True, but smacking it forward eliminates the poss. that the charging handle was hanging up the bcg from going full into battery, and also makes sure the handle itself is properly forwardThe AR charging handle is fir retracting the bolt only.
There is no mechanical contact between the charging handle and the bolt going forward.
That is how we would slam open a Mini-14 or a AR-15 with a stuck bolt. Never tried closing a bolt like that.Another way to get the bolt to fully close on a M16 & HK 91 style rifle is to bang the buttstock of the rifle on the ground.
That doesn't work so hot when you are hugging the ground for cover.
You beat me by a few posts. I'm a fan of the FA, but not a fan that the design needs it. I prefer side charging handles the way God intended.Not sure if the forward assist is a bad idea but if the rifle needs it, then the rifle itself is a bad idea.
Honestly I think the biggest negative of the forward assist is that they made it a shape and location that is inviting to hit it with the palm of your hand. If you have to hit it that hard to go into battery then you shouldn't be using it. Thumb pressure only.
I disagree, you're not going to hurt anything by using the Forward Assist every time you chamber a round.
If you need that gun to work this instant, tapping the forward assist with the heel of your hand ensures the bolt is fully seated, and is a little extra insurance.
It's best to find out you are using crappy ammo on the range. I have 2000rds of Tula 223 that results in broken shell casings, without the use of the Forward Assist, every shot fired (on multiple brands of AR15s).You're not going to hurt the rifle, but what I am talking about is if you try to use it to fix a failure to go into battery due to a bad round that doesn't fit in the chamber. A good smack on the forward assist is now going to mean you may still not be in battery and will probably rip the case rim off trying to get it out. I've had this exact experience.
Same would happen with a charging handle.You're not going to hurt the rifle, but what I am talking about is if you try to use it to fix a failure to go into battery due to a bad round that doesn't fit in the chamber. A good smack on the forward assist is now going to mean you may still not be in battery and will probably rip the case rim off trying to get it out. I've had this exact experience.
Same would happen with a charging handle.
I don't have an AR. They lack soul and feel like BB guns, and I've never been attracted to them. Battle rifles is where it's at for me.
Still, I recognize their utilitarian use, and I could use a semi-auto that shoots intermediate rounds. The AR is generally more accurate than the AK from all I've read, so I'm looking at full-length ARs with carry handles.
Whichever one I settle on, it will have a forward assist. I can't imagine not having the ability to push a bolt forward if the chamber is a bit dirty, or something similar.
Read the first sentence in post# 50. This idea is only valid if the bolt carrier isn't very hot. OK for a hunter who rarely gets the bolt carrier too hot to touch, but remember: This gun was designed for soldiers who, in combat, are likely to have the bolt carrier too hot to touch.I agree in principle, however, in a pinch you can push forward on the bolt using the cam cutout for the dust cover latch.
He mentioned using it when his AR wouldn't fire. A tap on the F/A apparently solved the problem.The forward assist on Kyle Rittenhouse's AR saved his life.
Exactly. He wasn't shooting on a square range. He was under attack with a lot of physical activity.He mentioned using it when his AR wouldn't fire. A tap on the F/A apparently solved the problem.
He mentioned using it when his AR wouldn't fire. A tap on the F/A apparently solved the problem.