Ambi-Catch™

Mil-Spec “drop-in” ambidextrous magazine release mechanism. Steel construction and phosphate finish. Design properties reduce the possibility of inadvertent release. Can be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.

The Norgon, LLC Ambi-Catch™ is a patented "drop-in" replacement of the original magazine catch for M16A2 Rifles, M4 Carbines, AR15 Rifles 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.

SKU/Item Number: 00051M

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.

Features

Design elements combine to make a 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 the shaft is machined for precision engagement of the threaded orifice of the original magazine release button.

Features

Compatible Magazines

Design Properties

Magazine Release Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I am right handed and I’m worried about dropping the magazine accidentally if the weapon hits equipment. How does the Ambi-Catch™ protect against this?

Answer: The Ambi-Catch™ has a low profile and can only be actuated by depressing the serrated portion of the lever. By design, the Ambi-Catch™ requires more force to release the magazine when it is fully loaded. The engagement tooth has increased surface area which resists releasing the magazine if the serrated depressing surface is “bumped” slightly.

Question: The Ambi-Catch™ is in close proximity to the tab of the bolt catch. I am concerned about the possibility of inadvertenly dropping the magazine if I have to lock the bolt to the rear during an immediate action drill. Is this a possibility?

Answer: None of the leading military or law enforcement training manuals advocates locking the bolt to the rear during an immediate action drill. The user ensures the magazine is securely latched, pulls the charging handle to the rear (hopefully ejecting the problem ammunition), observes the chamber, releases the charging handle (chambering a round), taps the forward assist and continues to engage targets. Locking the bolt to the rear is a wasted movement (economy of motion) and unnecessary. Some units train to transition to another weapon altogether and not waste time performing immediate action in the event of a stoppage in the primary weapon.

Question: Will an Ambi-Catch™ work with multiple magazine holders (MMH)?

Answer: Yes. The Ambi-Catch™ works with all of the common MMH designs (Mag-Cinch, CAA, THOR, etc.) The Isreali “V” type MMH requires a modification to ensure enough space between the magzines for proper function. If you are using the Isreali “V” type MMHs simply contact us and we will e-mail you instructions on the modification required.

Question: Will an Ambi-Catch™ work with a Johnson Ready Mag?

Answer: No. The Ambi-Catch™ will not work with a Johnson Ready Mag. If you need another magazine readily available for a quick magazine change, you should consider the use of a multiple magazine holder (MMH). An MMH does not permanently alter the configuration of your weapon. If you needed to use a buddy’s MMH or a Beta C-Mag, the Johnson Ready Mag will not allow you to do so. The Johnson Ready Mag adds weight to the weapon and is not designed for use by left handed shooters.

Question: I think all tactical weapons should be configured with the same controls “issued” with the weapon so manipulation of the controls is not confusing if you have to use a fallen buddy’s weapon. What do you think?

Answer: The Ambi-Catch™ only replaces the magazine catch of the weapon. The original magazine release button is retained. If someone has to use a weapon equipped with an Ambi-Catch™ he simply uses the exisiting magazine release button method he is accustomed to (right or left handed shooter). Users of the Ambi-Catch™ should train to use all six of the magazine release methods (three on each side of the weapon) to realize the full benefit of the use of our product. If an Ambi-Catch™ user has to use a weapon not equipped with an ambidextrous magazine release capability, he’ll do just fine.

All newer tactical weapon systems have ambidextrous controls. Why not add an abidextrous magazine release capability to your weapon?

Design Properties

(assembly installed)

Depression Surface of Lever - The depression surface of the lever is located on the same axis as the magazine release button on the “port” side of the weapon. The location enables the shooter to depress the lever with the index (trigger) finger of the firing hand positioned around the pistol grip.

Protection of the lever - The high profile of the bolt catch bosses help to protect the lever from accidental depression. The release is fully housed within the receiver protecting it from mud, sand and other debris that might inhibit function. The forward boss is protected from snagging by the semi-circular protrusions of the lower receiver.

Retention of pivot pin - The large head of the pivot pin is "captured" by the receiver when the release assembly is at rest. Spring tension secures the pin within the release assembly when the primary magazine release button is used.

Multiple Magazine Holders (MMH)

The US Army recently awarded contracts for 2 MMH designs which are compatible with the Ambi-Catch™.

Multiple Magazine Holders

Command Arms Accessories, LLC

NSN 1005-01-M28-7708

THOR Defense, Inc

NSN 1005-01-M28-7709

US Patent 5,519,954

Compatible Magazines

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 a "insertion limiting rib" (see Orlite, Thermold, etc.) 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.