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6/21/2004 5:22:33 PM EDT
I want to use either the lo-pro or low-rider(a3).  The reason I ask is because I want to know if not having a forward assist would be a mistake.  I intend to only do light duty shooting (benchrest, range shooting).  Would I be missing on on something important by using the lo pro upper?  It would be about 80 dollars cheaper (total upper).
6/21/2004 8:42:58 PM EDT
[#1]
ive never used a forward assist in my bushmaster but ive only shot maybe 500rounds through it. So i would say no you dont need one. But personally i like having it.
6/22/2004 5:56:35 AM EDT
[#2]
I have 2 lo-pro bull barreled uppers, one being my IPSC gun, and never miss the f/a.  

If there is a risk that you'll be using it in a "stressful" situation, or anticipate shooting with a very dirty chamber, go with the F/A insurance.

Have fun choosing for neither is a bad choice.
Cheers, Otto
6/23/2004 5:34:05 AM EDT
[#3]
GET BOTH...oh, sorry.  

I have 2 DPMS uppers with no assist...you won't miss it.  the only thing I've ever accomplished with a FA is to make the jam much worse hehe.  Never did me any good, that's for sure.  
6/23/2004 6:24:21 AM EDT
[#4]
You'll be fine without the forward assist for your purposes. The original AR design did not call for it, the military insisted on it with even some dispute between the branches on whether to have it or not.

6/23/2004 9:54:56 AM EDT
[#5]
There are still many who think the Forward Asst was a huge mistake.  The designers of the AR15/M16 advised against this change, but the Army insisted.  It caused problems in that soldiers crammed bent or damaged rounds into the chamber that should have been cleared, and another round chambered.  Then, when fired, the case stuck, and the rifle was out of commission.

The ONLY use for the FA is when it is necessary to chamber a round as quietly as possible (so you don't give away your position), riding the charging handle fwd and then pushing the round home with the FA.
6/23/2004 5:13:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Does DPMS still make the "slick side A1" (no forward assist or shell deflector)? I'm still leaning toward that one if I ever have enough money for another upper.

ps: just checked their website... $10 more than the regular one!
6/24/2004 12:03:13 PM EDT
[#7]
Piece of advice, while others have said you either "dont need" a forward assist, or "won't miss" a forward assist, keep in mind THIS:

1. It's not their rifle.
2. You won't miss having a forward assist until you NEED it.
3. Get the forward assist. It was invented for a reason. You can't reaslitically believe you will be shooting your rifle in a cleanroom environment with perfect loads.  It's better to be prepared for dirty loads and firing in dirty conditions.

For those who have said they've never used one. Right on, that's great, but, I have and it makes things alot easier.  When all else fails, "Smarter, not harder" rules over all else.
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