I've got an AR that someone was building for me, and he passed away before he could finish it. The only thing that's missing is the part for the forward assist. I know he was going to get a plug for it, so I guess that's what I should get. Are they all the same size and it doesn't really matter what kind you get, or what? Or should I not just plug it up and get a forward assist, just in case?
AR forward assist plug?
- Thread starter Kristie
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Blade First
Member
I've used two types, but like the one machined from black Delrin the best. On my superlight builds, I also omit the dust cover. Brownells carries the Schuster FAP which you should secure with the standard FA roll pin.
MachIVshooter
Member
IMO, plugged FA ports look ridiculous. I say either install the FA or get an upper that doesn't use one. Unless you're really counting fractions of ounces, the FA and dust cover weight is negligible anyway.
Then go with this: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/198053/schuster-forward-assist-plug-delrin-ar-15 It's $8.19Kwg020, that's what I do with everything else, so why not this?
ColoradoMinuteMan
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For whatever reason, that particular role pin is my least favorite to deal with. It is at kind of a strange angle, keeping it all lined up and then getting the pin in place is occasionally a pain in the butt. My suggestion is get the forward assist, they cost very little, deal with the pin once so you'll never need to again.
USAF_Vet
Member
The forward assist isn't necessary, but it does have a purpose and a function. The actual forward assist will plug the hole it's designed to plug, as well as serve it's purpose if you ever need it to. It gives you an option the plug doesn't.
The FA and roll pin aren't exactly expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMR5WEO/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3
The FA and roll pin aren't exactly expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMR5WEO/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3
GunnyUSMC
Member
I have the Schuster delrin forward assist plug on my AR9. It cost $10 and comes with the roll pin.
You said the guy passed away before he could finish building your AR.
With all the parts on hand it shouldn't take more then an hour to put together. My longest build took three weeks. Most of that was waiting on the parts to to get to me. But once the parts were here it was finished in 45 min.
Now it does help to have the right tools like rool pin starter punches and driff pins.
You said the guy passed away before he could finish building your AR.
With all the parts on hand it shouldn't take more then an hour to put together. My longest build took three weeks. Most of that was waiting on the parts to to get to me. But once the parts were here it was finished in 45 min.
Now it does help to have the right tools like rool pin starter punches and driff pins.
Lots and lots of opinions on this! I guess I would rather have the FA, just in case. It wouldn't hurt. Gunny, it's all put together already, so as soon as I get that part in, it'll be ready to go. Assuming it's as easy as I hope.
BSA1
member
Use of the forward assist has been discussed a lot on THR.
The overwhelming consensus is it is not needed and actually creates more problems when used as trying to force a out-of-spec round into the chamber will create a jam that will be harder to clear than just ejecting the bad round.
As far as installing it I see no harm in it. It will just be a feature that will not be used.
The overwhelming consensus is it is not needed and actually creates more problems when used as trying to force a out-of-spec round into the chamber will create a jam that will be harder to clear than just ejecting the bad round.
As far as installing it I see no harm in it. It will just be a feature that will not be used.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
In a military context, it's really not needed. In a civilian context (HD carbine), it is handy for keeping your thumb clean when re-closing the bolt after a press check, and also allows you to single-load a round directly into the chamber if you wish.
WhoMe?
Member
I think there is wisdom in that decision. No, it is not critical but I have still found it useful on occasion. I don't think I'll ever use it to clear a malfunction but there are other uses. Given your upper already has it incorporated, I would agree that it is best to just install the FA.
Taurus 617 CCW
Member
I used to be a production gunsmith for an AR-15 manufacturer. We installed hundreds of FA's on M-4 type guns. Most of our customers completely ignored the fact that they were even there and never had to use them. IMO, if you have to use the FA, then there could something wrong with the gun's function. A properly functioning AR-15 (and magazine) will not require the use of the FA. I have never used the FA on my personal AR either.
Caliper_Mi
Member
No FA is needed to single load a round. Just push the round mostly into the chamber and drop the bolt. If anything, it's easier on the round than loading from the mag that way.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
Mine gets loaded and unloaded fairly frequently, so when reloading the chamber at home, I typically thumb the round into the chamber and use the FA to push the extractor over the rim, then do a press check. Repeatly dropping the bolt on the same round can dimple the primer, which probably isn't a safety issue but is something I just don't like to do. The FA is certainly not required, but I find it useful.
More often, I find it helpful when re-closing the bolt after a press check, instead of pushing the bolt forward with your thumb (which works just as well, but gets oil and carbon on your thumb).
I could certainly live without the FA, but I like it being there.
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