Posted: 6/10/2026 5:36:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: huey_crew_chief][Edited]
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Hey all, Any idea when these will be available again, but with the new ambi bolt release? |
| I thought Colt had switched over completely to the 2nd gen bolt release/catch several months ago. On the other hand, the 14.5” M5 I picked up has the 1st gen. I called Colt, and it had a “born in date” of November 2025. The way things are apparently, if you want the 2nd gen, then I would be sure to get pictures before buying. |
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Yeah, it’s kind of cooky the way they are doing it. My 10.3 and 11.5 both have the gen 2, and were purchased in late July/early August 2023. Yet, here is this 14.5 made in Nov 2025 with the gen 1 catch. I could understand a little overlap with some gen 1 catches due to a LIFO inventory method, but that’s a two year plus overlap. Maybe they found a big box of gen 1 catches in the storeroom and they are using them up before having another batch of gen 2s made. |
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There are several 14.5 listing on gunbroker. I think they are all the drop shipping type sellers though. I picked one a few months ago and contacted them. I didn’t think to ask about ambi bolt catch, but it’s not like they have them on hand to check anyway. Or at least I don’t think they do. |
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Originally Posted By SMT85: If you dont mind me asking where did you find a 14.5? https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/098289116185 It also appears that the 10.3" M5 with the subcompact stock and bolt carrier is available, but I can't find any pictures. https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/098289116581 |
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Originally Posted By Bret: It also appears that the 10.3" M5 with the subcompact stock and bolt carrier is available, but I can't find any pictures. https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/098289116581 It's now not available anywhere, but one supposedly did ship to me. It should be interesting to see what actually shows up. |
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Originally Posted By Bret: My M5 SCW showed up today. In spite of there not being any pictures in all of the sale listings, it is configured exactly as I thought it would be. https://i.postimg.cc/MHt1QDK1/Colt-M5-SCW-box-label.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/C5JbqNLG/Colt-M5-SCW-left-view.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/vTX5VzH7/Colt-M5-SCW-right-view.jpg That is good looking, but is that the old catch? I can't tell. |
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Bret - that is great - congratulations. I thought it was the older model SCW stock, and passed on it without a picture. Hopefully they come back in stock. So it has the 1st gen ambi bolt release. So is Colt using up some old stock, or did they ditch the 2nd gen? |
Here's my M5 family photo after my latest acquisition, the 14.5" second from the bottom. All are the so-called gen1 except the 10.3" with the regular M4 buttstock. Has anyone ever seen one of the gen2's with a barrel length other than the 10.3"?
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Originally Posted By Bret: Here's my M5 family photo after my latest acquisition, the 14.5" second from the bottom. All are the so-called gen1 except the 10.3" with the regular M4 buttstock. Has anyone ever seen one of the gen2's with a barrel length other than the 10.3"? https://i.postimg.cc/Xvqcg1r4/M5s.jpg Stock on top one? |
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Has anyone ever seen one of the gen2's with a barrel length other than the 10.3"? Bret - I have a Gen 2 bolt catch/release on both of my 10.3s and my 11.5. The 14.5 and 16s are all gen 1. A question about your 14.5, does it have a QD replacement endplate? Mine came with one, and I thought I had been screwed because I have never seen an OEM Colt come with a QD endplate. I kept looking at all the other pictures I could find, but most links took me back to Gunbroker listings with just a generic catalog type picture. It does have the square staking. I thought you used to be able to post pictures, but now it is asking for a URL. |
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You can as a member just click on select image below (circled) then open & upload Attached File |
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Attached File Thanks FONTY -- I wasn't looking down far enough to see the button! |
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Originally Posted By Teknys: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/313693/Colt_M5_picture_jpg-3805378.JPG Thanks FONTY -- I wasn't looking down far enough to see the button! I want one of those ambi bolt catch/releases. My 11.5 M5 came with the single function - release only. I wish I knew where to get my hands on one. |
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Originally Posted By Teknys: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/313693/Colt_M5_picture_jpg-3805378.JPG Thanks FONTY -- I wasn't looking down far enough to see the button!  Nice family photo |
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Originally Posted By FONTY: Nice family photo Thanks! There are certainly a lot of nice collections around here. I’ve gotten lucky on some stuff, but there’s lots of stuff I’m still looking for. I think the 2nd gen bolt release/catch is more usable as a bolt catch. I guess someone deemed the 1st gen more appropriate, since it is apparently now the standard. They should sell the 2nd gen as an optional part, but I think people have tried and been denied. |
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Originally Posted By Minuteman1636: 2nd Gen right side bolt release was discontinued after end-user feedback. Gen 1 is in use again. We may, or may not, see a Gen 3 right side catch/release. They should definitely update the Gen 3 to be a catch and release. Make it simple like the 416A5. |