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.

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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.

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Wobbly

Use one on both my rifles but no matter Etsy I do it seems to wobble, otherwise fantastic and much easier to use that standard bolt release lever

by BEN K. on September 17, 2023

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B.A.D. Lever

Handy Device.Potential Problem With Glove's.

Great gadget

Love the manual of arms, especially when couple with an ambidextrous charging handle, mag release, and ambi safety. With those 4 components, you can make pretty much any AR ambidextrous and lefty-friendly for $100-$175. Troy also makes an ambi bolt release but I think the Magpul looks better and allows an easier manual of arms. Righties can manipulate the charging handle and mag release left handed, while keeping a cheek well and operating the safety and bolt release with their right thumb and forefinger. Lefties may want to look at the Troy also because of the knurling for the left trigger finger. Both the Magpul and the Troy clamp over the stock bolt catch (use blue loctite) and appear kind of delicate, not sure I would install these on a defensive/combat/patrol rifle, I'd probably restrict these to range, hunting, and competition only.

does not fit LWRC ic lowers/ambi ctrls

The b.a.d Lever did not fit my LWRC ic di rifle because it had an ambi mag release and thus did not let the lever work at all but throwing it on another lower without the ambi mag release worked just fine.

Real loose and its tighten down

Might need new bolt catch...

Years of Use

Ive installed and used B.A.D levers on my two primary hard use Colt LE6920s. The fit, function and speed increase is fantastic! However, after participating in an intense 7+ day training course, my hard wired manual of arms simply wouldnt accept the device and I found the need to remove it. Im a Marine Corps vet and having the bolt release inside the trigger well just didnt work for me. Ive used the bars at a static range where there were no problems and I enjoyed having the levers but for more dynamic training...nope. NOW, your mileage will vary depending on your personal experience. The levers are very nice and have great utility, Im just too hard wired to use them in dynamic engagements. So, I recommend giving the levers a try and you may like them very much.

Correction

Correction to my previous review: T6 Torx bit will fit the screw. It seems that the included wrench and the screw are both cerakoted; thus, it doesn't seem to fit. Good device and overall good fit and quality. I clicked "fitting required" only because of the screw issue.

Wrong torx wrench

It is what I ordered. Fit and finish were fine until I tried making the included torx wrench fit the screw. Not ever gonna happen. Fortunately, I have a lot of tools for work and conjured up a T-7 jeweler's screwdriver. Went back over it with aluminum black to make it right. Lever works as you'd expect. I live in California, so anything I can do to make my weapon function smoothly (i.e. handle malfunctions) is a good thing. But that torx wrench was bothersome.

Great device, but wrong screw included

Great for what it does. Includes torx tool with allen screw. Screw works great but you just have to get your allen wrenches out, 1/16th i think. Contacted Magpul about this and they are sending replacement hardware. Great CS from Magpul to fix a minor issue. This lever eliminates the need to use left hand on little lever to release bolt. Simply flick of right trigger finger and your back on target. Would be 5 of 5 stars if wrench and screw matched, worth a 4.7 if I could split the rating.

Works great!

The original release button on my Zion 15 was a bit shallow, so I had to add two small bits of duct tape onto each side of the button so the B.A.D. wouldn't rattle loosely on the button after installation. The screw hex head showed a tenancy to strip as it is so shallow, so be careful. After that, the device works absolutely intuitively and helps alleviate one of the characteristics of the AR platform I don't like; the bolt release. It didn't take any time to get used to, and is now a must-have for me. One star off for the poor quality of the screw. It should be harder and better machined. You might not have the fitting problem I did, so might not be an issue for you. But a solid four stars for effectiveness!