One thing that always lifts my spirits is when companies innovate new ways to improve the often nonsensical laws of this state. The Bear Flag Defense BF-10 Loader is exactly one of those innovations created to lessen the sting of California’s restrictive rifle laws.
First Time I Used The BF-10 Loader
I placed my order for the BF-10 and received it only a few days later. The first thing I noticed after opening it up was that it felt really sturdy and well made. I was excited to give it a try and see how easy or difficult it was to use.
I had seen the videos of the owners at Bear Flag Defense using the BF-10 and they made it look pretty easy. For my first ever attempt to load 10 rounds into the BF-10 I got my iPhone out and used the timer to see how fast I could do it.
It took me 20-25 seconds to get 10 rounds into the BF-10 and another 15 seconds to load all 10 rounds into my rifle. The latter took longer than expected because the fit into my upper receiver was really snug and I learned that it must be inserted into the upper like an AK-47 magazine (front to back).
But after subsequent attempts the BF-10 began to “wear-in” and the fit into my upper receiver improved greatly making my attempts look more like the youtube video from the owners. After ten or so “charges” it was pretty easy and I could quickly and consistently load 10 rounds into my pmag without issue.
BF-10 after several charges in my AR-15, notice the notch “fitting” to my upper receiver.
Pros and Cons of the BF-10 Loader
Pros
- After having a chance to spend more time using the loader it continues to perform flawlessly. From a functional standpoint I do not have any issues with it, it does exactly what it is advertised to do.
- It fits into all my milspec uppers really well and easily loads 10 rounds of .223/5.56 or 300 Blackout pretty easily.
- I like that the bolt is not released after loading while I only have one hand holding the rifle.
Cons
- The first is pretty minor, and its that if you don’t read the directions and start loading rounds into the BF-10 with the follower open they will roll around inside forcing you to take it apart. This doesn’t take that long and you will probably only make the mistake once. Again, not a big deal.
- The only real downside to the Bear Flag Defense BF-10 loader is that it will not fit into non-milspec uppers whereas I hear the MA Loader fits nearly all uppers, milspec or not.
Why a Loader?
Currently in 2018, if you own an AR-15 that is not registered as an assault weapon it must either be featureless (Click here for my article on California Compliant Ar-15’s) or have the magazine fixed/locked to your lower receiver. If you go with the latter, you are able to keep all your “evil” features in place.
The question often asked is then how do you reload your rifle in a way that makes your gun still functionally useful. The answer to that mainly comes down to two different options at this point in time: using some form of magazine lock that requires you to break the action of the rifle or using a loader device like the BF-10.
I currently have all my rifles featureless but wanted to give a loader a try. The two most prevalent loaders I know of are the Mean Arms MA Loader and the Bear Flag Defense BF-10.
Why I Chose the BF-10 Over The MA Loader
When I compared the the two options a few things stood out to me. The first is that when using the Mean Loader to charge your rifle it will automatically release the bolt loading a round into the chamber. Although I’m not sure this is really a concern it didn’t settle well with me for two reasons. The first is that I did not want to be loading a round into the chamber while I was only holding the rifle using one hand.
From a safety perspective this may not be an issue but for me I just feel like I have more control when I manually release the bolt with both hands firmly on the rifle. The next thing that stood out to me was the BF-10 just seemed a little beefier and a little more robust. That’s not to say the MA Loader is delicate, but based on appearances I gave the advantage to the BF-10.
In the near future I plan to purchase the MA Loader to give it a fair assessment. The last reason I chose the BF-10 over the MA Loader was due to the cost, the BF-10 is a tad cheaper at $35 verses $40 for the MA Loader.
Final Thoughts
This is a great product and it makes me happy there are innovative companies like Bear Flag Defense that are trying to help out the law abiding citizens of California. For those that don’t want to register their rifles as assault weapons or want to install strange looking grips and stocks, the BF-10 is a great option to consider.
I will likely keep most of my AR-15’s featureless just because I believe it is the best way to preserve the functionality of the rifle. With that said it is hard to beat the traditional setup of an AR-15 with all the “evil features” and the BF-10 allows you the freedom to do so. I think it just gives me another excuse to build another rifle…
Give Bear Flag Defense a look here.
Note: I am in no way connected to Bear Flag Defense or receive compensation from them, just a satisfied customer.
Caligunner Copyright © 2018.