The AR-15 forward assist, a feature insisted upon by the US Army, was a solution searching for a problem, with the Air Force and designer Eugene Stoner deeming it unnecessary. Despite initial opposition and the Air Force's preference for slick-side receivers, the Army's requirement for a manual bolt-closing device led to the adoption of the plunger-style assist, influenced by experiences with older service rifles. Testing showed Colt's plunger design performed better in adverse conditions than Springfield's alternative.
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