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

Holidaygift2025 Rifles 1 Lede
Holidaygift2025 Rifles 1 Lede

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Curated rifle gift picks for competitive shooters—perfect for newcomers and veterans this holiday season.

Four Team Remington Shooters Named to 2026 NSCA USA Sporting Clays Squad

Four top Team Remington shooters added to 2026 NSCA USA Sporting Clays Team roster, poised for international competition dominance.

Max Michel Joins Staccato in New Leadership Role

Max Michel joins Staccato as VP of Training, Marketing and Brand Ambassadorship, returning to the company that launched his career.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Pistols

A curated 2025 holiday guide highlighting top pistols and standout gift options for competition shooters and handgun enthusiasts.

Seth Innes Dominates 2025 Florida State Precision Pistol Championships in Jacksonville

Seth Innes secures multiple titles at 2025 NRA Florida State Precision Pistol Championships, held under perfect October skies.

Collegiate Rifle: No. 1 Nebraska Outlasts No. 7 UTEP in 4717–4713 Thriller

Nebraska stayed unbeaten with a narrow 4717-4713 win at UTEP, leaning on Charlie Mick’s career day and a dominant air-rifle finish.

Interests



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