AR-15 Bolt Catch

AR-15 Bolt Catch

The bolt catch is the small lever on the left side of an AR-15 lower receiver that locks the bolt to the rear after the last round is fired, so you know the rifle is empty and can reload quickly. This United Defense catch is a replacement for a worn or damaged part, or a component for a lower you are building yourself. It follows the familiar standard-pattern shape, so it looks and works like the part most AR owners already know.

Features

• Last-Round Bolt Hold-Open — When the magazine runs dry, its follower pushes the catch up into the path of the bolt carrier and holds the action open.
• Serrated Thumb Paddle — Vertical grooves across the paddle give your thumb or finger a positive grip, even with gloves on.
• Manual Lock And Release — Press the top of the paddle to send the bolt home, or press the bottom while pulling the charging handle to lock the bolt back by hand.
• Standard-Pattern Profile — The outline, upper engagement tab and pivot hole match the conventional AR-15 bolt catch design.
• Roll Pin Pivot Hole — A through-hole near the paddle takes the bolt catch roll pin, the small slotted pin that holds the catch in the receiver and lets it pivot.
• Black Finish — An even matte black coating covers the part and blends in with a typical black AR receiver.
• Raised Engagement Tab — The upright tab at the top of the catch is the surface that meets the bolt carrier and stops it.

Fit And Installation

The catch is made for AR-15 lower receivers and sits in the bolt catch slot on the left side of the magazine well. The photographs show the catch on its own. It installs with the bolt catch spring, plunger and roll pin, which you can reuse from your current setup if they are in good shape. A roll pin punch and a way to support the receiver ears make the job much easier and help you avoid marring the finish.