US 7,661,219 B1 · Ambidextrous bolt catch for firearms

Abstract

An ambidextrous bolt catch device, apparatus, system and methods for using are provided. Four main components include a bolt catch finger, lever system and plunger rod assembly with torsion spring. The lever system includes a right release lever and a left release lever; the left lever is an integral part of the bolt catch finger. The plunger rod assembly abuts and connects the right and left levers; a torsion spring on the rod creates tension causing rotation of the bolt catch finger in a downward or upward position. In an upward position, the bolt catch finger engages the bolt, retains the bolt in a rearward position, and signals the operator that the magazine is empty. The bolt engaged by the finger is held rearward in a safe, reliable manner to allow an unobstructed view of the firearm chamber until manually released using either the right or left release lever.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An ambidextrous bolt catch device for firearms, comprising in combination:

a bolt catch finger connected to a receiver of a firearm by a pivot pin;
a first release lever located on a right side of the firearm and attached to the receiver of the firearm with a vertical pin;
a second release lever located on a left side of the firearm and integral to the bolt catch finger;
and
a plunger rod assembly having a first end abutting a base of the bolt catch finger on the left side of the firearm and a second end connected to the first release lever on the right side of the firearm, thus providing a fully assembled bolt catch device that holds the bolt and bolt carrier in a rearward position and releases the bolt and bolt carrier to move forward and chamber ammunition for the firearm.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ambidextrous bolt catch for firearms

Life of this patent

Ambidextrous bolt catch for firearms

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18