Want to throw a grenade into the middle of an internet forum discussion or social media thread? Just say, /"The AR-15 does not require forward assistance," and watch the fireworks. Even Eugene Stoner, designer of the AR-15/M16, did not think the forward assist was necessary, but the US Army disagreed. Today, Steve and Caleb, the Smyth Busters, from Brownells Gun Techs weigh in on the debate. The Army required the addition of the forward assist to address the power failure that occurred on early AR-15s deployed in Southeast Asia. Many of those failures were caused by ammunition problems and the inevitable consequences of the early myth that the AR-15 did not need to be cleaned. With modern ammunition, shooters very rarely have to resort to the forward assist. But… Caleb would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Steve explains Stoner's reasoning as to why the forward assist likely caused more disruptions than it resolved. But what if your rifle is a little worn, the buffer spring is weak, or maybe the magazine is dragging on your bolt carrier? Occasionally you may need to apply a /"love tap/" on the assist to get a round to full chamber. So the idea that an AR-15 never needs forward assist is BUSTED. There are situations where it is not strictly necessary; even Caleb doesn't have one on his .350 Legend deer rifle.

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