Saga of the AR15 Forward Assist: A Solution Searching for a Problem

Published on February 20, 2025
Duration: 0:54

This guide details the history and evolution of the AR-15 forward assist, drawing on expert analysis from Forgotten Weapons. It covers the original design's omission of the feature, its introduction on specific AR-10 variants, and the differing military procurement preferences that ultimately led to its standardization. The information highlights Eugene Stoner's view that it was a solution in search of a problem.

Quick Summary

The AR-15 forward assist was not part of the original design by Eugene Stoner, who considered it unnecessary. It was first introduced on the Portuguese AR-10 and later added to the AR-15 due to U.S. Army procurement demands, eventually becoming the industry standard because the Army bought more rifles than the Air Force.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Original AR-15 Design
  2. 00:06AR-10 Evolution
  3. 00:20Eugene Stoner's Stance
  4. 00:31Army vs. Air Force Procurement
  5. 00:47De Facto Standardization

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the original AR-15 have a forward assist?

No, the original AR-15 design by Eugene Stoner did not include a forward assist. It was intentionally omitted to maintain a clean and streamlined rifle profile, as Stoner believed it addressed a non-existent problem.

Why was the forward assist added to the AR-15?

The forward assist was added primarily due to the U.S. Army's insistence during procurement. Despite designer Eugene Stoner's reservations, the Army's requirement, driven by persistence, led Colt to produce versions with the feature.

Which AR-10 model first featured a forward assist?

The forward assist was first introduced on the Portuguese model of the AR-10 rifle. Earlier AR-10 designs, like the original AR-15, did not incorporate this mechanism.

Was the forward assist always standard on AR-15 style rifles?

No, the forward assist became the standard largely because the U.S. Army purchased significantly more rifles than the Air Force. This volume meant the Army's preferred version, which included the forward assist, ultimately defined the industry standard.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →