User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:01:35 PM EDT
[#1]
1) Insert finger into the open ejection port, press forward on the bolt group. The dished out area of the bolt carrier can be pressed forward with your finger.
2) Rack the action to cycle a fresh round of ammo into the chamber. This gets rid of the round that was not chambered- either it was too large/deformed/debris,etc...whatever the reason, you just get it out to present a new cartridge into the chamber. #2 works best, but you waste rounds. If the rifle is not chambering fresh rounds, it has something wrong or needs more lube. Gotta figure out what needs the attention if your rifle doesn't want to run.........That's why the fighting rifle should still have a forward assist 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:05:14 PM EDT
[#2]
You shouldnt have that problem on a quality AR..the forward assist is useless if a round wont chamber having a mechanism that forces the round can be very bad.The forward assist was for back in the day when there was no chromelined anything and maintinence or knowledge of needs and demands for the rifle were neglected to be taught.If a round wont chamber do whats done on every other battle rifle..manualy eject and rechamber a fresh round.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:11:27 PM EDT
[#3]
I thought the FA was added because the military was using shi* powder and the rifles were in some of the poorest conditions possible, that the cartridge had to be rammed into the chamber often enough to require the addition. I doubt that unless you ran dirty ammo without cleaning for an extended period of time, it shouldn't be a problem.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:13:59 PM EDT
[#4]
The FA is unnecessary.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:14:02 PM EDT
[#5]
DPMS has made a version without a forward assist and ejection port cover for years. I only use the forward assist as a final check to ensure the bolt is fully in battery after loading. I agree with the previous posters––don't forced an oversized round into the chamber.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:16:05 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I thought the FA was added because the military was using shi* powder and the rifles were in some of the poorest conditions possible, that the cartridge had to be rammed into the chamber often enough to require the addition. 
If you do that you will just create a much more serious malfunction. Forward assist is an aid to administrative handling only, and is generally recognized as either a convenience feature or else just superfluous. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:27:04 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I thought the FA was added because the military was using shi* powder and the rifles were in some of the poorest conditions possible, that the cartridge had to be rammed into the chamber often enough to require the addition.
If you do that you will just create a much more serious malfunction. Forward assist is an aid to administrative handling only, and is generally recognized as either a convenience feature or else just superfluous. Amazing, what people think. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:27:59 PM EDT
[#8]
I have never used the forward assist. If I ever had a round not fully chamber I ususally found it was due to an issue with the ammo, or a problem with the gun that should be addressed rather than forcing the round in.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:33:17 PM EDT
[#9]
It's for use during a press check.
Also better to have and not need than not have at all. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:36:05 PM EDT
[#10]
Stoner fought the foward assist for the reasons above. He felt the bolt should never be forced. The original design did not have one. The Army made him add it.
And the design called for chrome chambers..... |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:38:07 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
It's for use during a press check. Also better to have and not need than not have at all. +1 |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 5:54:33 PM EDT
[#12]
The one time I used my FA to fully close the bolt, it just firmly crimped a blown primer onto one of the bolt lugs 
Moral of the story: if your bolt won't close, there's probably a reason. Smashing it closed is not a good solution. The only time I'll ever use it again is to quietly chamber a first round when hunting or something. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 6:10:25 PM EDT
[#13]
We were trained in Basic to always hit the FA 3 times after chambering a round. I never needed to, I just did it out of habit. Last year, after chambering a round, my bolt didn't go all the way forward. Out of habit I hit the FA 3 times with the heel of my hand. All I succeeded in doing was driving the messed up case so far into the chamber that I had to use a BIG screwdriver through the magwell and pry the bolt back to get the round ejected. Instead of just pulling back on the charging handle and chambering a new round, I caused a bigger malfunction that took the rifle out of service. I just redid the rifle with a Colt slickside upper
 , no more of that problem.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 6:13:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
The one time I used my FA to fully close the bolt, it just firmly crimped a blown primer onto one of the bolt lugs
Moral of the story: if your bolt won't close, there's probably a reason. Smashing it closed is not a good solution. The only time I'll ever use it again is to quietly chamber a first round when hunting or something. This. It is good for more-or-less quietly chambering a round. If you really get to rapping on the FA, I 'spect that you could chamber a .308.... Moon |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 6:13:49 PM EDT
[#15]
I wish some one would make M4 ramped flat tops with no forward assist..M4 marked...BCM please
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 7:50:24 PM EDT
[#16]
Neither Pat Rogers or Clint Smith advocate EVER using the Forward Jammer! As was pointed out Eugene Stoner didn't want it either. The opinion of those three people is good enough for me!
I do NOT have one on my Duty Carbine. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 8:00:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
I wish some one would make M4 ramped flat tops with no forward assist..M4 marked...BCM please Maybe S&W will sell those slickside flattop uppers separately? IIRC, someone made some awhile ago but I think they ran out of business. Linking with the OP's topic, how can S&W sell those carbines for just $700 MSRP? Surely lack of the FA, a different rear sight, and no M4 cut on the barrel aren't worth $300-400 over their basic M4gery. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 8:08:40 PM EDT
[#18]
They have a thinner margin on them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 9:05:20 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
We were trained in Basic to always hit the FA 3 times after chambering a round. I never needed to, I just did it out of habit. Last year, after chambering a round, my bolt didn't go all the way forward. Out of habit I hit the FA 3 times with the heel of my hand. All I succeeded in doing was driving the messed up case so far into the chamber that I had to use a BIG screwdriver through the magwell and pry the bolt back to get the round ejected. Instead of just pulling back on the charging handle and chambering a new round, I caused a bigger malfunction that took the rifle out of service. I just redid the rifle with a Colt slickside upper , no more of that problem.DS's were FUBAR. Hopefuly no one paid for it |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 9:13:21 PM EDT
[#20]
I know Les Baer sold upper's with no froward assist but with a shell deflector. Unfortunately their online web store is a PITA to browse through.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 9:54:17 PM EDT
[#21]
Not to hijack, but has anyone seen any of these Smith's actually for sale yet?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2011 11:59:37 PM EDT
[#22]
I have yet to see a malfunction that using the forward assist did not make worse.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 5:43:19 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I wish some one would make M4 ramped flat tops with no forward assist..M4 marked...BCM please Maybe S&W will sell those slickside flattop uppers separately? IIRC, someone made some awhile ago but I think they ran out of business. Linking with the OP's topic, how can S&W sell those carbines for just $700 MSRP? Surely lack of the FA, a different rear sight, and no M4 cut on the barrel aren't worth $300-400 over their basic M4gery. That is a really good question! Anyone know the anser? |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 8:21:43 AM EDT
[#24]
I just picked up my (first) LAR this month. The sales guy went over everthing and when he came to the FA he said that in combat when TSHTF it probably had a purpose, but as a civilian –– don't ever use it. Basic logic dictates that something went wrong –– don't make it worse.
It makes snse to me. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 9:00:45 AM EDT
[#25]
Contact ADCO they can drill a gas tube hole in a 9mm upper and that won't have a forward assist.
The forward assist can be used to jam the hell out of your rifle as mentioned in the other posts. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 9:24:44 AM EDT
[#26]
buy a colt.......come on no one said this yet, you guys are letting me down
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 9:37:45 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
That is a really good question! Anyone know the anser? They are selling based on cost, not on features, so in order to sell them they have to narrow their margins. It opens up new markets without taking away from sales to their top end line. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 12:11:38 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
I have yet to see a malfunction that using the forward assist did not make worse. LOL, that was my experience the first and only time I've ever seen one used. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 2:07:34 PM EDT
[#29]
trust me if your rifles dirty enough it will come in handy but I doubt most of the safe queens will ever need it
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 2:10:28 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
trust me if your rifles dirty enough it will come in handy but I doubt most of the safe queens will ever need it Really? Are you familiar with the Filthy 14? |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 2:23:47 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
trust me if your rifles dirty enough it will come in handy Not to kick an hornets nest... But could you please relate your experiences with using a dirty AR and the FA? I would think that the former would operationally negate the latter. Truly wonderin'... |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 2:31:53 PM EDT
[#32]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 2:35:25 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
Quoted:
trust me if your rifles dirty enough it will come in handy Not to kick an hornets nest... But could you please relate your experiences with using a dirty AR and the FA? I would think that the former would operationally negate the latter. Truly wonderin'... Agreed. Useless. Never had my rifle "dirty" enough to need it. Nor Uncle Sugars rifles. I think once or twice with BFA firing blanks in hot weather in the sand, but that by no means indicates any real world need. I still could have used the depression in the BCG. As for the silently chambering a round, or after a press check, that depression > the FA for those applications as well. With the recent resurgence in lightweight carbines, and people no longer concerned about mimicking the looks of the M4 as much, look for more non FA uppers and BCG's from good vendors in the future. I have nothing to back that up, but it is a logical next step. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 3:03:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Agreed. Useless. Well, shit! There goes my attempt at being diplomatic...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 4:26:34 PM EDT
[#35]
Im telling ya some one starts making no FA M4 ramped flat tops..im in for 4 right off the bat.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 5:34:56 PM EDT
[#36]
Many moons ago while in basic ('81) I was tasked with working as an OPFOR for an assault course. I carried my M16, and two ammo cans of blanks. I neglected any CLP (rookie mistake). I fired two complete ammo cans w/o lube. Eventually I had to use the FA for the first round of the magazine. Needless to say I have NEVER gotten THAT dirty again. Other than that one time I have never found it necessary to use the FA. I have had OOB discharges with my .22 though, but that is a whole different issue.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 5:46:13 PM EDT
[#37]
the only times i use the forward assist is when hunting and thats justbecause im trying to be quiet. in 8 years of service i never used it once.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 5:47:02 PM EDT
[#38]
double click my badd!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:06:09 PM EDT
[#39]
Quoted:
Im telling ya some one starts making no FA M4 ramped flat tops..im in for 4 right off the bat. How much would you pay for them? Serious question, as I have several questions out with manufacturers about doing a run of these for me. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:26:01 PM EDT
[#40]
Les Baer has stripped flattop uppers without FA for $112. There is a picture on this PAGE. It doesn't say if it has M4 ramps or not (probably not).
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:54:09 PM EDT
[#41]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Im telling ya some one starts making no FA M4 ramped flat tops..im in for 4 right off the bat. How much would you pay for them? Serious question, as I have several questions out with manufacturers about doing a run of these for me. For what would be an otherwise basic, mil-spec upper, similar to a Spikes, BCM, DD, whatever, with a BCG built to the same standard, from one of the same companies, so otherwise mil-spec, in materials and testing, just no FA notches, I would be willing to pay the same price as one with the FA and notches. If they make volume, I promise they will sell volume, so I see no reason to pay an inflated price tag for, less material, fewer parts, and less machining. I don't need one bad enough to pay more. If the price was that inflated, I would buy a MUR, one of the new CMMG modular uppers, or just let the FA hang off the side doing nothing like I have been doing all these years. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:54:49 PM EDT
[#42]
edit: double tap.
So I'll use the space to hop on my soapbox about companies like Les Baer when it comes to AR's. Just finished a no-nonsense patrol rifle upper for a friend, and I wanted to go none FA M4. Could not find such an animal in a forged receiver anywhere but LBC. While LBC's 1911s are top grade, and I can assume his AR's are well put together, there is a lack of understanding from companies such as them when they get into this market. We are informed consumers, who demand certain minutia of detail from our purchases. To sell say a stripped upper to us via the web, please include such information in your listing as, T-Marks, M4 ramps, type of finish etc. They did not, so the upper was instead based off of a Spikes stripped upper. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:55:13 PM EDT
[#43]
2nd Edit
Shit; apparently was a triple tap... Might want to take this keyboard to a keyboard smith before the ATF comes a knockin... |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 6:59:05 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted: You shouldnt have that problem on a quality AR..the forward assist is useless if a round wont chamber having a mechanism that forces the round can be very bad.The forward assist was for back in the day when there was no chromelined anything and maintinence or knowledge of needs and demands for the rifle were neglected to be taught.If a round wont chamber do whats done on every other battle rifle..manualy eject and rechamber a fresh round. +1 |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 7:31:43 PM EDT
[#45]
I think FA look cool, but thats as far as my affection with them goes. I have never used it other than to demonstrate its purpose to a newb
 .
If a round doesnt feed naturally, you dont want it to... something is wrong. better to throw $.20 away than to kb your rifle. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 7:48:07 PM EDT
[#46]
Forward asist just another moving part to jam up or break down...its an uneeded assembly it should be banished from the TDP.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2011 10:21:06 PM EDT
[#47]
Quoted:
Quoted:
trust me if your rifles dirty enough it will come in handy Not to kick an hornets nest... But could you please relate your experiences with using a dirty AR and the FA? I would think that the former would operationally negate the latter. Truly wonderin'... I have personally had an M16A2 in 2007 that was so filthy, so dirty, so filled with mud, that I could barely get the magazine in. I opened the bolt, finger banged the chamber, magwell, and action as best I could, inserted the gritty, dirty mag, and sent the bolt home. Didn't go into battery. I re-charged the rifle, still failed to go into battery. By this time it was a 2 way range and I jammed the forward assist about 5 times, and bang. After that first round I guess it blew all the shit loose and I had no issues after that for many many mags. That rifle had been literally dragged in the mud for the previous 2 hours and there was no time to clean it. This was the last resort, and it worked. I know it worked, and I don't give a damn what anyone else on this forum says or thinks. They were not there. I know the armchair commandos will chime in with their opinions. But it worked. Period. It got the weapon back into the fight. Were there other variables that possibly caused it to function? I don't doubt it. Before or since I have never had to use the FA. But that one time? I was damn sure glad it was there. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/31/2011 8:09:05 AM EDT
[#48]
Can't argue this. ^^^^^^
For a hunter/shooter at home, the FA is largely like an appendix, it's there until it becomes a problem. What it can do vs.the weight is up to the shooter. I am building an AR, the cost to delete it is more than the hassle to make it active. You get it with most uppers, and upper parts kits include it. Instead of $$$ for a special upper without, it's cheaper even with the FA assembly. Volume makes that happen, non-FA is low production, mostly varmint and deer camo shooters. If there is a moral issue, it's about not spending more of MY money to actually get nothing. If it was a retro build, I'd shop a milsurp kit and get the original anyway. It would be milspec, authentic, and cheap. For a weekender gun, much ado about nothing. Perfect internet topic, which the Army also invented. Kinda matches up. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
