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

S W Bodyguard2 1
S W Bodyguard2 1

New: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 Revolver

Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 38 2.0: A snubbie refresh with a laser option.

Powell and Sharpe Take Main Event Titles at Browning Briley

Team Remington’s Brandon Powell and Madison Sharpe capture Main Event championships at the 2026 Browning Briley sporting clays tournament.

USA Clay Target League Tops 40,000 Student-Athletes This Spring

USA Clay Target League launches spring 2026 with 40,100 student-athletes on 2,094 teams, extending a record streak built on 55,832 annual participants in 2025.

3D-Printed Rimfire Can Tops 2025 TBAC Sound Summit

Off Grid Suppressors’ 3D-printed titanium Scorpius posted the quietest .22 LR numbers at the 2025 TBAC Silencer Summit in Cheyenne.

Tandemkross TKX22 Light Rifle: 3 Pounds, 6 Ounces of Competition-Ready Rimfire

Tandemkross enters the rifle business with the TKX22 Light Rifle, a 3-pound, 6-ounce semi-automatic .22 LR wonder built for steel shooting.

SK Customs Resurrects Al Capone’s ‘Sweetheart’ Colt 1911 with Limited Run

SK Customs recreates Al Capone’s engraved “Sweetheart” Colt 1911 in a 200-unit limited edition chambered in .45 ACP, shipping July 2026.

Interests



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