Today, let’s take a closer look at a feature on the AR-15 that might catch your eye: the forward assist. Ever wondered what this small component is for—and who actually needs it?
After all, the AR-15 is engineered down to the smallest details—and that includes the forward assist.
What is the purpose of Forward Assist?
So, why is the forward assist there? Its main purpose is to ensure that the bolt is securely locked in place. Sometimes, a cartridge may not seat properly in the chamber. By hitting the forward assist, you manually push the bolt carrier forward, making sure the round is engaged properly.
This could be important in preventing your rifle from turning into a non-functional piece of metal when you need it most.
Imagine this scenario: You’re out on a shooting range, or maybe you’re in the middle of a competitive event. The pressure’s on, and you’re loading rounds into your AR-15. Suddenly, one cartridge doesn’t quite slide home as smoothly as the others. It’s sticking halfway, reluctant to fully chamber.
In that moment, your heart might skip a beat—especially if you’re timing your shots or you’re in a critical match.
Fortunately, forward assist is there to give the bolt a little “pep talk,” or more accurately, a shove, to make sure it does its job.
With a simple push on that unassuming button, you apply just enough force to move the bolt carrier group forward. This action ensures that the stubborn cartridge seats completely and locks into place.
Now if you encountered a cartridge like this in a combat situation without forward assist, you could be stuck with a rifle that’s essentially inoperable—reducing it to nothing more than an expensive “big stick” in your hands.
In these kind of scenarios, the forward assist can act as a quick fix—a literal push-button solution that changes the game, turning potential malfunction into smooth operation. This feature transforms a moment of frustration into relief, allowing you to continue firing with confidence. It’s a small tool that holds its weight in gold during those “clutch” moments when reliability is non-negotiable.
Who uses Forward Assist?
So who among us benefits from this feature? Well initially, the forward assist was designed with soldiers in mind, helping to maintain reliability under the harsh conditions of combat. Just imagine being in a tough spot with dirt and grime all over your rifle, and you can see how the forward assist would be vital.
These days it’s not just for the military. LEO and civilian gun owners can also find a lot of value in the forward assist, especially when you’re in a harsh environment or say, an all-weather event. Whether you’re in the woods, caught in a storm, or trudging through marshlands, the forward assist offers an additional layer of reliability for your AR-15.
How often is it actually used?
That varies widely among shooters. The necessity of the forward assist really runs the gamut depending on where you’re taking your shots.
If you only use your AR at an immaculately clean range, so pristine you could have a picnic on the firing line, then sure, you might scoff at the need for a forward assist.
But let’s get real—if you’re anywhere that nature hasn’t been sanitized for your protection, this little feature can be indispensable. It’s a bit like having a spare tire in your car, you might not need it often—or maybe ever if you’re extremely lucky—but it’s a lifesaver when you do.
So is it “worth it”? Well, it’s the difference between making that shot or miming rifle sounds while you pretend it still works. So yeah, you might not need it often, but when you do… you’ll be darn glad it’s there.
Interestingly, the original AR-15 design didn’t feature a forward assist. It was sleek and straightforward. But as the rifle was adopted by the military, the need for enhanced reliability in diverse conditions became clear. The addition of the forward assist was a direct response to feedback from users in the field.
Do you “need” Forward Assist on an AR-15?
Well, that all hinges on how and where you wield your AR-15. If you’re the type to drag your rifle through every conceivable harsh condition—be it rain, sleet, sand, or zombie apocalypse—you’ll recognize the sheer genius of having a forward assist. It’s like having an emergency “Fix It” button right at your fingertips, keeping your rifle in the game when it matters most.
But if your idea of a tough day is navigating the chalk lines of an immaculate shooting range, you might view the forward assist as about as necessary as a snowplow in the Sahara. For those who keep their gear so clean that it sparkles, the forward assist might just seem like an ornamental tribute to tougher times.
That said: Like a spare tire, there’s no real reason not to have it.
Side Charging vs Forward Assist
Both the forward assist and the side charging handle are all about bossing around the bolt of an AR-15—just in very different ways.
The forward assist ensures the bolt is fully seated and locked if a round doesn’t chamber smoothly, allowing you to manually force the bolt closed. A side charging AR-15 handle, located on the side of the receiver, provides an alternative way to cycle the bolt. It offers a more ergonomic method for chambering rounds or clearing malfunctions, especially useful in maintaining a sight picture
So in other words, while the forward assist deals with ensuring bolt closure, AR-15 side charging handles enhance the ease and speed of bolt manipulation.
Essentially, the forward assist is a manual fail-safe, used when mechanical issues prevent the bolt from fully locking. The side charging handle improves the user experience by offering a more accessible and straightforward way to operate the bolt, which is beneficial in tactical or competitive scenarios where speed and ease of handling are critical. This distinction shows how both different features contribute to the AR-15’s functionality—each addressing different aspects of operational reliability and efficiency.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the importance of having forward assist on your AR-15 boils down to your own personal shooting style, and where and how you plan to use your AR-15. It’s arming yourself for those just-in-case scenarios, making sure your rifle is just as reliable as your aim, in any conditions.
The forward assist is there to back you up. So, consider how unpredictable your shooting adventures might get. That’ll tell you everything you need to know about how important the forward assist really is for your AR-15.