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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 2, 2023
The AR platforms introduced ambidextrous controls to compete with modern semi-automatic pistols. These impressive features piqued our team’s interest, so we decided to equip one of our rifles with something between the Magpul Bad Lever vs Troy ABR. As most gun enthusiasts, we are also after consistency. Should we just toss the coin then? You’ll find out.
Table of Contents
Troy & Magpul BAD Lever - Key Differences
While the Magpul BAD Lever is designed to fit most AR15, Troy will not work with all AR15’s. Troy appears to have a complimentary area for the bolt catch and release on the left side, while the Magpul seems only to have a larger space for the bolt release. The Troy unit was a little heavier-made than the Magpul unit and utilized a flat-head screw and a small Allen screw to lock it into place.
Both models mount via a clamshell covering the release lever. But unlike the BAD, where the back comes off from just the set screw, the Troy has a sliding metal back piece with a set screw at the back, so you need to remove your upper before setting up. The Troy’s extension drops down a little lower than the BAD and makes a 90-degree turn to bring its control pad to the right-hand side of the receiver.
Specification Chart
Magpul Bad Lever
- Model: Magpul Bad Lever
- Face Length (Thickest): .556”
- Face Width (Smallest): .778″
- Depth from Arm to Receiver: .326”
- Width at Smallest: .224″
- Width at Thickest: .224”
- Arm Length: 1.453″
- Weight: 0.25 oz
Troy
- Model: Troy
- Face Length (Thickest): .850”
- Face Width (Smallest): .555”
- Depth from Arm to Receiver: .408”
- Width at Smallest: .291”
- Width at Thickest: .299”
- Arm Length: 1.286″
- Weight: 0.3 oz
In-Depth Comparison
Troy & Magpul BAD Lever Pricing
Since Magpul Bad Lever vs Troy offers almost the same price and the same features, it’s practically impossible not to just toss the coin in choosing between them. Well, maybe a dollar could make a difference, so the point still goes to Troy for being a dollar cheaper than the Magpul Bad Lever.
Looking for affordable grip accessories? Check out our review on the best AR grips for precision shooting.
Designs
On the outside, Troy appears to be stronger than the skinny Magpul’s arm. But we didn’t like the large squared away bolt release face as it adds a large piece of metal and doesn’t flow well with the rifle, unlike that of the BAD, which almost flows with the curves of the gun.
The ABR is much more square and robust in terms of design, whereas the BAD is sleek and flowing. With this, BAD won another point.
Magpul BAD & Troy Bolt Release Operation
Weight
As the chart reflects, Troy ABR is larger in almost every measurement, except for the arm that shooters actuate with their fingers. The Troy ABR weighs 0.3 oz while the Magpul BAD weighs 0.25 oz. Since having lighter accessories to rifles is better, Magpul BAD won this round.
Check out compact and lightweight stocks in this Magpul SL vs SLK comparison here.
Mounting - Troy or Magpul BAD?
Installation
Troy is quick to install, has high quality built, and no wiggle like the Magpul lever. It features an easy engagement to lock or unlock the bolt, and it’s effortless to feel to rechamber rounds. We usually try to use the standard manual of arms and hit the bolt release paddle on the AR, but we found out that it’s almost impossible to send the bolt home mag change when using a loop sling for stability without breaking its position. Troy ABR solved this issue for us, so Troy takes the point here.
Length of Magpul BAD & Troy Bolt Release
Magpul seems like a reliable and quality extended bolt release as it sticks out a little longer for my index finger to grab. Still, we find Troy a superior ambidextrous bolt release than the Magpul because it has less wiggle having a second screw that tightens it to the bolt release paddle, and the construction is sturdy and smooth. With this, Troy ABR earned another point.
Magpul Bad Lever Pros & Cons
PROS
- Speeds up the operation
- Thin, anti-snag profile and textured surfaces
- Machined from durable billet 6061-T6 aluminum
- Sleek and flowing
- Ability to lock back and release the bolt with a trigger finger
CONS
- Some complain it is too loose
- Overcrowding in the trigger guard
Troy ABR Pros & Cons
PROS
- Releases the bolt with a trigger finger
- Eliminates wasted motion
- Better bolt operation
- Quicker reloads
- Clearing of malfunctions is easier
CONS
- Uses a lot of Loctite to be secured
- Flat-head screw offers a shallow slot
Troy or Magpul BAD Lever? We Recommend...
In choosing between Magpul BAD Lever vs Troy, we recommend the Troy ABR because it features an easy engagement to lock or unlock the bolt and eliminates wasted motion. It also has better ambidextrous bolt release operation for quicker reloads and stronger hold as it uses two 0.05” hexagonal set screws.
Getting an upgrade? Check out out the best 6.5 Creedmoor AR muzzle brakes here.
Our #1 Recommendation
Troy
- Less wiggle
- Quicker reloads
- Better bolt operation
- Better hold/fit
