AR-15 Magazine Release:

Norgon AC1 AR15 Ambi-Catch

The M16 Family of Weapons (including the M4 Carbine) is one of the only modern weapon systems lacking an ambidextrous magazine release capability. This deficiency limits the flexibility of the user and makes magazine removal awkward in certain tactical situations. The AMBI-CATCH™ is a patented "drop-in" replacement of the original magazine catch for M16A2 Rifles, M4 Carbines and other firearms that use an M16 type magazine. Our improved magazine catch eliminates magazine retention problems that are caused by the "issue" magazine catch. When installed, the Ambi-Catch™ also gives both right and left-handed shooters the flexibility to choose from several different magazine release methods.

The magazine catch issued with the M16A2, M4 Carbine, AR15 and other firearms that use an M16 type magazine often require adjustment to correct magazine retention problems (see US Army TM9-1005-319-10, pages 88 and 89). Excessive machining tolerances in the lower receiver can cause increased lateral movement of the magazine release button and catch limiting the engagement of the tooth. This condition leads to magazine retention failure. Increased tooth dimension and focused, direct spring tension ensure constant, positive engagement of the Ambi-Catch™ with the magazine.

Flexibility: The addition of an ambidextrous release capability to your M16, M4 or AR15 increases your options of magazine release and replacement.

Your success or survival in a tactical environment could depend on these options. Real life incidents have shown that a soldier or law enforcement officer's life depended on the ability to reload and fire their weapon with the weak hand. Use of available cover and concealment: The selection of a hasty fighting position may require the shooter to engage his enemy from a "weak-handed" posture. Although this may reduce his accuracy it also reduces the amount of the shooters body that is visible to the enemy. In a MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) environment this "weak-hand" position may be needed when "popping" corners of buildings or hallways.

All magazines designed to function in an M16 rifle should be compatible with the Ambi-Catch™. If the magazine works with a standard magazine catch in your weapon, it will work with the Ambi-Catch™. Magazines that have an "insertion limiting rib" may be difficult to latch in some weapons that have a reduced magazine well bevel. Minor adjustment to the upper portion of the magazine catch slot of the magazine may be necessary for proper function. Design elements combine to make this rugged and reliable ambidextrous magazine release:

Serrated Depression Surface - Provides a "non-slip" surface for positive depression. Depression surface is located on the same axis as the original magazine release button (ejection port side of weapon). Depression of this surface disengages the Engagement tooth from the magazine slot releasing the magazine.

Pivot Boss - Acts alone or in unison with the Forward Boss to provide protection from accidental release. Depression of this surface has a neutral effect on the action of the lever. Forward Boss - Acts alone or in unison with the Pivot Boss to provide protection from accidental release. Depression of this surface actually forces the Engagement tooth into a positive engagement with the magazine slot.

Lever - Streamline design functions within the existing magazine catch slot of the weapon and is directly pressable by the user. Design characteristics protect assembly from snagging by equipment and foliage. At rest, the lever is completely housed within the magazine catch slot protecting the assembly from mud and sand.

Engagement tooth - Increased dimensions provide for a more positive engagement with magazine slot. Bevels at bottom and rear of tooth allow for smooth insertion of the magazine into the weapon.

Pin - Pivot pin is hardened to the same specs as Lever and Base ensuring long life and durability. Large head of pin is captured within the weapon at rest and cannot drop out when primary magazine release method is used. Easily removed by depressing the small end of the pin with the nose of a bullet or ball point pen (opposite side not shown).

Base - One piece design is rugged and durable. A cavity houses the Mil-Spec spring (extractor spring-not shown) which provides positive tension to the Lever. The Threaded portion of Shaft is machined for precision engagement of the threaded orifice of the original magazine release button.