What Is Forward Assist On An Ar15

So, you're here because you've got an AR-15, or maybe you're thinking about getting one, and you're wondering, "What's this forward assist thingy all about?" Well, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's chat about it.

First Things First

Before we dive in, let's clear something up. The AR-15 isn't just a gun, it's a platform. It's like a blank canvas, and you can customize it to your heart's content. But today, we're talking about something that comes standard on most AR-15s - the forward assist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why do I need a forward assist? Can't I just slap a new round in and be on my way?" Well, sure, you could. But sometimes, life (or rather, your rifle) has other plans.

Meet Your New Friend

The forward assist is like that helpful friend who always knows what to do in a pinch. It's a little lever on the left side of your AR-15's receiver, just above the pistol grip. It's there to help you when a round isn't seating properly in the chamber.

You see, sometimes, a round might not fully seat due to a variety of reasons - a dirty chamber, a wonky magazine, or maybe even a slightly off-spec round. That's where the forward assist comes in.

How It Works

So, how does this magical lever work? Well, it's not magic, but it is pretty clever. When you pull the charging handle back, the bolt carrier group (BCG) moves to the rear, picking up a new round from the magazine and pushing it into the chamber.

Now, if that round doesn't seat properly, the forward assist can give it a little nudge. When you push the forward assist in, it moves the BCG just a tiny bit further forward, giving that stubborn round the extra push it needs to seat properly.

Think of it like trying to push a stubborn door open. Sometimes, you just need a little extra oomph to get it to budge.

AR-15 Forward Assists | Firearm Parts | Wing Tactical

But Do You Really Need It?

Great question! The forward assist is one of those features that you might not use every day, but when you need it, you really need it. It's like having a spare tire in your car - you hope you never need it, but if you do, you're sure glad you have it.

Plus, using the forward assist can help you maintain a smooth, consistent firing rhythm. If you're in a situation where every second counts, that could make all the difference.

Using the Forward Assist

Alright, so you're convinced that the forward assist is your new best friend. But how do you use it? It's easy!

First, make sure your AR-15 is unloaded and safe. Then, pull the charging handle back to chamber a round. If the round doesn't seat properly, you'll see the rim of the case sticking out of the chamber.

With your support hand, push the forward assist in. You should feel some resistance, and then a slight click as the BCG moves forward and the round seats properly. Then, you're good to go!

Building an AR 15 Upper Receiver , Do-It-Yourself Guide

Just remember, the forward assist is a tool to help you out of a jam. It's not a replacement for proper maintenance and cleaning of your AR-15.

One Last Thing

You might have heard that using the forward assist can cause malfunctions. That's true, but only if you use it incorrectly. If you're using it to try to force a round into the chamber that's already seated, you could cause a malfunction.

But if you're using it to help a round that's not seating properly, it's a lifesaver. So, use it wisely, and you'll be just fine.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! The forward assist on your AR-15 isn't just a fancy lever, it's a tool that can help you out of a jam and keep your shooting smooth and consistent.

So, the next time you're at the range, give that forward assist a try. You might just find that it's the secret weapon you never knew you had.

Happy shooting, and until next time, keep your AR-15 clean and your coffee hot!