The debate surrounding the necessity of the forward assist in AR-platform firearms has gained traction in recent years. As AR rifles improve, is the forward assist still necessary, or can it be eliminated? This article offers insights on the forward assist’s role and whether to keep it on your rifle. Forward Assist vs No Forward Assist.
The Role of the Forward Assist in AR Rifles
The forward assist on AR rifles helps ensure the bolt carrier group (BCG) fully enters battery. This is done manually if, for some reason, the bolt doesn’t fully seat on its own when chambering a round. While it sounds like a simple device, its necessity is hotly debated in the firearms community.
Purpose Dictates Everything
When deciding if a forward assist is needed, first consider your AR rifle’s purpose. Are you using it for self-defense, hunting, competition shooting, or just for fun at the range? Each scenario has different requirements, and your decision should reflect that. Forward Assist vs No Forward Assist.
Competition Shooting: Do You Really Need a Forward Assist?
If you’re an avid competition shooter, where your firearm is cleaned regularly, parts are inspected frequently, and lubrication is a routine part of your maintenance, the forward assist may not be necessary. Many competition guns are meticulously cared for, making malfunctions rare. In fact, some skeletonized bolt carrier groups don’t even have forward assist serrations. This indicates that, for these rifles, manufacturers themselves don’t anticipate a need for the forward assist.
Custom Builds: The Beauty of Choice
One of the biggest appeals of owning an AR-platform rifle is the ability to build it exactly how you want. If you don’t feel like you need a forward assist, or simply prefer the look of a slick-sided upper receiver without one, that’s entirely your choice. This flexibility is part of the appeal of owning and building ARs in the U.S. The beauty lies in the freedom to tailor your rifle to your needs and desires.
When the Forward Assist Shines: Tactical and Duty Roles
While competition shooters and recreational users may be able to forego the forward assist, there are scenarios where keeping it could be the difference between a functioning rifle and one that fails when you need it most.
Respect for Eugene Stoner’s Original Design
Eugene Stoner, the brilliant designer behind the original AR-15, included the forward assist in his designs for a reason. Although some modern variations have evolved to omit it, Stoner’s inclusion of the device was intended to ensure the rifle could continue functioning in less-than-ideal conditions. While not every AR user may encounter such conditions, respecting the intent behind the original design can be a compelling reason for some to retain the forward assist.
Duty Rifles: Reliability in Unpredictable Conditions
For those in law enforcement or military roles, reliability is paramount. Duty rifles, especially those that may see extensive use without the opportunity for regular maintenance, benefit greatly from the forward assist. In these high-stakes environments, where dirt, debris, or lack of lubrication can cause malfunctions, the forward assist offers an extra layer of security.
In unpredictable conditions, particularly in situations where your life or the lives of others may depend on your firearm, having a forward assist can be invaluable. Even if you rarely need it, its presence can give you peace of mind, knowing that if a round doesn’t chamber fully, you have a manual option to seat the bolt without hesitation.
Hunting Applications: Silence is Golden
One area where the forward assist proves its worth is in hunting and scouting applications. Although many hunters might not immediately see the value of this feature, it can become critical in certain scenarios.
Aircraft Loading: A Hunter’s Quiet Approach
For hunters who prefer to carry their AR rifles “aircraft loaded” (meaning the chamber is empty, the bolt is forward, and the magazine is inserted), the forward assist allows for a quiet chambering of a round. When you’re stalking game or trekking through backcountry terrain, any loud noise can scare off potential targets. The last thing you want is to rack the bolt loudly just as you spot an animal.
Slowly racking the bolt can often result in the bolt not fully seating, meaning the rifle won’t fire when needed. Your two options in that moment are to forcefully rack the bolt and give away your position or use the forward assist to silently push the bolt into battery. In these specific situations, the forward assist offers a significant advantage for maintaining noise discipline.
Home Defense: Ensuring Stealth in Critical Moments
In the realm of home defense, having a forward assist can provide similar benefits to those found in hunting. While some prefer to keep their home defense rifles loaded and ready, others may not, particularly if they have children, roommates, or live in areas where loaded firearm storage is restricted by law.
The Element of Surprise
In the event of a break-in, maintaining the element of surprise is key. Storing your rifle unloaded may seem like a safer option, but when it comes time to chamber a round, doing so quietly is crucial. The sound of a bolt slamming into place can alert an intruder to your presence and position. By using the forward assist, you can silently and efficiently prepare your firearm without giving away your location.
For home defense, where the goal is often to neutralize a threat as swiftly and silently as possible, having a forward assist can make a significant difference in how you approach the situation.
Should You Keep the Forward Assist?
Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove the forward assist comes down to how your AR is used. While not every shooter will find it necessary, those who rely on their rifle for defense, duty, or hunting may appreciate the added functionality it provides. If your rifle’s role is more casual—such as competition or recreational shooting—the forward assist may not be essential.
A Lifesaver When You Least Expect It
Even in the military, where AR rifles see extensive use, the forward assist is not always needed. However, in those rare moments when it is required, it can be a literal lifesaver. Having the ability to manually seat a round in the heat of battle, or when the rifle is dirty or malfunctioning, can mean the difference between a functioning firearm and a paperweight.
Conclusion: A Personal Choice Forward Assist vs No Forward Assist
In the end, whether or not to include a forward assist on your AR-platform rifle is a personal decision. There’s no right or wrong answer—just what works best for your needs. For some, it’s an unnecessary relic of an earlier era of firearm design. For others, it’s a small but important insurance policy, ensuring their rifle works no matter what.
If your AR has a job to do, such as home defense, hunting, or duty use, keeping the forward assist could be a wise choice. If it’s just for fun or competition, you may decide to go without it. Either way, the flexibility of the AR platform allows you to build your rifle exactly how you want it, forward assist or not.
FAQs Forward Assist vs No Forward Assist
Is the forward assist necessary for modern AR rifles?
It depends on the use case. For most competition and recreational shooters, the forward assist is not essential. However, for duty, hunting, or home defense rifles, it can provide added reliability.
Can I build an AR without a forward assist?
Yes, you can build or buy an AR with an upper receiver that does not include a forward assist. Many shooters opt for this, especially in competition or lightweight builds.
What is the purpose of the forward assist on an AR-15?
The forward assist helps manually seat the bolt carrier group fully into battery if the rifle doesn’t chamber a round completely on its own.
Does the military use forward assists on their rifles?
Yes, military rifles typically still include forward assists for added reliability in field conditions, although they are not always needed.
Can the forward assist help in a home defense situation?
Yes, if you store your rifle unloaded, the forward assist allows you to silently chamber a round, maintaining the element of surprise.
What is aircraft loading, and why does it involve the forward assist?
Aircraft loading refers to having an unloaded chamber with a magazine inserted. The forward assist is used to quietly chamber a round in situations where noise discipline is important, such as hunting or home defense.