The AR-15 platform is a platform that allows users to really optimize and upgrade their builds as they please. While the standard platform is practical and trustworthy, there are upgrades out there that can make simple tasks such as throwing the selector or reloading a magazine, quicker and easier. Many of these upgrades can also be installed at home with a little bit of knowledge and tools. Below are a few of those easy-to-install upgrades that will make your standard AR-15 lower receiver into a more user-friendly tool, options to purchase, and some tips on how to install them.
Bolt Catch/Release
The act of pressing the bolt catch to release the bolt after a reload should be a fast and efficient motion. A standard bolt catch doesn’t do a lot to help that motion as it as the paddles are often small and has ribbing that can allow your thumb or finger to slip off of it. Upgrades to the bolt catch/release involve more surface area, extension outwards for easier reach, and friction enhancements such as dimpling the paddle.
Options to Purchase
Radian Weapons Extended Bolt Catch
Seekins Precision Enhanced AR-15 Bolt Catch
How to Install
Installation of a new bolt catch/release involves one roll pin, which the bolt catch should include, and a spring and plunger which you will use from your bolt catch. Simply punch out the roll pin, but take care not to lose the spring and plunger as you are doing it. Finally, install your new bolt catch and new roll pin. If you need a visual guide, there are some YouTube videos out there on the subject.
Pro Tip: Use a bolt catch-specific punch that is the correct size. These punches have a flat handle that allows your punch to line directly up with the bolt catch. This installation is very close to the receiver so many will use a standard punch and end up either bending/breaking the punch or damaging their receiver or roll pin.
Trigger Guard
An upgraded trigger guard involves widening the trigger guard, which offers two things: One, it offers room to fit gloved fingers inside, and two, it allows for smoother and more reliable operation for shooters who like to press the trigger from the bottom of the trigger shoe. Fitment and ease of installation are also obvious when it comes to an upgraded and well-made trigger guard.
Options to Purchase
Magpul AR-15 Alumninum Enhanced Trigger Guard
How to Install
Trigger guards will often have both a roll pin and a set screw. Follow the instructions for the specifically purchased trigger guard. When screwing in the set screw, ensure that a small dab of Loctite is applied to the screw, and be sure not to overtighten it, as it can be easily stripped. Also, use the properly sized roll pin punch, meaning a punch with a nippled end to ensure that the punch does not get stuck inside or crush the pin.
Depending on the specific trigger guard and the lower receiver model, properly in-spec receivers can be tight when it comes to installing a trigger guard. Light taps with the rubber end of a mallet can help with fitment. However, if the fitment is very off, that specific trigger guard may not work with your receiver. Don’t force it.
Magazine Release
The magazine release often has split opinions when it comes to whether or not it is a worthwhile upgrade. On one hand, many don’t like to make it larger due to their inherent snag risks. On the other hand, though, standard magazine release buttons are often hard to reach due to the receiver walls around them and they can be slippery.
To get around this, companies have updated the curvature of the release button and the surface area such as adding serrations or dimpling, resulting in improved control under stress.
Options to Purchase
Rise Armament AR15 Magazine Release Button
Magpul Enhanced AR Magazine Release
How to Install
The magazine release involves a button, the bar and rod that comes in from the other side of the receiver, and a spring. The trick to installing the magazine release is installing it so that the proper tension on the button is present. The button will need to be screwed onto the rod, the more the button is screwed closer to the receiver, the more tension is needed to press the button. Too much tension makes it hard to release the magazine, too little and accidental magazine drops can happen. Using a punch to press onto the rod from the other side helps create more room for screwing onto the button. Usually, a flush button and rod, or one rotation back from the rod, allows for a proper allowance of tension.
Flared Magwell
A flared magwell allows for easier and quicker reloads. This is due to the flare adding a ramp-like feature and wider opening that guides the magazine into the receiver. Many lower receivers already feature flared magwells, but not all of them. If your receiver does not come equipped with a flared magwell receiver from the factory, there are options.
How to Install
The market for AR15 flared magwells is honestly a little light. However, most of the flared magwells will be installed by simply slipping it over the receiver’s magwell and tightening a screw down with added thread locker. Ensure that you do not overtighten the screw and always check that your preferred magazine still drops freely from the magwell.
Safety Selector
Standard selector switches are often slippery, hard to move, and can be mushy in their movement. They’re also rarely ambidextrous in design, meaning only one side of the receiver has a selector lever. Companies have come a long way in the selector lever world including adjusting the length of the levers for better ergonomics and some have even added shorter throws such as the 45-degree throw selector lever which only needs to be turned 45 degrees to get from safety to semi, instead of the full 90 degrees.
Options to Purchase
Safety selectors are very much a personal preference, but it’s important to note that some selectors are not compatible with certain trigger systems. Therefore, a high success rate is seen if you buy the selector from the same company that makes the trigger. However, that isn’t always an option. So, just be sure that after installing the selector, everything moves freely. That is, run a full function and safety test.
Radian Weapons Talon 45/90 Ambidextrous AR-15 2 Lever Safety Kit
How to Install
To remove and install a safety selector the pistol grip will need to come off. After unscrewing the pistol grip which will either need a long screwdriver or a long Allen wrench, there will be a skinny spring under there and a detent. Do not bend the spring and do not lose the detent. You made need to lightly tap the detent out of the receiver. After the spring, detent, and pistol grip are out the selector can now come out.
Follow the instructions on your given safety selector, as ambidextrous selectors may involve another screw to connect each side, and 45-degree levers will involve another detent and installing it a specific way.
Pro tip: When putting the detent back into the receiver after the selector is installed, the pointy end goes down and a little Teflon lube or even a dap of CLP on the tip of the detent will help the selector move easier and lighter. Ensure that the spring does not get bent when installing the pistol grip.
