I purchased and have been using the Redi-Catch by Boonie Packer which is a device that allows for locking back the bolt of an AR-15 without breaking the firing grip.
The device is simple and elegant. It is mounted to the rifle where the hammer/trigger pins normally go, effectively replacing the function of these two axis points. The rest of the device is a lever which pushes on the bottom of the bolt catch. The device does not allow for release of the bolt, only lock back. Release functions normally.
I used this device for several weeks to administratively manipulate my rifle dry. Once I was confident that it performed its function under ideal conditions, I put it through its paces during some cold weather shooting. Round count was low but the device performed very well.
Once again I was extremely pleased with the utility of the device.
The overwhelming majority of use is simple administrative handling. This device is also helpful during remedial malfunction clearance. I have not cleared an actual malfunction while using this device but I have cleared staged malfunctions.
I don’t perceive any real potential failure points on this device. Even in the event of failure of the lever the bolt catch would continue to function normally. The Redi-Catch and bolt catch are not physically attached. No additional stresses are placed on the bolt catch. The fire control group components simply pivot around the mounting pins. The lever is very low profile and hugs the top of the trigger guard area. No chance of snagging on gear or of needing to insert the finger into the trigger guard for any type of manipulation.
Boonie Packer is the original designer of Redi-Mag systems, and this device is designed to compliment them. I have not used it in conjunction with a Redi-Mod yet, but I should soon have an opportunity. Boonie Packer also makes a bolt catch extension which supposedly allows for easier manipulation of the catch while a Redi-Mag is attached. I hope to try this device in the future as well.
This device is not yet available for Colt weapons using the oversize pin standard.
As of this writing I recommend the Boonie Packer Redi-Catch.
Nice review Katar I like the idea of the redi-catch being able to to lock the bolt back with out changing your firing grip and not being physically attached to the bolt catch.
Katar do you see the redi catch being equally useful for people that have a carbine set up for CQB and an SPR or DMR style rifle?
So that the manual of arms is the same between both rifles.
My opinion is that the Redi-Catch would be equally useful on those types. I cannot think of any drawbacks at this time. While I am not recommending it (nor has Boonie Packer) I suspect that triggers such as the Geissele SSA can be used in conjunction with this device.
The Magpul BAD attaches to the bolt catch. The BAD allows the bolt to be both locked to the rear and released. The BAD is manipulated in the up direction to lock back the bolt while the Redi-Catch is manipulated in the down direction to lock back the bolt.
I have two or three of the Redi-catches as well. If yours came with an orange sticker around the pins saying not to use the integral pins in the Redi-Catch to drive out the stock FCG pins you can thank me for doing just that with an early sample.
If you’re looking to add functionality with this, especially in use with a Redi-Mag or Redi-Mod, I highly recommend the BCE Comp Model as it falls right under the thumb after you retrieve the spare magazine and insert it into the magazine well, exactly as shown in the picture in the link. BP considers this a competition version, and I suppose one could argue that the hook design may get caught on things in “real world” applications, but with the body of the RM in the way I don’t see that as any kind of major concern.
I have multiple examples of all three current production extensions; the plastic one that comes with the RM, the BCEII metal model, and the comp.
I never really had much faith in the plastic version, and was happier with the BCEII when I received it. It wasn’t until the Comp showed up that I really saw the benefit of it and was immediately a fan of it over the BCEII.
I have an extra II, but can’t seem to find an extra Comp (thought I had two of those as well, but…). If you’re interested in the II send me an address in PM or email and I’ll mail it to you. It’s NIW, with instructions, etc. If the other Comp turns up I’ll send that too.
Looks like a better approach than the BAD. But I don’t think I’d realistically put either design on any of my guns. A malf that requires a lock back pretty much screws you either way. I suppose there’s an outside chance that not having to break the master grip could make the difference, but it seems more romantic than reality.
A reasonable thought, however I am trying hard to find a downside to the Redi-Catch. All other things being equal, if you can lock back the bolt without breaking firing grip without sacrificing anything, I would say that it is a useful addition.
As I mentioned above, the benefit is primarily administrative.
edited to add: The real benefit comes if you are using a Redi-Mag, since it can be pretty tricky to operate the bolt catch.
Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts into words. Great, concise write up. Have you compared it with the BAD side by side? If so what were your thoughts? It looks much sturdier than a BAD, but also has one less feature… Thanks again.
I do have a BAD lever that was provided to me at no charge by Magpul. It is not my intention to do a direct comparison between the two devices in this thread.
I have, I think at last count, 4 different versions. Gen I, Gan II, Redi-Mod, and current production. I think there may be an issue with the Comp on anything other than the current production. Let me verify and post back.
ETA:
Good news/bad news. I found the extra Comp, so I’ll send you a II & a Comp. But I can’t find my damn Gen I anywhere. I haven’t bolted the Comp up to the Redi-Mod guns (it’s on a gun with a current-production RM), but in looking at it I see no reason I won’t work with the BFG version.
Just picked up a Mod 4 
