Magazine Release Methods

 

Method #1

Firing Hand (use of trigger finger)

The primary magazine release button for the M16 or AR15 rifle or carbine is located above the trigger guard within reach of the trigger finger (index finger) of the firing hand of the right hand dominant shooter. The right hand dominant shooter does not have to remove his firing hand from the pistol grip in order to release the magazine. To release the magazine, he simply removes the index finger from the trigger and extends it forward to press the release button. The empty magazine is allowed to fall free from the weapon. This method allows the shooter to support the weapon with the firing hand leaving the non-firing hand free to retrieve a loaded magazine for insertion into the magazine well.

Magazine Release Method #1 (Left Hand Dominant) Video using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4Magazine Release Method #1 (Right Hand Dominant) using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4

Method #2

Firing Hand (use of thumb while grasping magazine)

The location of the magazine release button also allows the right hand dominant shooter to release the magazine by pressing the button with the thumb of his firing hand. This method requires the right hand dominant shooter to remove his firing hand from the pistol grip and to grasp the magazine body. The button is pushed with the thumb and the magazine is pulled out of the weapon and retained by the firing hand. This method is used when magazines must be retained due to short supply, when the non-firing hand is supporting the weapon (prone position using a sling) or when a magazine is difficult to remove from the magazine well.

Magazine Release Method #2 (Left Hand Dominant) Video using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4Magazine Release Method #2 (Right Hand Dominant) using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4

Method #3

Non-firing Hand (use of thumb while grasping magazine)

This method requires the left hand dominant shooter to support the weapon with his firing hand (grasping the pistol grip). The non-firing hand grasps the magazine body and the thumb is used to depress the release button. The magazine is pulled from the weapon by the non-firing hand. Again this method could be used to retain magazines for reloading or because a magazine is difficult to remove from the weapon.

Magazine Release Method #3 (Left Hand Dominant) Video using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4Magazine Release Method #3 (Right Hand Dominant) using an Ambi-CatchTM in an M4

With the existing magazine catch found in the M16 / AR15 Methods #1 and #2 are only available to the right hand dominant shooter. Method #3 is the only option available to the left hand dominant shooter. The installation of the Ambi-CatchTM gives the shooter the option of using all of the magazine release methods mentioned above regardless of right or left hand dominance.

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