I am currently in the planning stages of building a couple of rifles and have questions about the uppers I see advertised, is the bolt assist necessary or are the "slick sided" just as good. These rifles will be used for casual or light service, no competition or prolonged usage between cleaning.Thanks, Patrick

The forward assist is no longer used, at least for it's original intent:  forcing the bolt closed on a round that for some reason didn't chamber on it's own.  "Modern" technique no longer calls for it's use so I would go slick side, given the option.

Today about all the FA is used for is closing the bolt after doing a press check to ensure the weapon is loaded, but even that isn't (or shouldn't) be necessary.  You load the weapon and it's loaded; if you feel a need to check it you are (IMO) doing it wrong.

That said, others will be along who swear by it...so the bottomline is do you think you will ever need it?  Select upper(s) accordingly.

That's kinda what I figured, thanks for the reply, I will be going with the "slicks". Patrick

I like the option of the fa. But never needed it :)

Check out CMT tactical. They are gtg and have slick side uppers.

The FA helps if your carrier doesn't go all the way into battery and most dont need it but under stress if you don't pull the CH back (or let go I should say) properly this can happen. You can always tap it closed by hand so not a must needed item. The main reason not to get a slick side is the shell deflector as I see this is a must have.

Having never fired a "slickside" will the shell hit you? Would like to build a LW rifle and wondered if that would be a problem. Right hand shooter BTW.

If you are on a sneak and want to close the bolt quietly the FA could be an advantage,
Others will say, just push with your thumb on the carrier cut-out.

On the other hand, the slick side lends itself to being machined for side charger duty.

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