighter mod kit. Great product to stay in compliance with CA law and still have a fuctional rifle. See JTacticalVideos youtube channel for more info and demonstrations.
Best fixed magazine solution for CA laws
The Hellfighter kit is the best way to get around CA's "assault weapon" laws. The rear takedown pin is replaced with the JT pin and spring loaded button and the bolt release is replaced with the spring loaded mag lock. When the button is pushed, the weight of the upper causes the upper to separate from the lower. The JT pin limits the travel of the upper to about 1/8" and gives you just enough space to hit your mil-spec mag release button to drop the mag. With this kit, you can go back to a pistol grip, an A2 style flash hider, a foregrip, mil-spec mag release button, and an adjustable stock. Obviously, the bolt will no longer be held open after the last round, but in my opinion, this is better than a shark fin grip and all the other nonsense. Jams and double-feeds are more difficult to take care of with this kit but this is more for ARs that spend more time at the range than at competitions. No drilling to the lower required, no special tools to install, just red loctite for the adjustment screw on the spring loaded mag lock. Red loctite is NOT included.
CA Compliant option
I installed my first one of these on my AR10 and had no problems. My first one in an AR15 I had issues as others have stated. The rear pin bent on my first one as well. I have two other kits to install, so we will see. Not a Brownell's issue.
Great idea, but breaks easily
Great idea to stay CA legal and still quickly change mags. However the rear takedown pin is junk and if you take it out to disassemble and clean your rifle the detent pin constantly jumps out and requires disassembly of the buffer tube and castle nut to fix. Also bends and is rendered useless very easy when putting back in. I'd recommend it with caution and hope Juggernaut puts a little more quality into these.
Hellfighter Cali Compliant Mod Kit
Do not buy the Juggernaut Hellfighter kit. Item is a poor design. When trying to separate the upper and lower receivers if the Hellfighter pin is not pulled out exactly right ( rotated to far) the detent will pop out. Also with this mod there is no bolt catch so upon firing your last round the bolt slams into the follower on the magazine, and requires you to push the follower down while riding the charging handle each time, in order to get the bolt home. No way to lock bolt to rear for break-in cleaning or inspection. buy something else! SEVERAL BETTER OPTIONS.
Hell fighter
I saw product demoed at gun show. Of course that one worked fine. I bought 2 of these kits. I installed one on my POF Renegade but the take down pin kept jamming when I tried to separate the receivers. I finally returned both kits and Brownells gave me my $ back. No hassle return policy! Thank you Brownells.
