Ambi controls in general are a persistent “argument” amongst the tactical expert crowd, probably ever since a right side safety was added to a 1911, or sooner. Still chuckle remembering the first time I added one to my duty / carry 1911 being told “it will get you killed.” Well, never killed me and all my pistols with safeties are ambidextrous. Granted, early versions were less than perfect, but that was nearly 40 years ago, things have changed.
It started all over again when the AR became so popular starting with an ambidextrous safety, then charging handle, the bare minimum for any AR I will field. Detractors parroted the ignorant with the whole “it will get you killed” thing, it was added weight blah blah blah. Bottom line, none of that is true now, never really was. Is it a must for everyone, of course not, but done correctly they add a ton of versatility to you AR.
Ambi Controls Basic Minimum
Most companies offer lowers with ambidextrous controls, those who don’t are generally more about price point than practicality. Having had numerous conversations with manufacturers it’s generally about the build process, time, and price point. Standard response being “If a customer wants them they can add it themselves, we sell them if needed.”
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To me, every AR should have an ambidextrous charging handle and safety. Magazine release is next followed by a right side bolt catch / release, preferably one that will hold the bolt open. Can you run an AR without, sure, but why should you, everything is so much easier. These all make it easier and more efficient whether you are left or right handed. Ambidextrous charging handles allow you to stay in the pocket and lock the bolt open for stoppage drills. Whether you use the right side or go over the top using both you come off the gun as possible. If you need to use both sides (mortaring) pressure is even preventing a bent charging handle. Done properly these things add to the function and reliability of your AR.
Ambidextrous safeties are also a must for me. If for some reason you do switch sides it is more intuitive to use. Depending on hand size you can manipulate it with either your thumb, trigger finger or both. For precision AR’s you can rest you thumb on the strong side to accommodate a straighter trigger press. Given the minimal cost it does nothing but increase the control of the rifle’s operation, There is a reason virtually every new AR based system issued to the Special Missions Units today have completely ambidextrous controls with at least these two along with an ambidextrous magazine release.
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More Options?
All of my “heavy duty” ARs like my LWRCI, LMT and a few others use ambi controls, why, because their end user demands it. Most include a right side bolt catch and left side magazine release. Designs can be different, for instance my X2 Development Group ARX uses controls designed at the request of a particular SMU and are the most intuitive ever used.
Everything that needs to be done can be using the strong side hand never leaving the grip. Others are placed more forward, but the bolt can be locked open staying in the pocket and on the grip. Switch hands, all the same, completely ambidextrous. Both LMT and LWRCI accomplish the same task, just differently. Others have right side bolt releases that will not lock it open. Generally more about fast loads they are not optimal for me on a duty gun but can be useful. Every one of these add control, efficiency, versatility and speed. Necessary, nope, but if your life depends on it “necessary” should not be the standard. I want every advantage I can get.
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Other Considerations
Cost, maybe, but not necessarily. While they tend to be standard on more costly rifles, they are not that costly to add. This system has been around for decades, so aftermarket additions are easy to find. More importantly is proven reliability. As a rule, rifles like my LMT and LWRIC have been proven rugged and reliable for decades. Same for the SCAR rifles, Primary Weapons Systems, MCX and several others.
Ambidextrous charging handles and safeties are everywhere with several proven like the LMT, LWRCI, Geissele, Daniel Defense, and the X2 development group Jackel. These two products are the most prolific with numerous different designs, just pick one that is strong and reliable.
After market magazine release are probably the next most available to fit standard rifles, just make sure they work well with all your magazines.
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Bolt stop / releases are fewer for sure, especially those suitable for defense / duty use. Any that hover around the trigger need to be thoroughly checked and re-checked periodically since they can get in the way when loose. Factory models tend to be the most proven, although something I prefer it is last on the list for me of must haves.
Bottom Line
Detractors of anything new are always out there, some of it is useful, most is just bloviation to the max. If not, everyone would be running a 20-inch barreled AR with a crappy trigger and carry handle. It’s right up there with the AK “master” who decries anyone not using a Vietnam era gun with barn door accuracy and razor sharp everything! Most of the proven changes like these were at the request of someone using them in harm’s way. Yes, some are more “tacticool” than practical, but not all. One of the AR’s strengths is the ability to alter them improving what they do, how they work, and their fit to you. Ignoring that is kind of ridiculous, choose wisely, but don’t hesitate to choose!
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