Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 Review

Let’s Dive into Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 is a seemingly small, yet profoundly impactful upgrade for any AR-15 platform. Designed by Magpul, this bolt catch lever extension dramatically improves the speed and efficiency of reloading and malfunction clearance. It’s a simple concept, executed brilliantly, that addresses one of the AR-15’s few ergonomic shortcomings.

My journey towards the B.A.D. Lever stemmed from my competitive shooting days. I needed a faster, more efficient way to manipulate the bolt catch without breaking my grip or shifting my firing hand. I was constantly searching for ways to shave off those precious fractions of a second during reloads and malfunction drills.

Unboxing the Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 reveals a cleanly machined piece of anodized aluminum. The black finish is consistent and durable-looking, and the included Torx wrench is a welcome addition. The lever feels lightweight yet solid, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.

I considered similar products from Troy Industries and Phase 5 Weapon Systems. However, the Magpul offering stood out due to its reputation for reliability and its streamlined design. Its anti-snag profile and textured surface promised seamless integration with my existing AR setup, and the price point was definitely attractive.

My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could something so small really make such a big difference? Only time, and plenty of rounds downrange, would tell.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 at my local outdoor shooting range during a practical rifle competition. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect conditions for putting the lever through its paces. I ran several drills focusing on speed reloads and immediate action drills.

The difference was immediately noticeable. Manipulating the bolt catch with my right-hand trigger finger felt incredibly natural and intuitive. Reload times were noticeably faster, and malfunction clearances were significantly smoother.

There was a slight learning curve to getting used to the new position of the lever, but within a few magazines, it became second nature. The textured surface provided a positive grip, even with sweaty hands. There were no issues with snagging or accidental activations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 has proven to be incredibly durable. It has endured hundreds of rounds, countless drills, and several range trips without any signs of wear or tear. The anodized finish remains intact, and the lever shows no signs of loosening or developing play.

Maintenance is a breeze; a simple wipe down with a clean cloth is all it takes to keep it in good working order. I periodically check the mounting screw to ensure it remains properly torqued, but it has never loosened. Compared to previous attempts at similar modifications, this one has proven exceptionally reliable. It definitely outperforms anything else I’ve tried.

Breaking Down the Features of Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980

Specifications

• Compatibility: Compatible with standard mil-spec forged AR15/M16 receivers. This ensures broad compatibility and ease of installation for most AR-15 owners.
• Profile: Thin anti-snag profile and textured surface. This prevents accidental activations and allows for traditional bolt catch manipulation if needed.
• Attachment: Attaches to the existing bolt catch paddle via one screw. This provides a secure and straightforward installation process without requiring permanent modifications.
• Material: Machined from durable billet 6061-T6 aluminum. This makes the lever lightweight yet incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear.
• Finish: Finished with MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 hard anodizing with manganese phosphate on the screw per MIL-DTL-16232G. The hard anodizing provides exceptional corrosion resistance, and the manganese phosphate coating on the screw ensures a secure and durable connection.
• Mounting Screw: Torx mounting screw with Nyloc Blue patch. The Torx screw provides a secure and reliable hold, while the Nyloc Blue patch prevents loosening under recoil.

These specifications translate into a product that is reliable, durable, and easy to install. The quality materials and thoughtful design contribute to a significant improvement in the AR-15’s ergonomics.

Performance & Functionality

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 excels at its primary function: enabling faster and more efficient bolt catch manipulation. The ability to lock the bolt back or release it with the right-hand trigger finger significantly speeds up reloads and malfunction clearances.

The lever’s textured surface provides a positive grip, even in wet or gloved conditions. Its streamlined design prevents snags and accidental activations. While the screw can loosen over time, so it must be checked periodically to ensure proper function, this is a minimal inconvenience.

The B.A.D. Lever meets and exceeds my expectations. It’s a simple yet effective solution to a common AR-15 ergonomic issue.

Design & Ergonomics

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 boasts excellent build quality. The 6061-T6 aluminum feels solid and durable, and the anodized finish is consistent and attractive. The lever’s weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the rifle.

The lever’s design is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and the learning curve is minimal. The lever integrates seamlessly with the AR-15’s existing controls, enhancing rather than hindering its ergonomics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s typically required. I’ve had no issues with corrosion or other forms of degradation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 itself is a standalone accessory designed to enhance the AR-15’s existing controls. It does not require any additional accessories or modifications for installation or use. However, it is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including aftermarket triggers, grips, and optics.

Pros and Cons of Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980?

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical shooters, and anyone looking to improve the speed and efficiency of their AR-15. It’s also a great upgrade for left-handed shooters, as it makes bolt catch manipulation much easier.

This product may not be necessary for casual plinkers or those who rarely use their AR-15. However, for anyone who takes their shooting seriously, the B.A.D. Lever is a worthwhile investment.

A must-have modification would be a quality torque wrench to ensure the mounting screw is properly tightened.

Conclusion on Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980

The Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 is a simple yet highly effective upgrade for any AR-15. It dramatically improves the speed and efficiency of reloading and malfunction clearance, enhancing overall ergonomics and usability.

The price is more than justified by the performance benefits. It’s a small investment that yields significant returns in terms of speed, efficiency, and overall shooting experience.

I would absolutely recommend the Magpul Industries B.A.D. Lever Blk MAG980 to anyone looking to improve their AR-15. It’s a game-changer. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the difference!