mike cyrwus
.223
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A new school of thought has been evolving for the last few years regarding AR-15 immediate action, and I pretty much agree, that fwd assist creates more problems than it could probably solve.
Do you use the forward assist on an AR15?
- Thread starter mike cyrwus
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Agreed. Get to your pistol, then fix the rifle......
Spiff
Semi-Pro
The only thing I use a fwd assist for is a bump after a press check, but checking the mag to make sure the round switched sides works for competition rifles.
shootingbuff
Well-Known Fanatic
Roger that - transition.
Absolutely 100% agree. I spent 4 years in the marines and never used the forward assist, not once. in fact, just like you said, it was responsible for far more malfunctions than it ever prevented.
You all probably know this already but Stoner's origional design didnt even have a forward assist. it wasnt until vietnam when our govt, in all their wisdom, decided not to issue cleaning kits or even a lubricant to us soldiers that a forward asist was added. of course, once they wised up and issued lube a forward assist wasnt really needed!
Loki Weapon Systems
.223
I appreciate the input. However, it has been vague statements so far and I would greatly appreciate hearing a more detailed explanation of what malfunction happened due to the forward assist being on the rifle. Thank you gentlemen.
Ive shot quite a bit in dirty conditions with HEAVILY used rifles, the forward assist can be a life saver if your gun is government issue and your about number 217 to use and abuse it, that one moment the bolt doesnt seat maybe your last, thats why it was put there. It may not be needed if you are the only owner and you clean your weapon and dont go into a dirty combat environment. I just think that if you really want a rifle to be a more reliable platform you take all steps to have the "what ifs" covered. I like my FA right where it is, and I have never see a new AR platform weapon fail because of the forward assist, and trust me, I worked right next door to the largest infantry weapons shop in the Marine Corps on the east coast, I saw a lot of weapons.
dennishoddy
Moderator
On a sporting/competition rifle, I dont see the need for a FA.
In the day when I used my rifle to stay alive, the FA was essential to "assist" in a silent load on a dirty rifle.
In the day when I used my rifle to stay alive, the FA was essential to "assist" in a silent load on a dirty rifle.
That's the only reason I can think of, but you can push a bolt forward with your fingers through the ejection port, too, if you need to be all sneaky-like.
Anyway, I'm pretty neutral on the matter.
Spiff
Semi-Pro
But then I'll get my dainty white fingers all dirty.
mike cyrwus
.223
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big deal, I watch the military channel
mike cyrwus
.223
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when a round wont chamber, probably the worst thing you want to do is force it in.
What a dick...I parked next to a lambo once.nthequiet:
That's what she said.
Ksmirk
Well-Known Fanatic
I've been looking for another upper and have really been kicking the idea of no FA. My AR's are not hunting rifles or used to protect my life everyday so far that is, I see it as a reduction in weight and something I just don't need granted not much weight just less stuff. Now if your asking which is better? I have no freakin' clue if one is better than the other. Later,
Kirk
Kirk
dennishoddy
Moderator
With todays rifles and powders, etc, I totally agree. One only needs to google the early days of the M-16 to see the real story of why the FA was installed. Dirty powder, lack of a system to clean the weapon, etc contributed to its initial bad reputation for being a jamming POS. In my day in the Jungle, soldiers used battlefield picked up AK's, Model 12 shotguns, or anything they get vs an M16. OlSlyGuy touched on this.
I can assure you, its not comfortable to have to stop in the middle of a firefight, pull the BCG, wipe it with your shirt tail just to get back into the fight.
It would be impossible to bring the BCG into battery with your fingers. There were times that jamming the FA against bamboo stalks was the only way as it was a single shot.
I hope that this will help some understand the history of the AR platform.
Modern processes have brought this gun light years forward from its conception.
Erik:
What I referred to is that it is faster and more positive to transition to a pistol than to dink with a rifle, when bullets are being exchanged. Malfunctions in the rifle can be pretty time intensive to clear. My area of operation is somewhat different than the guys running 3gun, where transitions might not be appropriate/illegal.
I dont have issues with forward assist, and I dont know that I ever have seen a problem that can be blamed on one or it's use. What I've seen are ammo, magazine, cleaning/lubrication, or user induced malfunctions. Or a combination of any.
