How The AR Got a Forward Assist!

Published on August 11, 2025
Duration: 2:12

This entry details the historical context and mechanical purpose of the AR-15/M16 forward assist. It explains that the feature was not part of Eugene Stoner's original design but was added due to US Army requirements stemming from their experience with reciprocating charging handles. The information is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed knowledge of firearm design history and military procurement.

Quick Summary

The AR-15/M16 forward assist was added due to US Army requirements, as they desired a manual method to close the bolt, unlike Eugene Stoner's original design. While intended to ensure the bolt was in battery, experts note that forcing a fouled round can create worse jams, sometimes necessitating 'mortaring' the rifle to clear.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Forward Assist
  2. 00:15Historical Design Conflict
  3. 00:30The Army's Influence
  4. 01:00Mechanical Necessity vs. Design
  5. 01:30The Argument Against It

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the forward assist added to the AR-15/M16?

The forward assist was added to the AR-15/M16 platform primarily due to the US Army's insistence. They were accustomed to reciprocating charging handles on previous rifles and felt a separate mechanism was needed to manually ensure the bolt closed properly if the rifle became fouled.

Did Eugene Stoner design the AR-15 with a forward assist?

No, Eugene Stoner and Colt did not originally intend for the AR-15 to have a forward assist. Early adopters, such as the US Air Force, preferred the original design without this feature.

What is the main argument against using the forward assist?

A significant argument against the forward assist is that forcing a round into battery on a dirty or fouled rifle can often create a worse jam, making the firearm inoperable and potentially requiring more complex clearing procedures like 'mortaring'.

What is 'mortaring' in relation to AR-15 malfunctions?

'Mortaring' is a technique used to clear certain AR-15 malfunctions where the rifle is broken at the pivot pin, and the buttstock is slammed onto a hard surface. This forceful action aims to dislodge a stuck bolt carrier group.

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