B5 Keymod Handguard / B.A.D. Magpul Lever

[Abraham]

Anyone have these installed on their AR?

I just received my B-5 Keymod Handguard and will install today or tomorrow. It's very, very slim, versus the big fat handguard on their now.

I don't know much at all about the B.A.D. lever, but from the you tube videos it appears to be a helpful add on at a very low cost.

So, do any of you have these items on your AR/AR''s and what do you think about them - love/hate/other?

Thanks

[jbarn]

I would avoid the B.A.D I have personally seen rifles that would not lock back on an empty mag with one. A Google Search shows it is a common problem

[Abraham]

Jbarn,

Thanks, I've looked a little further into this and found that Magpuls lever comes with only 1 installation screw and the Tactical Link Enhanced BAL lever comes with 3 for a much more robust install.

For AR competitor's, such levers (when working properly) do seem to cut down on time for reloads.

However, I'm not at all certain for someone who's not competing with an AR (me) I want to experience possibly having my AR not lock back on an empty mag. Ugh!

I don't want to add unnecessary gizmos and gadgets with no real benefit either.

I'm not into "cool stuff". I'm into functional stuff.

Also, the consideration for new stuff is mostly for my KISS AR. That's what the B5 handguard is for. It'll replace the handguard on my basic black (think Military version) Colt LE6920 AR. My Magpul version is set up like I like it, with the exception that if the B5 handguard works well on my KISS basic AR, I might just change out the big ole honking Magpul handguard.

We'll see...and thanks for the input.

[jbarn]

Jbarn,

Thanks, I've looked a little further into this and found that Magpuls lever comes with only 1 installation screw and the Tactical Link Enhanced BAL lever comes with 3 for a much more robust install.

For AR competitor's, such levers (when working properly) do seem to cut down on time for reloads.

However, I'm not at all certain for someone who's not competing with an AR (me) I want to experience possibly having my AR not lock back on an empty mag. Ugh!

I don't want to add unnecessary gizmos and gadgets with no real benefit either.

I'm not into "cool stuff". I'm into functional stuff.

Also, the consideration for new stuff is mostly for my KISS AR. That's what the B5 handguard is for. It'll replace the handguard on my basic black (think Military version) Colt LE6920 AR. My Magpul version is set up like I like it, with the exception that if the B5 handguard works well on my KISS basic AR, I might just change out the big ole honking Magpul handguard.

We'll see...and thanks for the input.

I'd love to see a pic of your rifle.

When I got my first AR I loaded it up to look cool while shooting. I found out in my first two day class that the rifle, as designed, is pretty effective and mine weighed way too much. I am into simplistic these days. ;)

[Big Bronze Rim]

As a counterpoint to the BAD Lever, I've had one on a rifle with about 10k rounds down the tube and have yet to have one failure to lock back. I don't know what the variable is that prevents one rifle from locking back and another working though. I do feel like is speeds up mag changes as well as aiding in clearance drills. For the price, you could try it and see if it works.

As for the key mod stuff, I just don't care for it. I don't like the shelving unit look of the slots, though I do like the concept. I've been running a Centurion arms rail with modular rail and accessories, and I really like it.

[Abraham]

At this point, I haven't done a thing to the basic rifle. Yet. The B5' keymod handguards await my attention.

The FDE Magpul configuration Colt LE 6920 AR is entirely different cat.

Since I haven't the tech skill to post a photo, I'll have to verbalize the latest of what I've added and deleted: Vtac 2 point sling with QD Rotation Limited Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT sling attachments from IWC, (very simple/clean design) replaced original for a BCM Gunfighter charging handle, pulled off original shoulder pad, added a Magpul much thicker one, variable 1-4 illuminated red dot Mueller speed shot scope (not sight).

I think that's it.

[Abraham]

Big Bronze Rim,

I really like not having (once installed) to completely remove the handguard to add items like a QD sling attachment. That's convenience.

Also, the B5 is sooooo slim, compared to the Magpul hand guard.

Once installed and shot with, I'll let you know if I continue to like it.

At only $28.00 bucks for this handguard, it's a steal.

Heck, usually anything I buy for an AR costs way more...

[Big Bronze Rim]

I agree with the inconvenience of removing the HG. The centurion (as well as some of the other aluminum modular rails) has helicoil inserts to allow you to mount rail sections, covers, hand stops etc without removing the rail. It also has built in QDs, however, you'd need to add a 0 to the price of the B5 guards - it's not cheap.

The IWC stuff is really nice. I've got one of their QD mounts on a Benelli M4 stock and have one of their 1-2 point sling slider adapters.

[carlson1]

I don't have the BAD lever, but I do have the Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release. I have it on two rifles and I have had zero problems with it.
http://phase5wsi.com/extended-bolt-release-v2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[clarionite]

I've got a couple of the B.A.D. levers installed. Any new AR I get will get one installed. To me, it should be standard equipment. But that's just my opinion of them.

[Abraham]

carlson1,

I looked at the website and couldn't determine how the device is installed.

Can you tell me?

Thanks

[carlson1]

carlson1,

I looked at the website and couldn't determine how the device is installed.

Can you tell me?

Thanks

Instead of the screws like th Magpul it is the bolt catch pin. You tap it out just enough to pull of the bolt catch and drop in the Phase 5 and you are done.

[Abraham]

carlson1,

Thank you very much!

Do you consider the bolt catch pin approach far superior to the 3 screws install approach or is it simply another equally good way to go about it?

P.S. I realize I'm beating this to death, but I'm trying to learn. Heck, I didn't know about the B.A.D. lever approach until a few days ago and now...

[carlson1]

carlson1,

Thank you very much!

Do you consider the bolt catch pin approach far superior to the 3 screws install approach or is it simply another equally good way to go about it?

P.S. I realize I'm beating this to death, but I'm trying to learn. Heck, I didn't know about the B.A.D. lever approach until a few days ago and now...

I think it is better. I don't how often the screws pull out or if they do, but I don't see the a problem with the pin unless it breaks.

[Abraham]

carlson1,

Thanks again!