mcb
Member
I am not a fan of the AR for a number of reasons. Having so said;
The forward assist is to get the bolt fully closed with the cartridge ready to fire. One notes all other rifles have do-dads directly connected to the bolt - charging handles in the case of the M1 Garand and M14 rifles, AKs and all bolt action rifles. The original configuration of the AR had nothing. If the bolt didn't close for whatever reason - and they didn't - one was stuck. One did learn to slam the butt on the ground with the muzzle 'that way' and not impinging on the face, but that's about it.
The charging handle is located in the most effective place, both for operating the bolt and manufacture.
My largest criticism is the tiny round and the self-dirtying gas system. Plus they're too short for a spear and too flimsy for a club.
I personally have never had a forward assist take a gun from a non-functional state to a functional state. I have on one or two occasions made the situation worst with a forward assist but never better. If the round does not go into battery, I am not going to try to force it with the forward assist. I am going to get rid of that round.
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