Is forward assist necessary in a modern AR-10/LR-308 rifle.

**Rockrivr1** · 12-20-2009, 03:13 PM

I've been looking to get an AR-10/LR-308 rifle and am wondering if the forward assist is necessary on these options. There is a pretty big price swing from the base models of these rifles to the fully loaded models. Most base models are pretty stripped and run just under $1k. I'm not to worried that it's stripped down to the basics as I can add accessories to get it where I want it to be an still save some money.

If though, I want to get the forward assist, dust cover, etc' the base price jumps up another $2-300.

Is it worth it / needed? If not, I'd probably start with the base model and go up from their.

I really like the SASS model, but at $2k plus it's not worth it.

**sgtdemeo** · 12-20-2009, 03:28 PM

Well, it all depends on what you are gonna use it for. Range gun/target gun? Probably not ever gonna miss it. if you EVER think you may use it for personal defense/SHTF gun? Wouldn't go without it. A dirty/ Well fired AR that won't go into battery is pretty much useless outside of throwing range. ask any GI that has had to use one in less than ideal environments or had to shoot a lot of rounds out of it. its a small price to pay for the ability to get the weapon to go bang. But for a strictly range gun, then I suppose its up to you. probably a lot less of a concern.

**Business** · 12-20-2009, 04:03 PM

from what i understand from all the military shows i have seen on the history channel the forward assist was to aid in chambering the round wen the gun got mucked up with dirt n debris during combat and jammed. I would imagine that if you properly maintain it you wouldn't need it.

**upStomp** · 12-20-2009, 04:16 PM

Looks to me that forward assist assemblies are pretty cheap, if you find you want one after buying the rifle.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-A...20assembly.htm

Is this not the component we're talking about?

**abomb60** · 12-20-2009, 04:26 PM

The forward assist also serves one other function which is allowing you to quietly work the action. Instead of letting the bolt slam forward (causing a distinctive noise) you can ride the charging handle until it stops then use the forward assist to force the bolt forward the rest of the way into battery.

This is why HK sniper rifles have a forward assist function (PSG1, MSG90) while their normal "battle" rifles do not (G3, HK53, etc). Might be useful for combat or hunting but other than that it's probably not necessary.

**abomb60** · 12-20-2009, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by upStomp

Looks to me that forward assist assemblies are pretty cheap, if you find you want one after buying the rifle.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-A...20assembly.htm

Is this not the component we're talking about?

That's the component but you need to have an upper receiver that is made for a forward assist. Extremely difficult to add one to a receiver not made for one.

**Rockrivr1** · 12-20-2009, 05:29 PM

Thanks everyone. Guess I'll continue to save and get one with the forward assist.

**fubar** · 12-20-2009, 05:32 PM

'course another school of thought is if the bolt won't ride forward on it's own , then '"Forward Assisting " it is sort of like " Power Jamming a Problem " ...

**sgtdemeo** · 12-20-2009, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by fubar

'course another school of thought is if the bolt won't ride forward on it's own , then '"Forward Assisting " it is sort of like " Power Jamming a Problem " ...

well, with most semi-automatic styles, I.E. piston driven, or indirect gas operation, the likelihood of carbon jamming up the action is very slim. however, with a direct action gas system, such as the style that the ar-15 has, the carbon directly deposits on the rear of the bolt, and the likelihood of the action getting sluggish or jamming up is greatly increased. as I said in my previous thread, if this is strictly a range /target gun, then this is not really a problem, due to the ability to strictly adhere to a cleaning regimen. however, if the weapon is going to be trusted to life and limb, or if it is to be used in adverse conditions, then in my opinion, its REALLY worth the extra outlay in cost for the insurance it gives.

**KMM696** · 12-20-2009, 06:18 PM

Check if the bolt carrier on the rifle you're looking at has notches for the forward assist. The Fulton bolt carrier I just got didn't - but I got the receiver with the forward assist/case deflector for the deflector. I'm a lefty.

Some pics of other BCGs here. I'm pretty sure that the carrier needs those notches to work, right?

Is forward assist necessary in a modern AR-10/LR-308 rifle.

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Is forward assist necessary in a modern AR-10/LR-308 rifle.

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