Hey! New guy here with a little thought. After having my upper for a while and putting a few thousand rounds through it with only one (rather major) issue, I've been noticing the forward charging handle is eating into the aluminum on the handguard, the little part that it rests on while not in use. Taking it off, I was thinking about possibly removing the folding part and welding on an old Savage 10 bolt handle. Just an idea but I think that would make it larger then neccisary. Any thoughts from you guys?

I've had mine since day one that they came out. The notch still works despite being worn down.

Yeah, it'd still work even if the notch was gone. Though it's a hassle to try and use the FCH while wearing gloves.

As much as I love the forward charging handle after I got my IC I realized I can live without it. I've used AR's for so long now I'm just used to a rear charging handle. I'll still use my BEAR though don't get me wrong.

The issue with the forward charging handle is you have steel making contact on the aluminum handguard. I will still recommend the BEAR to anyone that asks about it. Mine has served me reliably. It still doesn't have the hand built feel that come's with other rifles but for a mass produced rifle I'll put it up there with any colt or name brand out there.

Agreed. Still a very innovative and well preforming platform. But, as with anything, there are still some things that could be proved upon, like the aforementioned steel on aluminum, as well as a more user serviceable handguard. Couldn't get to clean all the nooks and crannies as I would like, but it still is a workhorse so far.