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Posted: 2/20/2008 10:46:23 AM EDT
| what is the function of the forward assist, I have built my first ar, I haven't got a chance to go to the range yet, But this is the only thing I still have a question about. Thanks |
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The function of the FA is to help the bolt close if it doesn't fully close when released. This can occur if you slowly let the bolt carrier go forward by holding back on the charging handle. The round may chamber, but not fully. The FA will close it the rest of the way. However, be aware that if the rifle does not close on a round, there could be a problem with the round. If that's the case, banging on the FA will only make it even more jammed in there. As Clint Smith says, "If that round doesn't want to go in the chamber, why would you want to try to force it in there. Just eject it and feed another." Controversial topic, BTW. 
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_assist
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It's function is to ensure the bolt is closed. Period. It can be used in that function in a number of ways. - After you've opened the bolt slghtly to do an admin check to see if the chamber is loaded, you would press on the FA to ensure the bolt was closed all the way. - In the military after loading, or doing SPORTS it is used to ensure the bolt is closed. - Some here think it's used to ensure the bolt is closed if you have rode the forward charing handle forward to quietly chamber a round. - I know vets that used it periodically when patrolling the jungles of Vietnam to ensure the bolt was closed and ready to fire. The AR is not unique in having this capabilty. Israeli FALs also had this capability, as did every semi-auto with a knob on the side (the cocking lever on an M1 & M14 is also used as a foward assist). |
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