AR-15 Question #3: FA or no FA on a fighting rifle

[Matt-J2]

But.. but.. I'm lactose intolerant !

Well, that just means that cheese doesn't like you. In fact, it probably hates you and wants to kill you. I don't blame you then if you don't like it back. In fact, I suggest you acquire an array of anti-fromage weaponry.

 

[chauncey]

I was doing a block of instruction once on "SPORTS" and didn't know I had an M16 - not M16A1 or M16A2 (never saw an M16 before). result was a red face and snickers. I felt pretty stupid, so I voted for "must have FA"

 

[hexidismal]

Well, that just means that cheese doesn't like you. In fact, it probably hates you and wants to kill you. I don't blame you then if you don't like it back. In fact, I suggest you acquire an array of anti-fromage weaponry.

I hate to hijack Coronach's thread even further here with our discourse regarding cheese.. but I've just got to say it ... Does this warrant a "What caliber for cheese?" thread ?

 

[12131]

Is it absolutely necessary? No. But, it doesn't hurt.

 

[ants]

It's a good idea, and I think you should have it. But the upper receiver upon which I built my USPSA 3-gun competition rifle didn't have the forward assist provision. So I don't have one on it.

On that rifle I use a coated carrier and lapped it carefully. The receiver has been squared and is true to the barrel. The magazines are excellent, the feed ramps are cut properly (M4 ramp) and the lugs lock like silk. And I load my own ammo, with proper case trimming and everything. So my 3-gun rifle doesn't need forward assist. But your experience may vary. I think you should have it.

 

[MT GUNNY]

Might as well have it

 

[Coronach]

I hate to hijack Coronach's thread even further here with our discourse regarding cheese.. but I've just got to say it ... Does this warrant a "What caliber for cheese?" thread ?

Historically, 8mm Mauser has been up to the task.

Mike

 

[taliv]

you mean 8mm Muenster?

 

[musher]

I can't help thinking that you would save more weight if you laid off the cheese instead of deleting the FA.

 

[Devonai]

It's handy if you're running blanks.

 

[mljdeckard]

That's the plain truth, it doesn't hurt anything. If it was so big it got in the way, or snagged on things, maybe not, but I've never noticed it being any kind of problem. At the same time, I can't recall it ever fixing a stoppage for me, I push it closed with my finger.

 

[mgregg85]

I've never understood why people wanted to get rid of the forward assit so much. If your making a "fighting rifle", I would keep it, you never know if you might need it. And I wouldn't want to push on that bolt cutout if the rifle gets real nice and hot.

 

[JNewell]

You can close it with your thumb, using the cutout on the bolt.

Sometimes a fighting rifle's bolt needs to be closed quietly and reliably. Seldom, but occasionally. The FA is an essentially no-cost solution in that case.

 

[Matt-J2]

Also, when speed counts and your eyes need to stay on target, it's easier, faster, and more reliable for your hand to find that FA than that indent on the bolt. IMO, anyway.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Nothing wrong with a forward assist. If you don't like how they look then get one without. FWIW I have always used them but in the field where the dust and the dirt and the grime can get involved. if you are saying fighting rifle than I strongly recommend it. Benchresting mouse gun then its up to you.

 

[chrlefxtrt]

Dangit, I love cheese! I wish I'd seen that response at the time.
Go with the forward assist. I used mine plenty while in the Army.

 

[chrlefxtrt]

you mean 8mm Muenster?

 

[Acera]

If for no other good reason (many good ones expressed) RESALE. If you ever decide to sell it, I think that you might miss out on potential buyers.

Also, what kind of cheese are we talking about? I hope it is made in America

 

[psyopspec]

On my bushmaster I've never needed it, but that's not to say that I won't in the future. On issued weapons, I use it every time a do a chamber check, which is to say every time I lock and load the weapon and have time to check its status. Old weapons plus old mags can make it feel like a fresh mag went home when in fact it just got jammed in the mag well and didn't feed a round.

It never hurts to be sure when doing PCC's and the FA gives me a warm fuzzy, so I vote for "keep it."

 

[Donut]

Also, what kind of cheese are we talking about? I hope it is made in America

If it's Real California cheese, then it's limited to 10-slice mags and must have either a fixed-mag or a non-pistol-grip stock. And if it's Wisconsin cheese, it can't be concealed.

 

[mattw]

You can close it with your thumb, using the cutout on the bolt.

I wouldn't care to try that after putting about 50 rounds through it quickly. It would probably get pretty hot. Also, what if your hands are covered in mud or blood or sweat? You asked about a FA on a fighting rifle, so I say it is needed. If only for a speed advantage over trying to close it with your thumb.

 

[poorfolks]

how did cheese even come up in this thread?

 

[Coronach]

It was in the original poll. I had an extra spot, and rather than remove it, I just added "I like cheese".

Mike

 

[aloharover]

i thought FA == Full Auto

Me Too

 

[chrlefxtrt]

i thought FA == Full Auto

Me Too

That wouldn't hurt either. Stupid BATFE, always take away all the fun