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

1990 NRA Nationalmatches History Campperry 2
1990 NRA Nationalmatches History Campperry 2

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Westin Anderson Wins Junior HOA Title at 50th Spring Grand American

Westin Anderson wins Junior HOA and Singles champion titles while Ziggy Tkaczenko sweeps the wheelchair division at 50th Spring Grand American in Tucson.

Interests



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