Just wondering what people here on the Fire are preferring for their AR builds or buys. Seems like there are good arguments both for and against having a forward assist on an AR. I definitely like the looks of them, but for a typical range/fun gun, kinda seems unnecessary.
Stoner had it right the first time. They're more likely to complicate a problem. But most uppers have them. And most know not to use them except to assure full battery when easing the carrier, trying to be discreet....
Stoner had it right the first time. They're more likely to complicate a problem. But most uppers have them. And most know not to use them except to assure full battery when easing the carrier, trying to be discreet....
Would not have one without a FA. I hunt & I like to keep it quiet while chambering by riding the bolt with my thumb, and then pressing the FA, to home the round.
I have several slick side uppers. I don't miss the forward assist on those. I have one regular upper. I've never used the forward assist but don't mind that it is there. Forward assists get a great big "Meh" from me. To each their own.
If you only use your AR for hunting and range shooting the need for forward assist is far less than if your azz is on the line. If your azz is on the line have forward assist is like a spare tire, you hope you don't need it but glad you do when you need it.
Aesthetics, the original slick and slender AR was a very outer space ray gun, all, what, 6+ pounds of it. A2's, A4's, M4's are just rifles with stuff hanging on them. My kid's M4 all up seems heavier than my Romanian SAR1 with a steel CLIP.
Would not have one without a FA. I hunt & I like to keep it quiet while chambering by riding the bolt with my thumb, and then pressing the FA, to home the round.
This ^
If you shoot enough sooner or later you’ll have a small piece of brass or primer get in the bolt lugs race, and pulling the bolt back to see if the spring loaded close approach sucks.. ESPECIALLY if you are hunting.
Watched the Tucker Carlson interview with Kyle Rittenhouse. If he had not had a forward assist, we might know exactly what Bicep Boy was about to do.
The bolt was stuck, he used the assist in time to fire the shot.
Absent the FA, Kyle would have used the charging handle and been in business as quickly. Had the FA failed to remedy, he still might have had time to recharge.
Had the FA worsened the stoppage we'd likely know what Biceps Boy intended to do.
Again, not knocking the FA for all situations. But the question lacks a one-size-fits-all answer.