Preview: HM Defense HMB Bolt

by
posted on October 16, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hm1.jpg

HM Defense recently announced the all-new HMB Bolt, an enhanced durability bolt for AR-style rifles. Under extensive use a standard bolt can fail at the cam pin hole location. Accordingly, the HMB Bolt corrects what HM Defense calls “a natural weak point in existing mil-spec M16, AR-10 and AR-15 bolts where the cam pin hole passes through the bolt.” Even better, the company is offering the new product at a special introductory price of $69, a savings of $16 over MSRP.

New HMB Bolt schematic
HMB Bolt cross-section.

The HMB Bolt eliminates the pass-through cam pin hole and replaces it with a cam pin socket and tapered cam pin design. This new patent-pending design removes the natural weak point of mil-spec bolts by greatly increasing the amount of metal (and strength) at the cam pin location. According to the company, this will result in “no more broken bolts.” The new bolt is built from 9310 steel, has a 4340-hardened steel cam pin, and a nitride black finish.

“The HMB Bolt design provides a substantial improvement in long-term durability over the existing mil-spec bolt,” said Clay Barker, general manager at HM Defense. “Every M16 and AR rifle can benefit from our new HMB Bolt design.”

Additionally, the HMB Bolt reduces contact between cam pin and firing pin, enabling the smoother operation of firing pin, bolt lugs and aft gas rings. The new cam pin socket will also retain lubrication for extended periods.

The HMB Bolt is 100 percent compatible with mil-spec M16 and AR-15 bolt carrier groups. It can be installed as a drop-in bolt replacement for AR-style rifles, and will be standard on all HM Defense HM15 rifles. It will also be available for purchase as an HM Defense bolt replacement kit or in a complete HMB Bolt Carrier Group.

Latest

1A 2025 Cover Lede
1A 2025 Cover Lede

Year In Review: SSUSA Covers Of 2025

A look back at Shooting Sports USA’s 2025 covers, celebrating championship highlights and marking the final chapter of the digital magazine.

Five Classic Competitive Shooting Books to Sharpen Your Skills

Five essential books packed with tips, techniques and wisdom for competition shooters who want to level up.

New: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta’s AX800 Suprema for waterfowl hunting features advanced gas cycling and tough Steelium Pro barrels built for the harshest conditions.

Understanding Ogive Jive

Explains bullet ogive shapes—tangent, secant and hybrid—how geometry affects aerodynamics, seating depth sensitivity, twist rates and real-world accuracy for precision shooters.

Remembering The 2014 NRA Open Air Gun Nationals

From the vault: Our coverage of the 2014 Open Air Gun Nationals, which allowed air gun competitors to participate at one of 15 locations around the country.

New: Cabot Guns Rebellion MAX

Cabot Guns’ new Rebellion MAX is a 28-ounce double-stack 1911 with a $6,295 starting price.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.