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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:25:31 AM EDT
[#1]
That is correct. If you keep your rifle cleaned and lubed, chances are good that you will never need to use it. However if you're running around in the desert, getting it covered in sand and dirt, going a long time before cleaning, then the chances of a round failing to chamber are increased and in those situations it's a very good thing to have.
The only other time I've heard of people using it regularly is when hunting. In order to keep the noise down, riding the charging handle to keep it from slamming and scaring any game, then you'll most likely need to push the FA to get the rifle into battery. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:30:58 AM EDT
[#2]
The short answer is no, it is not needed. IF you don't know how to use it or train using it then it is not needed. If you are building something that you might one day take to a class then you should make the effort to find an upper with forward assist.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:34:19 AM EDT
[#3]
There is no need for them. My rifles don't have them.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:40:54 AM EDT
[#4]
AR Forward Assist Gas Vent
You will get a load of different answers, but my opinion is that shoving a defective cartridge further into the barrel with excessive force is kind of a bassackwards way to fix a problem. I wouldnt want to ruin the throat of my barrel if there was actually a substantial grain of sand in the front of the cartridge. I am in no way associated with the above, but have it on my rifle, only because i got a FA upper and needed to fill the hole for it. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:42:23 AM EDT
[#5]
Search must not be needed nobody uses it apparently.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:15:53 AM EDT
[#6]
I like Aero and I have one of their uppers for my first build I am working on. If they made one without the FA I would buy it. I'm certainly no authority on this. I have a M&P Sport that does not have one or a dust cover and I like the openness of it. I might just leave the dust cover off even with the installed FA. That is if it's not breaking the law.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 11:58:22 AM EDT
[#7]
I tried to get Aero to make uppers without the forward assist but was unsuccessful. Eventually I organized a successful campaign here to convince Rainier Arms to make them. Unfortunately they are currently out of stock.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 12:47:03 PM EDT
[#8]
You should never use the forward assist as a malfunction clearance aid. If a cartridge cannot load, pushing on it will make the problem worse not better. Eject the bad cartridge.
It's a convenience feature for administrative handling, to ensure bolt closure after loading/press checking or quiet loading. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 1:49:54 PM EDT
[#9]
SPORTS
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Posted: 5/26/2013 1:52:50 PM EDT
[#10]
Generally no. I personally never use it.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 2:35:46 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
SPORTS SPORTS is a substandard technique. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 2:52:13 PM EDT
[#12]
I use FA when I don't want to let the BCG slam full-force. fa can used to help chambering one round (while bolt locked back) without slamming the whole thing.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 3:27:46 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
SPORTS SPORTS is a substandard technique. It is what I had beaten into my head and is generally why I use my forward assist. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 4:16:16 PM EDT
[#14]
It's not too late to learn a better way.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 4:27:11 PM EDT
[#15]
Being a civilian - I have found it to be a pointless weight and contour addition. It can have uses, but then a second bayonet lug could have its uses I suppose. Overall, I don't find the inclusion benefits to offset the extra weight (and it doesn't weigh much - meaning its that useless to me).
I have never noticed enough mechanical advantage in the thing to slam home an insufficient resized case any way. If a slamming bolt won't close it - the FA sure wont. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 4:52:36 PM EDT
[#16]
I use my forward assist to quietly chamber a round while hunting. That way I don't have to let the bolt ram home making unnecessary noise.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 4:53:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Never use the FA but don't like the way a non-FA upper looks.
Stupid of me? Maybe. 
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Posted: 5/26/2013 5:01:19 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
It's not too late to learn a better way. Could you describe this "better way"? I ask merely for information. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 5:27:09 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
It's not too late to learn a better way. Tap, rack, bang? |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 5:52:38 PM EDT
[#20]
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it....<><....:)
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Posted: 5/26/2013 5:54:45 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I use my forward assist to quietly chamber a round while hunting. That way I don't have to let the bolt ram home making unnecessary noise. +1 |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 7:01:44 PM EDT
[#22]
It also helps if you want to do a brass check to see if there's a round loaded. Pull the charging handle just enough to see brass, then use the FA to re-chamber the round.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 7:02:47 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
It also helps if you want to do a brass check to see if there's a round loaded. Pull the charging handle just enough to see brass, then use the FA to re-chamber the round. Yep this too. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:09:39 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
It also helps if you want to do a brass check to see if there's a round loaded. Pull the charging handle just enough to see brass, then use the FA to re-chamber the round. +1 on that and for the quiet chambering. The FA has its uses, just not for everyone. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:24:04 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's not too late to learn a better way. Tap, rack, bang? Push, pull, rack and roll. If that doesn't clear it, pull the mag, lock the bolt, swipe the action with your fingers, rack three times and reload. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:32:57 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's not too late to learn a better way. Tap, rack, bang? Push, pull, rack and roll. If that doesn't clear it, pull the mag, lock the bolt, swipe the action with your fingers, rack three times and reload. HUGE +1 |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 12:41:57 AM EDT
[#28]
I think it's needed because a previous round could have been loaded light and not allowing current round enough cyclic action to fully feed. I have seen this and needed the FA when using bulk ammo and some boxed ammo that was loaded light like Winchester white box.
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Posted: 5/27/2013 1:14:57 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
I think it's needed because a previous round could have been loaded light and not allowing current round enough cyclic action to fully feed. I have seen this and needed the FA when using bulk ammo and some boxed ammo that was loaded light like Winchester white box. So how do you determine the source of the issue? Can you do it at night? Under NODs? Under pressure? Or would you rather clear it and move on with your life? |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 10:35:38 AM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Quoted:
It also helps if you want to do a brass check to see if there's a round loaded. Pull the charging handle just enough to see brass, then use the FA to re-chamber the round. +1 on that and for the quiet chambering. The FA has its uses, just not for everyone. +2 Also, if your spring is wearing out and needs to be replaced, but you're in combat or just can't wait long enough for the new one and you want to shoot, your rounds may not be chambered properly and you may need the FA to ensure lug locking. ETA: I also have the Rainier upper w/o forward assist previously mentioned. That one's on my 3gun rifle just because I know the ammo, I don't need to do things covertly, and I can get replacement parts easily. Other of my rifles have it because A: it's a long-range gun and weight isn't a concern, B: it's a stealth gun and noise is a concern, or C: it's a SHTF gun and I just would rather have the option and not need it than find out I need it and not have it. |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 10:38:40 AM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I think it's needed because a previous round could have been loaded light and not allowing current round enough cyclic action to fully feed. I have seen this and needed the FA when using bulk ammo and some boxed ammo that was loaded light like Winchester white box. So how do you determine the source of the issue? Can you do it at night? Under NODs? Under pressure? Or would you rather clear it and move on with your life? If it's happening on every or almost every round, your source is likely ammo/charge or worn out spring. |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 11:19:26 AM EDT
[#32]
Some people get along without them.
I would not have an AR without one. I virtually never slingshot my ARs and I like to ride the CH to keep it quiet. If the dog alarm goes off in the night I am inclined to keep it quiet until I know what the situation is. Likewise if am out hunting I am inclined to keep the noise down. |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 3:22:29 PM EDT
[#33]
I needed the FA for TulAmmo.
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Posted: 5/27/2013 3:27:24 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Some people get along without them. I would not have an AR without one. I virtually never slingshot my ARs and I like to ride the CH to keep it quiet. If the dog alarm goes off in the night I am inclined to keep it quiet until I know what the situation is. Likewise if am out hunting I am inclined to keep the noise down. I approach this differently. I just never unload my rifles. |
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Posted: 5/27/2013 8:30:09 PM EDT
[#35]
the ability to quietly brass check along with the ability to quietly chamber are nice features to have
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