Do I need an ambi lower?

[AregularGuy]

Hi all. I am considering a new featureless build from the ground up. I am right handed. Looking through lowers I see standard and ambi. I've never considered ambidextrous lowers before but now wonder whether I need one. Need being relative of course. The only controls I see as ambi built into the stripped lower are the bolt release - seems handy on a featureless build, and the mag release - not as handi in a featureless build in my experience. Anything else to consider or benefits/drawbacks for a regular right hander? Thanks!

[sarbiker]

Yes, Get an ambi.

[AregularGuy]

Yes, Get an ambi.

Thanks for the encouragement! Short and sweet. Any other thoughts?

[ke6guj]

I don't see why going featureless makes it any more important that the bolt catch be moved to the right side of the gun.

AFAIK, righties already were using their left hand to manipulate the bolt release on PG-equipped ARs. not sure how not being able to wrap your thumb around the gun makes any different since you weren't using your thumb to manipulate the bolt release before. Safety, yes, bolt release, no.

[AregularGuy]

I don't see why going featureless makes it any more important that the bolt catch be moved to the right side of the gun.

AFAIK, righties already were using their left hand to manipulate the bolt release on PG-equipped ARs. not sure how not being able to wrap your thumb around the gun makes any different since you weren't using your thumb to manipulate the bolt release before. Safety, yes, bolt release, no.

It's just a little more awkward holding rifles with right hand now with the grip wraps/fins without left hand support when hitting the bolt release. Not impossible, just more awkward. Perhaps I need to get used to it. With a regular mag release I don't have to stop and manipulate the bullet button now. Rifles were already out of position with mag swaps and left hand use for bolt release was never noticeable. I was thinking it would be easier to use right index finger to hit bolt release and hold the handguard with left hand. This would be my only completely ambi rifle and new manual of arms for me. Perhaps not worth it.

[Not76]

Right handed ambi saftey on featureless AR is real nice. As a lefty I have been operating the safe with left thumb already and needed nothing different on featurless.

Ambi isn't the best description for these custom control features, they are not left handed. Most ambi safteys have shortened the switch on the side lefty would use fot righty's comfort, it's still a righty product. Featurless righty may prefer the shortened switch as his hand will ride on top of the saftey once it's on the right side. Lefty has to shop for certain safteys that allow a shorter switch on the regular side. Full switch, short or the degrees it moves should be considered knowing your hand will crowd it.
I like the bolt catch, I like ambi charge handle, i like left mag realease. Those are all optional choices, featureless doesn't need them. I prefer to not rely on special accommodations: Lessons being a lefty teach, like if I didn't learn to use right handed scissors how would I cut without taking my personal scissors everywhere with me. So I don't like any custom features. I want to be able to pick up ad run the standard equipment

[AregularGuy]

Right handed ambi saftey on featureless AR is real nice. As a lefty I have been operating the safe with left thumb already and needed nothing different on featurless.

Ambi isn't the best description for these custom control features, they are not left handed. Most ambi safteys have shortened the switch on the side lefty would use fot righty's comfort, it's still a righty product. Featurless righty may prefer the shortened switch as his hand will ride on top of the saftey once it's on the right side. Lefty has to shop for certain safteys that allow a shorter switch on the regular side. Full switch, short or the degrees it moves should be considered knowing your hand will crowd it.
I like the bolt catch, I like ambi charge handle, i like left mag realease. Those are all optional choices, featureless doesn't need them. I prefer to not rely on special accommodations: Lessons being a lefty teach, like if I didn't learn to use right handed scissors how would I cut without taking my personal scissors everywhere with me. So I don't like any custom features. I want to be able to pick up ad run the standard equipment

Thanks for the input. Good points. None of my other rifles ar fully ambidextrous, other than charging handle or safety. So thinking this may not be worth it.

[Oceanbob]

Bolt release....naw.......not worth it. That's the left thumbs job.

Ambi safety....yes.....

I installed a short one on the right side of this featureless Rifle.

Much easier to run.

Be well
Bob



Yeah. I swapped the pins already...

[CNCGuy]

Ambi, I run the PDQ bolt release in an aero lower and wouldnt go back to normal. If your interested in building your own lower RifleConnection.com has a really nice 3D model CNC ready.

[AregularGuy]

Thanks for all of the input. I fugure no sense waiting for, and paying extra, for the ambi lower I was looking at just to get the bolt release that I don't need. Ordered a set of Mega matched billet receivers. After mil discount it came to about $346 for the set. Good start for a new build I think.

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Mega_Arms_Billet_Upper_and_Billet_Lower_Set_p/mega-m0903ha.htm

[Chapped Hide]

Love my Mega matched set, I've got the ambi and never use it. Great choice, have fun with the build.

[xxINKxx]

Only thing you need is an ambi safety to Still let you use your grip hand. AXTS ambi safety is nice, adjustable throw, no screws to come loose.

[CandG]

Love my Mega matched set, I've got the ambi and never use it. Great choice, have fun with the build.

Likewise, never once used any of my ambi stuff on any of my guns. But some day I might lose a thumb in a tragic industrial accident and I'll be happy I made the choice

You can get an ambi safety lever on fleabay or such for not much more than a normal safety lever.

[AregularGuy]

Only thing you need is an ambi safety to Still let you use your grip hand. AXTS ambi safety is nice, adjustable throw, no screws to come loose.

Thanks for the tip. I like that little nub of a switch. I have a Seekins precision ambi safety on a rifle with the Exile Machine Backfin. My thumb gets in the way of the switch when it rests on the tactical thumb shelf . I ordered one of the Radian Raptor charging handles with the new build. I got a discount as an add-on to the Mega 16" barrel I ordered. Also ordered a Mega wedge lock rail. A real PITA trying to find any of their stuff in stock, had to use 3 different vendors. Hopefully I won't botch the assembly of the upper, it'll be my first.

[GM4spd]

Yes,ambi safety.