Seekins Precision Enhanced Bolt Catch

The Seekins Precision Enhanced Bolt Catch is the easiest way to fix the AR-15's worst factory control without spending real money. The stock GI bolt catch is a small, smooth paddle that is hard to hit with a gloved or wet thumb. Seekins enlarges both the upper lock-back pad and the lower release pad and covers them in an aggressive diamond texture, so the support-hand thumb gets positive purchase during reloads and malfunction clearances.

Seekins manufactures the part through a metal injection molding process using a proprietary alloy that is stronger than a cast mil-spec catch, then finishes it with Melonite for corrosion resistance and a low-wear surface. The result is a duty-grade part that installs with the standard spring, plunger, and roll pin.

This is the bolt catch to buy when you want a real control upgrade but do not want a right-side lever crossing the trigger guard. It keeps the factory manual of arms, costs only a few dollars over a plain mil-spec catch, and is the highest-value entry on this list.