Competition worthy brass catcher for AR-15?
- Thread starter Blazin
- Start date
Have been using a Caldwell pic mount bag on 6.5 Grendel and 6.5CM AR’s, and once adjusted/set up properly, has been largely reliable. I hate shagging brass, especially Lapua, and this allows for more focus on shooting than tracking your brass.
Depends on the definition of reasonably priced but I will recommend tactical brass recovery. They are pretty expensive but very well made and if you have any issues or jams it is easily pushed out of the way and also easy to show clear. Not sure which types of competitions you are shooting.
Well, then here's my idea:
Maintain the ergonomics, weight, and maneuverability of your rifle by NOT shooting brass expensive enough to worry about losing a few.
The targets are not small enough to count for the difference in premium brass, given that my current long range AR shoots 1/3 MOA with Lake City.
-Nate
Maintain the ergonomics, weight, and maneuverability of your rifle by NOT shooting brass expensive enough to worry about losing a few.
The targets are not small enough to count for the difference in premium brass, given that my current long range AR shoots 1/3 MOA with Lake City.
-Nate
Another vote for Tactical Brass Recovery.
Run a .308 version and a .223 version but reality you can get by with just the .308 if you dont mind the slight oversizing.
I got the standard ADM model but for comp use the hinged model would be good insurance.
Not cheap but you can choose the fabric catch bag in a material to match your shirt and pants.
Run a .308 version and a .223 version but reality you can get by with just the .308 if you dont mind the slight oversizing.
I got the standard ADM model but for comp use the hinged model would be good insurance.
Not cheap but you can choose the fabric catch bag in a material to match your shirt and pants.
So the tactical recovery is good. (It better be)
Anyone have an issue with the Caldwell pic mount version though?
Anyone have an issue with the Caldwell pic mount version though?
If you’re running BUIS on pic rail, and a QD mount like ADM or Bobro with optic, it’s going to be tight for clearing mount and lining up basket on an AR15-AR10 has a bit more room on rail, but you’ll need it to get basket forward enough to catch brass and not interfere with ejection. I flipped most of mine over to Nightforce one pc 20moa mounts and now have room, but had to ditch BIUS’s. All said, once you’ve made the accommodation, it works, for about $35-40.
I have the Caldwell on 3 rifles with zero complaints. It gets heavy if you run a couple 30 round mags and don't empty it but no system is going to remedy that issue. It's pretty easy to set up and I've had zero functional issues. The only problem is if you run a full length handle rear sight there is no room to mount the attachment. Running BUIS or scopes, not an issue.
$200+ for a brass catcher??? Seems I'd run cheap brass and leave it in the dirt for that....
$200+ for a brass catcher??? Seems I'd run cheap brass and leave it in the dirt for that....
This is exactly what I thought at first. I'm pretty damn cheap and kept going back and looking at TBR and other options. Then one day I was trying to find damn creedmoor brass in the grass and said fuck it I'm buying one. I haven't lost a piece of brass since and use it on several rifles (6.5 Creed, Grendel, 308. I don't usually care about 223 brass) It's a adm qd so easily switched and the feature of being able to push it open to show clear or if it causes an issue during a stage is a must for competitions. No issues yet from mine knock on wood.
Another intangible from running one is after a stage you just pick your rifle up and go get ready for the next stage. No more waiting till that stage is done to try to reclaim your brass from the pile. Which is usually all over the place with a gasser anyway.
TBR is really the only place to look. They're awesome. I shoot on someone else's private land and use them so I don't leave brass everywhere like a jerk. I use them on MP5s, UMPs, HK91s, ARs -- everything I have that spits a lot of brass. The owner has always been extremely helpful in finding which model will suit a certain weapon, at times modifying something and even making custom bags out of material I've sent him.
Awesome product made by an awesome company. Buy one.
Awesome product made by an awesome company. Buy one.
FYI the operator model pivots out of the way, up to 180 degrees, and settles into detents. The cheaper model is flexible enough for you to pull it away from the action to show clear but will not stay put. The operator is substantially heavier than the base model tho, and additional expense.
Both catch brass.
FWIW - Some pictures of the TBR on my LaRue large frame. This is the Operator folder but I could only find one picture of it folded.
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I suggest using Hornady 75gr Steel Match in those instances where recovery is doubtful, and reliability (I.e having to deal with a brass catcher when clearing a Malf) is a worry. Wears problem due to steel cases appear to be rather overstated, and I reserve this ammunition for the occasions I mentioned.
When a brass catcher is more advisable, I use the Caldwell Pic Rail Brass Catcher because the mounting is more secure, yet is easiest to disengage for a Malf. Additional pic rail adapters allow one catcher to be employed on a number of additional rifles.
Single feed for AR's can be simplified using a SLED (Single Loading Enhancement Device) or Single Feed Magazine Follower. I have both, they work well (after some tweaking to the follower).
Greg
When a brass catcher is more advisable, I use the Caldwell Pic Rail Brass Catcher because the mounting is more secure, yet is easiest to disengage for a Malf. Additional pic rail adapters allow one catcher to be employed on a number of additional rifles.
Single feed for AR's can be simplified using a SLED (Single Loading Enhancement Device) or Single Feed Magazine Follower. I have both, they work well (after some tweaking to the follower).
Greg
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TBR Operator model. Hands down. On my OBR, they were the only good option since it needed to be top mounted, with some off-set for the one-piece scope mount I run. I tried the cadwell; it's apparent that you're running a $40 catcher. Also had some melting in it. Attachment and removal system on the cadwell is clearly designed for a clean range; dirt and dust really made it a pain to put on and remove. TBR Operator, you can easily flip it forward to have full access to the ejection port, without having to fumble with a separate bag of brass in addition to all your other crap once the stage is completed. ADM throw lever mount is extremely reliable and easy to work with; fast too.
Bite the bullet and go TBR. Soon as they have one for bolt guns, I'm buying it.
Bite the bullet and go TBR. Soon as they have one for bolt guns, I'm buying it.
I was gonna ask if anyone has ever given one of these a shot on a bolt gun?
Lapua brass in gas gun makes as much sense as wearing silk socks in rubber boots. If you are gonna lose the brass at a match use LC or Winchester and stop crying.
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How is asking about a brass catcher crying?
If he's shooting competitively, he should absolutely use what gives him the best consistency, and find other ways to mitigate cost, which is exactly why he's asking.
Revisiting; it looks like Hornady 75gr Steel Match is a thing of the past. No matter, with the Caldwell Pic Rail brass catcher the good brass gets caught just fine for me.
Using it can be a hassle if you're using a single piece scope mount, so I've upgraded(?) my scope mounts to Nikon P series two piece units. They generally allow mounting the base block centered on the ejection port, and I also use ABUIS (Angled BUIS) sights and all of this appears to be compatible for my AR-15 and PA-10 setups.
Greg
Using it can be a hassle if you're using a single piece scope mount, so I've upgraded(?) my scope mounts to Nikon P series two piece units. They generally allow mounting the base block centered on the ejection port, and I also use ABUIS (Angled BUIS) sights and all of this appears to be compatible for my AR-15 and PA-10 setups.
Greg
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Just used my Tactical Brass Recovery unit at a match yesterday. It was great.
FWIW... be sure to try it out prior to competition ... mine would bounce brass back into the action, prior to adjusting the bags position.
After adjusting... all was GTG.
