B.A.D. Lever
The concept of the lever is very good, but there is a possible flaw in the design. I installed the lever three times and each time the same result. It flops around even though the screw is tightened all the way. All parts are metal to metal.
Magpul Bad lever
Gets the job done, good fitment is not guaranteed since it is an add on part & not a replacement part
Cons
I had installed four on AR platforms a year or so ago. The concept is great but when I began to have bolts locking back on magazines that were not empty, I removed them all . . . that problem was solved. I just finished a week-long course put on by Warrior Poet Society at Hillsdale College and find that the technique's they teach pretty much make up for any benefit a BAD might otherwise offer. During the course it became apparent how any perturbances could cause problems by hanging up on slings, etc. At least one Red Dot with a QR went flying during some of the scoot and shoot exercises. The pro comments are all appropriate EXCEPT in situations where you might be running and gunning. . . .
Good idea but hit or miss
I've owned a few of these for different AR's of mine. When they are perfect from the factory, they are simply a must have. However the last one I purchased the pattern in the head of the machine screw that holds it together was messed up to the point where the provided wrench would not even fit in it before attempting to install the lever. Something I've yet to speak about with magpul yet, so we will see. You can see the marks where I've tried to use the provided wrench but it was to large and scratched the screw.
Good Product, when used right.
I have used the bad level on a friends M4 and I loved it so when building my new M4 I decided to get one. Well with the loctite that comes on it was to much so I couldn't get it on properly. I have to use a brass brush to remove the loctite make sure screw still works then install with loctite again that isnt pre-hardened on a small screw and had to recoat the head of the screw. IMO screw this small shouldn't come with loctite pre applied.
Undecided
Installed last night.....first impressions were seems kinda flimsy, Lever needs to extend outside the trigger guard more, I'm using a magpul enhanced tg. Taking rifle to the range today, will get a better feel for it then
Nice, but not perfect
I installed it on a DPMS lower I built for my Grendel upper. Since installing it, I have a 70-80% failure to lock open after last round. I WOULD still recommend it to a friend, with the caveat that it MIGHT affect the reliability of his last shot hold open as well
Lever too short
Lever seems too short when installed on my Ruger SR 556. In order to lift the lever and engage the bolt latch, my finger practically has to enter the trigger guard. It's a disconcerting feeling, especially when in a hurry, trying to support the heavy Ruger with only the right hand, while working the charging handle with the left hand. Gloves would further exacerbate the potential to encroach on the trigger. I came up with my own fix by adding a plastic extension fashioned from a discarded ballpoint pen cap. Not pretty, but works OK. I will still keep the lever.
