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3/1/2016 9:20:11 PM EDT
Any one using a Phase 5 or a bad ass addition to your bolt release have problems with the bolt locking back ?  It seems that these things add to much weight to the bolt catch so if your action cycles fast ,it cant operate fast enough to lock the bolt . A stock catch works fine with out any addition to it .
3/2/2016 5:02:01 AM EDT
[#1]
It's not uncommon. I've read about it happening, and know a few people it's happened to. Enough that I wouldn't trust one on a rifle I might depend on for safety, or even a trophy.
3/2/2016 8:16:23 AM EDT
[#2]
I use both the Redi-Catch and Redi-Release by Redi-Mag: http://www.redi-mag.com/
I never had any problems using only the Redi-Release, but adding the Redi-Catch adds some spring tension to the back of the bolt catch to ensure proper function.
Tomac
3/2/2016 11:45:56 AM EDT
[#3]
I quit running BAD levers for exactly that reason. However I have wondered if a stronger catch spring would overcome the additional mass of the BAD lever.
3/2/2016 11:51:48 AM EDT
[#4]
I am running BAD levers and have not had any problems.
3/2/2016 12:00:08 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
I am running BAD levers and have not had any problems.
View Quote

It is an odd situation. Some of my rifles did work fine. Others did not. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the simplicity of the BAD lever and how well it worked. I just found that it did cause some problems and opted out of running it altogether. After I removed it I kept reaching for it. It was handy.
3/2/2016 12:54:14 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a Phase 5 lever on one of my rifles for about 4 years now with no problems.
3/2/2016 5:02:13 PM EDT
[#7]
I tried one and it was bad ass I my garage. At the range I experienced the bolt not locking back intermittently. Put it on the EE when I got home.

I want to try one of the extended catches that goes through the receiver
3/2/2016 6:09:35 PM EDT
[#8]
I have a weight system to put inside the carrier that is supposed to slow the action down .I will try that next to see if that works .I used to have a lot of grease on my buffer and spring but cleaned most of it off .Maybe greasing it up again will slow it down a little .
3/2/2016 6:10:00 PM EDT
[#9]
While mine has always worked.... it is only on my bench accuracy rifle for convenience... so I don't mess up my hold.

I would not want it on a SD rifle.
3/6/2016 11:27:02 AM EDT
[#10]
The bolt catch spring is designed to be compressed by your magazine spring. When you strengthen it you throw off that balance and some magazines may stop locking back. The problem is the lever.
3/6/2016 3:08:12 PM EDT
[#11]
I have the MAGPUL BAD lever on a couple of my ARs and I have never had an issue with it.
3/6/2016 5:30:31 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
The bolt catch spring is designed to be compressed by your magazine spring. When you strengthen it you throw off that balance and some magazines may stop locking back. The problem is the lever.
View Quote


Something like a BAD lever adds weight to the bolt catch which makes it easier to compress the bolt catch spring. Adding a slightly stronger spring so that it takes the same amount of force to activate the bolt catch as it did before adding the BAD should fix the issue. Increasing the force required to activate the catch beyond that could very well cause issues though.
3/6/2016 9:43:35 PM EDT
[#13]
I have a phase 5 lever.  Just put about 200 rounds through it today. With my cheap PSA $6 GI mags it absolutely will not lock the bolt back after last shot. I tried a buddies pmag and it worked flawlessly. The PSA mags have worked perfectly otherwise.
3/6/2016 9:56:25 PM EDT
[#14]
I've had/have Phase 5 and BAD levers on both 556 n 762 guns. Never had the lock-back issue, ever. Not sure why, but haven't. I don't use them a whole lot anymore except on certain rifles. They're nice on big 308s.
3/6/2016 11:09:01 PM EDT
[#15]
I have the phase 5 on a couple AR's (11.5" carbine gas, and 18" rifle gas).  Had the same issue with both.  Heavier buffer fixed the issue.  H3 (I think) in the SBR and an H2 in the 18"
3/7/2016 2:37:55 AM EDT
[#16]
Edit to keep this technical. To solve a problem with bolt catch operation induced by the installation of a lever, one possible solution is to weaken the bolt catch spring. Remember, it is the magazine spring that activates the bolt catch. The magazine spring pushes against the bolt catch spring, therefore weakening the bolt catch spring changes the bias in favor of the magazine spring and proper operation of the bolt catch. To do this, remove the roll pin and substitute a slightly smaller pin until you are done working on the spring. Use the largest temporary pin that will slide easily in and out. Cut 1/2 coil from the spring at a time. Since this is largely a timing issue, you may need to discharge the weapon to test operation. Timing becomes an issue because of the length and added inertia of the lever and bolt speed. Like a pendulum, the longer the lever, the slower it wants to swing. Pay special attention to safety and verify the chamber is empty each time while working on the spring. Use the weakest magazine you have for testing. For me, this was an older 20 round colt. Verify operation after you replace the roll pin.

If any of you Ladies or Gentlemen are interested, I would be happy to send you my BAD lever.
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