Inherent Benefits of Ambidextrous Controls

I used to view ambidextrous controls as a novelty thing you add to your AR-15. As I entered law enforcement nearly two decades ago, that thought was reaffirmed to me. You see, most ambi controls back then were aftermarket modifications, which is a big no-no in the LE world. I can still hear my instructor saying, “Modifying your gun is a good way to get sued.”

So, I went years with the mindset that anything beyond a basic mil-spec firearm was a bad idea. I mean, why change what has worked for so long anyway? But then I started going to training classes taught by competition shooters, where speed is the focus. I was outdone by just about every barely-adult shooter with a tricked-out AR carbine on the range.

They had shiny, colorful rifles with oversized ambidextrous controls, aftermarket triggers, and custom grips. Suddenly, I realized my years of facing a target and waiting for the command to fire had not been that helpful. Working in the LE world, I also realized that shootings never take place slowly or while standing still. Accuracy combined with speed and movement were key to survival.

As I started to learn how to shoot faster and shoot while moving, I realized my rifle was holding me back. I’m not left-handed, so I brushed off the idea of ambi controls at first. But as others continued to outpace me, I realized they were faster because there was less movement during their mag changes. Here are a few things I found helpful with ambi controls on my AR-15.

Ambidextrous Safety

The obvious benefit of ambidextrous safety is shooting left-handed. Even for those normal people who are not left-handed (sorry lefties), some incorporate switching hands into their training. Firing an AR-15 with the safety on the wrong side is more than an inconvenience. But for me, there was a bigger benefit.

No matter how fast or accurate you are, all training must incorporate safe handling procedures. This includes working the safety selector frequently on an AR-15. Changing positions, running, and performing other functions with a rifle all require the use of the safety selector. I can flip the safety off without changing the grip on my AR, but to flip it back on, I have to pivot my hand just a little.

With an ambidextrous safety, I can use my trigger finger to flip the safety back into place without adjusting my grip. You don’t really understand how much difference a fraction of a second is worth until you shoot in a competition. Every small movement you can eliminate makes you a fraction of a second faster. For competition shooters, this is the difference between winning and losing. In a self-defense incident, it could be the difference between life and death.

I’ve heard some say that an ambidextrous safety gets in the way of their trigger finger, and for some, this may be true. It doesn’t bother me at all, but there are some other options if this is a problem. The most common is to use a 45-degree safety selector. With this type of safety, the selector does not stick down as much, and it is often shorter than a standard mil-spec safety.

Ambidextrous Mag Release

Just like the safety selector, an ambidextrous mag release makes sense for left-handed shooters, right? However, it can also be beneficial for right-handed shooters. One of the most beneficial things I found with an ambi mag release is locking the bolt open. If you are gripping your rifle with your right hand and pulling the charging handle back with the left, locking it open is not easy. I find most people revert to switching hands so they can pull the charging handle with their right hand and push on the bolt stop with their left. This function may not matter as much when you’re shooting, but it’s still another great safety feature. It keeps you from needing to move the rifle around and switch hands or remove your grip on the rifle to reach under and push the bolt stop.

When performing mag changes, I am still used to pushing the bolt release with my thumb as I seat the magazine. I also revert to smacking it with the palm of my hand when I’m moving, and my adrenaline is high. But I have watched some shooters move their finger from the mag release to the bolt release as they change mags, and it’s fast. This takes some practice and getting used to, but it’s a great option for increasing speed.

Can ambidextrous controls be added to a standard AR?

The answer to this question is not so simple. Changing the safety selector is not an issue and can be swapped out on any mil-spec AR-15 rifle. However, when it comes to the bolt stop/release, it’s a different story. Some companies make kits to convert the bolt release to ambi controls, but I have not had good luck with them.

Many of these kits require you to modify your lower receiver so the slide release lever can pass through to the other side. Once the controls are there, they kind of stick out like a sore thumb. Rifles made to be ambidextrous are designed to keep things from catching on the controls.

My Daniel Defense, for example, has raised areas in the receiver that sit flush with the mag release on the left side so it’s not pushed accidentally. While you can convert a rifle to be fully ambidextrous, I would recommend purchasing a factory ambi AR. If all you want is an ambidextrous safety, they are extremely easy to change and very affordable.

Have you tried a full ambidextrous AR?

Every AR-15 rifle does not have to be ambidextrous, and there is nothing wrong with a standard mil-spec rifle, either. Some argue that ambidextrous rifles have more moving parts and, therefore, more to go wrong with them. Not all my rifles are ambidextrous, and I use them all the time. But after training with one for several years, I can say I’m much faster when I’m using my fully ambidextrous rifle.

I never like to say a firearm must be a certain way. Everyone has likes and dislikes and some things work better for some people. But if you haven’t used an AR-15 that is set up with ambi controls, I would at least give it a try. Multiple gun manufacturers produce full ambidextrous rifles. Most of them cost a little more because of the modification, but I think the extra money is well worth the benefits.

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