Installing a Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release (EBR)

See also: Installing the AR-15 Bolt Catch Assembly

Whenever I read EBR, I think "Evil Black Rifle" - a phrase which has come to describe just about any non-sporting, tactically focused rifle in the American market. However, Phase 5 Tactical has redefined it to mean "Extended Bolt Release" for their product. The item I bought was the EBR v2, which is a monolithic equivalent of Magpul's BAD (Battery Assist Device) lever.

When I ordered my Addax GPU with an American Spirit Arms side-charging upper receiver, I was informed that the standard bolt catch wouldn't work. I went ahead and tested this statement, and it was true that the top of the bolt catch does indeed catch on the side-mounted charging handle. The remedy for this which Addax recommends, is the EBR. The top doesn't extend as high as the stock AR-15 bolt catch, which allows the charging handle to operate as expected.

Pros and Cons

The advantage of Phase 5's design over Magpul's and other clones, is that it's one solid piece of metal (hence the word "monolithic") - there are no screws or pads to install, and nothing to come loose.

However, its disadvantage is that because it's not a bolt-on item, it requires that you remove your existing bolt catch. As such, although this isn't a difficult thing to install, if you KNOW you're going to want to install this bolt release on a new build, you may as well not go through installing your bolt catch first.

Like any extended bolt catch, the EBR has significant play to it. You'll notice that there's a quarter inch or so of travel, depending on the dimensions of your AR-15 receiver's bolt catch slot.

Impressions

While this article is primarily about installing an EBR, I'll write down some impressions of it once I've had a chance to use it at the range.

Installation

The EBR in its packaging. Note that I've already punched the standard bolt catch pin loose from the AR receiver, leaving the detent and spring in place. The receiver is ready to accept the EBR.

The EBR outside of its packaging. Note the machining marks along the edges, and how the grain bends with the curve.

A different view of the EBR before installation. Notice the lightening cuts in the extended release.

Installing the EBR - getting it lined up with the roll pin before punching it in. It installs just like a normal bolt catch; no surprises here.

-- SeanNewton - 01 Jan 2012

Topic revision: r1 - 01 Jan 2012 - SeanNewton

Would this information help out someone you know? Click here to share it!