Foward Assist or not?

[fastford]

Going to build a couple of IRA lowers up with their new upper. At the current time all they have is an upper without forard assist. Is it really nessesary? I have never once used it on any of my other AR's wanting some options...

Chris

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

I've never needed them on either of my AR-10s. Usually it's a better idea to clear rounds that don't want to fully chamber instead of forcing them into battery.

The only time I ever seem to use the forward assist is when I'm showing a newb how to run an AR-15 and they ride the charging handle.

 

[fastford]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

thanks Salmonaxe!

anybody else?

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

On an AR10 chassis it's of little use...if that big, mean, finger chopping spring can't close the bolt then there's a good damn reason....
On an AR15 chassis only TRUE reason I have heard is to ease the bolt closed fully for stealthy use

 

[Scotts556]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

no its not if that round wont chamber when the bolt slams home then there is a fucking reason i didnt go. like stated above
"On an AR15 chassis only TRUE reason I have heard is to ease the bolt closed fully for stealthy use"

scott

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

I have always been a big fan of having the foward assist on any of my rifles(AR-15 or 308s) I like having the option instead of needing the option and not having it.

 

[match308]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

Truth is that the foreward assist was an afterthought on Stoners design. The Army when fielding the first models used ammo that burned dirtier and clogged up the works with carbon, decreasing gas flow with use. Add that to the fact that they were issued as to be "self cleaning" Note that the Air Force used the better ammo and the majority of Air Force A-1s didnt need and didnt have the first assist.

If you clean your weapon when needed, operate it properly (no riding the CH, and use good ammo and mags) in all likelyhood the FA is unneeded. Brownells sells a Delrin plug that plugs the hole if it bothers you.

 

[Scarlett_Red]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

+1 for stealth, I use it all the time to chamber a round early in the morning for coyote hunting. bolt slamming noise is never a good thing, and rechambering at each new stand after a truck ride adds to its use. I wish they would have milled out an option like on vltor uppers where you can add it later if desired.

 

[fastford]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

the plan is to build more of a LR 260 remmy out of it. for that purpose, i guess the non Forward assist will be ok, what would you guys do?

 

[alien319]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

If you think you'll want the Forward Assist then wait and get the one with the FA. If not, then get the build moving and get the current upper you speak of!

Brent

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

My AR10 upper does not have one and I have not given it a second thought.

However ALL of my AR15s have them and probably always will. I have used it in the past and will probably need it again in the future.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fastford</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the plan is to build more of a LR 260 remmy out of it. for that purpose, i guess the non Forward assist will be ok, what would you guys do? </div></div>
What are you going to be doing with this gun? That would make the call for me. (3-gun, Varmint, Deer)

 

[fastford]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

Steel, hogs....

 

[match308]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

Just get it, otherwise S.P.O.R.T.S. would just be S.P.O.R.S.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

If you just want it for steel or hogs then buy the gun without it. Unless you have to be super quiet while loading or combat quick three gun comps then you don't need the FA. Good luck!

 

[ecdbcd]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

I've used mine once on an IDF clone to get into battery, and the case got stuck after the round discharged. I haven't had to use it since.

 

[Scottmilk9]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

If your not using it for combat, then you shouldn't need it. If you gun doesn't go into battery there's something wrong and shouldn't be forced in.

 

[fockell]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

Scott is right, I was at a match once, forced the round in with the FA and then when the gun cycled it ripped the case head off and the spent cartridge was stuck. Had to finish the match with a pistol, turns out pistols really are only a back-up weapon. I finished poorly. ---Brandon

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

Get the FA.

I wouldn't own an AR without one.

I use it to ensure that the rifle is fully into battery after chambering the first round of each mag, as I was taught. If I hit any resistance, it's my trouble indicator, and I immediately back off to deal with the issue.

The problem with FAs is than people think they need to beat on them. When I use one it's with gentle thumb pressure, to explore, rather than to slammit.

It allows me to quietly ease the bolt carrier home, then gently thumb the carrier firmly into battery.

I have some doubts about people who feel they need to pound on their firearms.

Greg

 

[Hummer]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

when they get hot (about third/fourth mag) sometimes it is needed but rarely. That is on new ammo. On reloads and questionable case geometry (not being sized enough by bad die) then all bets are off. I would get the FA. If you are getting rounds needing it early in first/second mag then you most likely will have die geometry problems.

 

[benjaminzero]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

As greg said, there is no need to pound on the forward assist, correct action is with just thumb pressure. The same action can be applied using the indent on the side of the bolt. If I remember that indent was the original "forward assist" feature on early m16's. Although this is only practical for quiet first round seating before heat-up.

 

[CavalrySoldier3ACR]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

I have never had a need for it, but I'm kind of glad my weapon had it on there. I was in several firefights, sandstorms, dirt, filth etc.. and never needed it, but it doesn't hurt to have it either. It's kind of like nipples on a man, he doesn't really need them, there there just in case.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get the FA.

I wouldn't own an AR without one.

I use it to ensure that the rifle is fully into battery after chambering the first round of each mag, as I was taught. If I hit any resistance, it's my trouble indicator, and I immediately back off to deal with the issue.

The problem with FAs is than people think they need to beat on them. When I use one it's with gentle thumb pressure, to explore, rather than to slammit.

It allows me to quietly ease the bolt carrier home, then gently thumb the carrier firmly into battery.

<span style="color: #FF0000">I have some doubts about people who feel they need to pound on their firearms.</span>
Greg </div></div>

Greg, I've noted you ALWAYS come up with some notable and witty comments.Bet you're the kind of guy who has people cracking up on a daily basis!

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

The notch in the bolt is the forward assist, you use your thumb and push it forward if you have too... that is all the pressure you should need.

That is the reason there is that relief there, it's for your thumb.

 

[fockell]

Re: Foward Assist or not?

I thought the contoured relief are was to clear the boss on the dust cover? I guess you could push it with your thumb. Might get kinda HOT!!--Brandon