B.A.D. LEVER® BATTERY ASSIST DEVICE FOR AR-15/M4 Reviews & Ratings

Designed to considerably improve the speed and efficiency of the AR15/M4 bolt catch, the B.A.D. (Battery Assist Device) Lever quickly addresses reloading and malfunction clearance shortcomings of the platform by extending a paddle to the right side of the weapon, allowing manipulation of the bolt stop from the fire control / ready position with the right-hand trigger finger. Designed around Mil-spec forged upper and lower receivers*, the anodized aluminum B.A.D. Lever attaches to the standard AR15/M4 bolt catch without permanent modification to the weapon. Functional for both left and right-handed shooters, the B.A.D. Lever also allows traditional bolt catch manipulation according to the AR15/M4 manual of arms.

FEATURES

All mounting hardware included.
Machined from durable billet 6061-T6 aluminum
Finished with MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard anodizing with manganese phosphate on the screw per MIL-DTL-16232G
Torx® mounting screw with Nyloc® Blue patch prevents back out under recoil (Torx wrench included)
Attaches to the existing bolt catch paddle via one screw
Thin, anti-snag profile and textured surface still allows for traditional manipulation of the bolt catch while maintaining unobstructed access to the trigger
Made in the USA.

NOTE: Not compatible with 7.62x51 (.308 Winchester) firearms as well as most AR15 billet or polymer lower and upper receivers due to their larger and/or non-standard dimensions.

Magpul Bad Lever is not compatible with the BNR-180’s uppers.

SPECS:

Aluminum, hardcoat anodized, matte black.
Torx wrench and installation instructions included.
Fits mil-spec AR-15/M16 receiver with factory bolt release lever.

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

View Product

Write a review

Reviews Summary

The B.A.D. Lever® is widely praised for enhancing AR-15 reload efficiency and offering better control during operation. Many users appreciate its easy installation and solid construction. However, some found fit issues with specific rifle models and minor mechanical difficulties, cautioning that it may not be universally compatible. Despite these concerns, it's considered a valuable upgrade.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Installation and Ease of Use

75%

A large percentage of reviewers praise the B.A.D. Lever for its straightforward installation process and intuitive operation. Many found it significantly improves reload speed, allowing shooters to stay focused on their target while performing essential actions.

Performance and Functionality

65%

Customers frequently mention the effectiveness of the B.A.D. Lever in enhancing rifle operation, particularly in speeding up magazine changes and allowing for better handling of the firearm. The ability to maintain grip while manipulating the bolt catch is a highlighted benefit.

Compatibility and Fit Issues

45%

Some reviewers encountered compatibility problems with specific rifle models, reporting that the B.A.D. Lever may not fit all configurations properly. This point raised concerns about its universality, urging buyers to verify compatibility before purchasing.

Product Quality

40%

The B.A.D. Lever is generally regarded as well-made and robust, with many users noting its durability during use. However, a few mentioned issues with the mounting screw and minor wobble that impacted their experience.

Training and Adaptation

30%

Reviewers emphasize the importance of training to effectively utilize the B.A.D. Lever. While many appreciated its benefits, some cautioned that proper practice is necessary to fully integrate its use without interfering with trigger mechanisms.

Sort by Filter by rating

It functions OK, but......

As a lefty I wanted to like this product, but I found the entire setup to be a little fragile.

by William S. on September 20, 2023

Verified Purchase

Was this review helpful? 0

Expected More

Returned it this week. Was loose, cheap and did not fit my needs.

Disappointed

I love Magpul products and was excited to add this to my AR (Savage Recon 2.0). First off, I'm not sure what wrench was shipped with mine but it did not fit the opening of the tiny torx screw. It definitely wasn't a T8 like it said in the directions (my own T8 and T7 drivers were too big). T6 kind of fit but it did not matter either way as once I was able to finally get it attached the bolt would not lock back to the rear; there's just not enough clearance for it to maneuver into position. Maybe it's the design of my lower cause I now couldn't even lock it using the bolt catch itself. Once I took it off everything functioned fine. I guess I'm going to be asking some friends to see if it fits their setups and if they're interested in buying it off me cause if not I just wasted about 35 bucks.

Cons Outweigh Pros

The B.A.D. lever seems to be one of those things you either love or hate, and I have to count myself among the haters. It's well-made and installs easily, and with practice it can perform its intended function, assuming your operating finger is strong and dextrous enough. But it works by shoving its arm through the front of your trigger guard and sticking it out the other side, right in the path of the trigger finger. For whatever reason, some shooters don't seem to have a problem with this, slipping past it with no hangups, but I'm one of those for whom this is a definite obstruction to the trigger finger on its way in and out of the guard, and for that matter when working inside the guard. A redesign could conceivably alleviate the problem, but for now it's probably more trouble than it's worth. I personally suggest extra practice instead.

Does not work as described.

Installed on my AR-15. Looks good, easy to install, easy to use; but none of this matters because the B.A.D. lever absolutely will not hold the bolt open after the last shot regardless of the mags used, ammunition fired, or even after a thorough cleaning of the bolt carrier group and gas tube. Take it off and the firearm performs flawlessly, put the B.A.D lever back on and everything goes south. Go figure.

not for the left handed upper

Well made product and fits well over the bolt release, BUT, it hangs up the dust cover on the left handed Stag upper and it won't open freely without assistance! if you own a LH AR, look elsewhere.