Left-handed Improvements For Your AR Rifle (Forward Controls Design, Radian, JBO)

[@jolebole-yt]

I’m glad there are more lefty accessories nowadays. Magpul also makes a nice ambi safety. Strike make a good ambi mag release.

[@albertmedalla3941]

Thank you lefty checking in

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Lefties unite!

[@emerilnut]

Thanks for this video, man. I've also had to soul search for years on how to make my AR's more lefty friendly. For a long time I've run the BAD lever and the Troy equivalent as the "lefty" way to release the bolt, because I didn't want to fork over the near $100 for the Norgon mag release. As I've recently finished my Foxtrot Mike AR9 as my AR "trainer", where there is absolutely no option for an ambi mag release, I started to think about ambi mag releases again for my AR15's. Finding this video helped me discover Forward Controls Design. I think I'm going to go with this mag release and ditch my BAD levers. I've realized that If I change to vertical grips without the backstrap beavertail flap, even my smallish hands are large enough to reach the bolt release without having to stretch that much. And it took the shitty A2 grip that came on the AR9 to help me realize that. Thanks for the time and thought in this video, and showing all the of the experimentation you've done. It was great to actually see options installed and your opinions on them.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Definitely appreciate the feedback, and glad that it helped!

[@Ferrari_M5]

Great video and the best explanation of the small details of these components that I have seen in one of these videos. Appreciate your time putting this together for us.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the views and feedback

[@CapoeiraBoricuaAyala]

Thanks for a great video aimed at wrong handed shooters!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad it helped! Lord knows I've struggled as a lefty for years. All of these options really make lefty life more functional lol

[@johnmcdougald1238]

Thanks for this video. It's really helped me a lot. My wife wants to get into AR shooting and she's "one of those people" I've been looking at parts and trying to figour out the best combination to make her a comlete Lefty AR. I'd even considered buying a Stag, but don't want to spend that much on something she may or may not like in the end. I'm glad you mentioned the issue with the BAD lever also. I'd never thought about that and would have not figured that out until I put evertything together becuase that was definitely on my list of parts to get for her. You just saved me money, time, and heartache.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Awesome! Glad that it helped. Thanks for the feedback sir

[@xtbro78]

Your video helped me a lot too! I'm a southpaw female with average hand strength, and these upgrades should make my rifle easier & more convenient. Thank you!

[@colenielsen5112]

This was an awesome video, thank you!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the feedback!

[@yamyzf2002r1]

Im lefty too. Thanks once again for great information!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@duckloydduckett9877]

I really appreciate this video! I’m new to the AR game and I’m left handed so this was spot on for me. Great video! Thanks

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Awesome, glad it helped. And welcome to the sickness! Prepare for a long journey of trial and error, and also debt! 😆

[@duckloydduckett9877]

😂 I have heard many times about the debt part! I’m kind of scared because I like this habit better than any other one that i have had

[@punxone]

Thanks for all the info, mi amigo!! Awesome gear breakdown

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Appreciate it sir!!

[@joehulbert8514]

being a lefty i'm glad i can build my rifle to my specifics

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Agree 💯

[@Deathofear]

That lefty mag release was the missing link! Thank you

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad it helped!

[@MsPatriotfront]

An ambi charging handle and ambi selector (which are practically ubiquitous now) are the only must-haves for me. I also like a bolt catch with rear bias (Radian is my favorite) but nothing too overbuilt. You just need one that you can hit with your trigger finger... Maybe you can do it with mil-spec, especially with a thin grip (no tang). With those 3 things, the AR15 is BETTER for us southpaws. I can hit the mag button with my support thumb and rip the magazine out with the same hand... quicker than a righty - unless you just want it dropped to the ground every time. Nah! Not sure why fellow lefties try to add some contraption here. Once the new mag is inserted, I can hit that bot catch with my trigger finger as I move my support hand back to fighting position. A righty has to palm strike the bolt catch on the way home or find it with his thumb. Just more clunky than a wrong-handed person. AR-15s are great for us thanks to Radian.

[@thomasshaw7450]

Thanks for the video. As a fellow south paw I appreciate this!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

You're welcome! Thanks for the view and comment!

[@Southernknife_addict]

The strike industries ambi mag release actually works pretty well with the bad lever

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

Troy Industries ambi mag release works with the bolt release.

[@David_Quinn1995]

I have a stock PSA bolt catch and its a PITA to drop that bolt when they are new but that ambi mag release on the left side is a must for me, been thumbing the mag release with my right hand for too long and pinched my thumb a few times to warrent the $30 now.

[@BAlexanderUSPSA]

I'm a big fan of the Armaspec 45 ambi safety. Its a bit wider than the Radian and easier to flip on and off. I prefer it over the Radian for sure.

[@yabadoo8317]

Great video thanks so much man

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and providing feedback 🤙🏼

[@Jamesmoore-mj5ke]

Me too im unusual im right handed yet i use my left fir many things i shoot left, pool, bat, and other things as well right handed some things hold a revolver right handed rifle left.

[@parunbelhomme]

Thanks for your honest feedback on all those parts you've tried. It answered a lot of my concerns without spending a single penny. You've earned yourself a semi-auto sub sir!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Glad it could help, and thanks for the feedback and sub! Your channel looks pretty good also. Subbed back 🤙🏼

[@parunbelhomme]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 Thanks my man. I appreciate that!

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa]

Lefty here, I'm trying to go ADM lower at this point. Currently just running and ambi safety, mag release and charging handle. I just want the full ambi now

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

The last two builds I have done were used with MARS-L lowers, and I will say that there's no enhancements available that make it as good as a true ambi lower

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 right on man, I need to finally pull the trigger on it.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa you definitely won't regret it. The ADM is a super solid receiver also

[@J.Young808]

I got an LWRCi M6IC DI as my first AR as I wasn’t sure if I was going to shoot lefty being cross eye dominant. Ended up shooting righty. My local gun shop (Honolulu) got a complete LWRCi lower and I considered picking it up to put my lightweight upper on it since my full LWRCi build has their heavy contour spiral fluted barrel and proprietary handguard. Regarding the ND’s with the BAD lever the gun should be on safe when not shouldered ready to fire at target.

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 I'm running the adm now and love everything about it

[@dakotahills2.095]

The left hand upgrades are much cheaper now days. Look around & you will find them much cheaper. I did. I got all my ambi parts for a total of around $75.00

[@tlkseries1]

Thanks for the video. I'm a right-handed shooter building my first AR but I was struggling to find any article or video showing the ambidextrous offerings. I want some ambidextrous functionality to my rifle, and now I know what is possible and what is practical.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Awesome, glad it was helpful! Appreciate the feedback!

[@bunathan2485]

im not even lift handed, i just find it interesting

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

Unfortunately, I’m right-handed but left eye dominant so I shoot left-handed. It’s taken some getting used to dealing with this.

[@larrysimmons6082]

Good video.but could you show how or what the left handed empty cartridge deflector for left-handed shooters .that have a right handed rifle

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean?

[@jasonr9449]

PSA: I tried putting the forward control ambi mag release on my fostech raptor and it would not lock into place any magazine. A slight tug and it would just come right out. I tried multiple other mag releases and they all worked so i guess its just the fostech rifle. I switched my cmmg ambi mag release onto the fostech and it worked just fine. Good vid tho!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Appreciate the views and feedback! It's weird how sometimes some things just don't jive with others. I put a Radian safety in one of my MARS-L lowers that also has an SSA-E trigger in it. It was causing the trigger to hang up. Moved the safety in my Mk18 that has an SSP and it works fine. Another Radian safety also worked in my Ballistic Advantage lower with SSP trigger, and no issues there either

[@jasonr9449]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 Oh geez. Well i appreciate the vid cause sometimes it can really help in deciding to get something or not. Fortunately the forward control is now on my CMMG banshee :) so not a total loss. Now on to find another ambi everything for the fostech (came non ambi stock) but shopping is always fun!

[@0v417]

I could never change the grip on my Fostech Tiger 10.5” tried a Magpul k2+ and moe. I’ve heard others claim their lowers aren’t perfectly milspec as well.

[@emmeto17]

Lefty here, thanks for this great video! One question im having trouble finding an answer for is how a lefty should operate the forward assist. I see every rifle you featured has one. How do you operate your FA?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Personally, in the about twenty years I've been running AR's, I've never had to use the forward assist. But I can reach it with my firing hand thumb. Or if I need to really add some pressure, or maybe depending on how I'm positioned, I would hit it with the heel of my support hand

[@guitarbuff12]

LWRC is a true ambidextrous AR15. I have the A5.

[@b4ds33d]

Swap your upper for a Gibbz Arms for a left handed side charging upper. She’ll eject on the left, charging handle on the right. Less gas to the face as well.

[@Perry2186]

well heres the thing if you dont buy left handed models now there Wont be any more later, the more sold will make more parts available later

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

No u

[@elementalmetal1745]

That snap at 7:15 made me jump! Sounded like a supersonic crack. Maybe a played too many video games.....

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

I can't make out what that was? Maybe I flicked the safety lever and it just picked up weird in the mic?

[@elementalmetal1745]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 Thanks for the good info. I'm looking into the Stag AR10 LH. Will be my first AR style left hander.

[@kobyjames1140]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132It was the scope cap

[@patricklee5576]

I just purchase done like on the smith u explained and u could breath on it and mag would drop still searching for options

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Try looking into the Troy and Norgon mag releases

[@ComeonmenID10T]

i currently have a FCD Mag release on my AR, unfortunately after about 10 to 15 Mag changes the little dowel pin for the lever fell out, which made the release useless, so my solution to fix it on the fly was to replace the lost pin with a cut off nail

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

I would've contacted FCD to get a replacement. They are very responsive

[@ComeonmenID10T]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 naa is ok , i get me a new one from JP, its already ordered, only thing that bothers me is the $65 for the FCD and it didn't last, that's sad

[@beefyjoe]

I have learned after purchasing that I am left eye dominant, but have always been right handed, I shot airsoft and paintball with my right hand growing up and always closed my left eye to aim, just naturally. I have realized now that I am working with real guns and for proper training I am to use both eyes open, but this is impossible being right handed and left eye dominant, seeing these changes gives me hope that I can comfortably convert my existing right handed ar15 to a left hand viable platform to start learning how to shoot left handed and using my dominant eye properly. THank you sir, god bless!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Appreciate the awesome feedback and glad the vid could help!

[@shootintheshtpodcast]

Good content man!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Appreciate it man! Looks like you have some good stuff also. Subbed!

[@shootintheshtpodcast]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 thank you, I tried… you took my next weeks topic with this video🤣🤣🤣 I subbed to you too

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@shootintheshtpodcast it's all good man! The more content, viewpoints, and experience the better!

[@peterpalermo4672]

Thanks what are the name brands or make and model of the ambi mag release and ambi bolt catch ?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Forward Controls Design ABC/R is the bolt catch and EMR-A is the mag release

[@westonsmith6925]

Can you link these parts? It would help actually finding compatible parts for my build

[@paulsciria8921]

Question are you worried about the left handed mag release getting bumped and dropping the mag? Since it doesn’t have a raise area around it to protect it.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

That could absolutely happen. Especially so since the FCD mag release is very efficient at dropping a mag. We'll see how that pans out the more that I run it. In reference to your point, the whole "complaint" about the Norgon ambi mag release being more difficult to engage may ultimately be a pro

[@paulsciria8921]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 thanks, it seems like some of them pivot more than push in. What are your thought on that?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@paulsciria8921 the FCD pivots and it is super easy to activate. Hardly any effort at all. The Norgon-type requires a stiffer push in, like the standard, right side mag button. It just has less surface area to get a finger tip on

[@paulsciria8921]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 thanks a lot. I’ll look into it each more. I really appreciate the response.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@paulsciria8921 no problem. Thanks for the views and feedback!

[@MrYamaharider1]

Hello, I am looking at PSA AR-15, but I am left-handed. I am a rookie, and I have no clue what to get or if there is one built and ready to go. There are a few on their site for around $479. Any help would be appreciated! I don't mind buying parts, but I would need help precisely what to get. The customer service wasn't helpful.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Is $480 all that you are willing to spend? And what look of the rifle are you looking for: do you want just the standard/classic AR look? Or so you want some upgrades in concern to the stock, grip, and handguard?

[@MrYamaharider1]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 I got one that was $579 and bought a red eye scope. I am unsure what other upgrades I will do for it for a while. I need a carrying case, but I'm not sure what size. I wish their site recommended additional upgrades and accessories.

[@calvins4084]

rock river arms has a truly left ar. only one one the market. dust cover flips down etc. fyi

[@paulmoss7940]

Stag has one also.

[@Deviance858]

Great video! I am looking at ordering the FCD ABC and EMR-A Mag release. I was wondering since you have both textures. Which one do you like more serrated or dimpled? Does one have more grip than the other? Thank you for the video.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Appreciate the views and feedback! There really isn't any perceivable difference in feel between the two, so when it comes down to choosing which texture, it just boiled down to aesthetics and in stock availability

[@Deviance858]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 I had a feeling it was more to due with aesthetics. Rearward Biased is out of stock so the wait for the in stock email starts. Thanks again for the information.

[@cd_core]

I have an EMR-A on one of my lowers and works flawlessly. But I recently got another for a new build, and it scrapes/catches alot on the lower. having a hard time getting it to push down smoothly. any ideas? cheers

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Is it a standard milspec forged lower?

[@cd_core]

It's a stripped (now assembles) non-anodized lower that I sanded and spray painted from Aero. I think I got it to work a bit better after removing excess paint and sanded/buffed some sharper areas where the mag release and button sit. @@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132

[@Unwitnessed]

On the fast forward ambi mag release does using the left side switch actuate the right mag button release hence both are "pressed in" simultaneously? My ar15 is mag locked for california compliance but when I installed an ambi mag release like shown on your s&w the left side will release the mag regardless. Its a 25 dollar bummer but Im willing to shell out for this one if it does require the right mag release to press in when its pressed as well which would make it ambi mag locked.

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Not 100% if I am understanding you correctly, but the FCD ambi mag release acts like a lever to pull the mag release to the left, which at the same time depresses the right side mag button

[@Unwitnessed]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 Perfect. Thank you for confirming that, now I can purchase it!

[@jamieclapp267]

So I have a question if anyone can answer please. On the Daniel Defense rifle on the video, around the buffer tube and up against the lower receiver, what is that clamp for?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Are you talking about the Law Tactical folder?

[@jamieclapp267]

@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 Okay, yeah, that makes sense. Thank you for responding. I'm new to the AR15 world so I'm trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks again!

[@alannaofrann6767]

Been looking for a particular factoid that I've not seen by most reviewers... Does the presence of anti-walk pins interfere with the new magazine release button movement?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

There is no issues between them on my 15-22. That's the only gun I have anti-walk pins on. And honestly, I can't see there being an issue on any AR. But I could be wrong

[@malby]

What would you suggest for a beginner shooter. left-handed right eye dominant. Should I train righty or go all in lefty?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

So I've only actually ever came across someone like that once, and that was just recently. Took my step daughter out shooting for the first time and discovered that she's right handed but left eye dominant. I have no clue how someone could shoot like that, with your head all janky trying to essentially look over the stock to see your sights or optic. So my suggestion is to learn to shoot righty

[@DaleDoeback3015]

Would the magazine release still function if there were anti-walk pins?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

I don't know for certain, but there might be. The paddle does sit directly over the hammer pin

[@DigitalJazz]

Have you tried the Troy Industries ambi mag release?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

I have not

[@oneeye2244]

Do you think Geissele’s maritime bolt catch would work with Forward controls ambi mag release?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

It will not work without modification to one of the two parts. If you go on their website and look at the EMR-A product page, they give you the details

[@oneeye2244]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 thank you sir!!

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@oneeye2244 no problem! Thanks for the views and comments!

[@evanacey1414]

Who makes the standard magazine release button on your MK18?? Did it come from DD with that button??

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

That's another Forward Controls Design product called the EMR-HC

[@G5FIGURES]

You should get a left handed upper or try one

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

26 seconds in I mention that my first AR was a left handed model

[@rjw261984]

The lever on my EMR-A seems to have a lot of jiggle as if the roll pin is too small in diameter. Is yours the same?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

It does jiggle a little, but I wouldn't say excessive. FCD has very good customer service and I would bet that if you reach out to them about it they will work with you to get you satisfied

[@christopherkey3488]

FCD ambi mag release or Norgon?? Which is better in your opinion?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

FCD 100%

[@rickamadeo783]

What's the mount setup on the magnifier?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

That one just has the factory EOTech STS mount

[@zaindershabazz5583]

Nicee

[@zaindershabazz5583]

I'm interested in 1 or 2

[@rc-pm1fe]

The mag release for me wont drop magpul m2 mags, anyone else having that issue, works on all metal mags though

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

The only issue that I've had with gen 2 Magpuls has been with them dropping free from one of my guns, but it's not one that has a FCD mag release. Did you have an issue with it before you installed it?

[@rc-pm1fe]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 no, as I usually run surefeed and dh mags, but I have a ton of Magpul mags as well. I tend to not use Magpul on that particular upper anyways because gen2s won't fall free..but when I actually press the ambi and only with gen2s it won't even disengage and I can't even pull the mag out of the magwell, but when I go press the normal side of the mag release,.it releases just fine

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

@@rc-pm1fe interesting. I wonder if you have an issue with the mag release. I would reach out to FCD's customer service. I haven't had to ever personally utilize them, but I hear great things about them being very responsive and supporting. I'm sure they will take care of you

[@rc-pm1fe]

@@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132 yeah I might just have to contact them

[@lazuu5983]

6:15 rail id?

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

It is the Ballistic Advantage Logic handguard

[@rhandyrosalita2212]

any link for lefty shooter like me xD

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

What are you looking for in particular?

[@rhandyrosalita2212]

all left handed improvements please thanks @@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132

[@M8Military]

The ar is secretly a left handed rifle from the get so so long as you have a brass deflector. It's easier for left handed people to dump the mag with their right thumb and we can close the bolt with our left index finger. If anything right handed people for years have been trying to make the ar platform better for themselves

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

Interesting take!

[@Three60Crusader]

Damn freaks 😂 😅 jk

[@regulardudegungearreviewsh3132]

We're not ashamed of who we are 😂