The forward assist is a device on an AR-15 rifle that is used to ensure that the round is fully seated in the chamber. It is located on the right side of the rifle, just behind the ejection port.
When the forward assist is used, it forces the round into the chamber, which allows the bolt to properly engage the round. This ensures that the round will fire when the trigger is pulled.
The forward assist is not required for the rifle to function, but it can be a valuable tool in ensuring that a round is properly seated in the chamber.
Advance Tips: What Does Forward Assist Do On Ar 15?

When it comes to the AR-15, there are a lot of different parts that go into making this rifle function properly. One of those parts is the forward assist. Most people don’t know what this part does, or even that it exists. Today we are going to discuss the purpose of the forward assist on an AR-15.
The forward assist was originally designed for the M16 rifle. This was back in the early 1960s when the M16 was first being adopted by the US military. The M16 was having some issues with the bolt not always locking into place properly. This was a big problem because it could lead to the gun jamming or even misfiring.
The forward assist was designed to help fix this problem. It is a small button that is located on the side of the gun, just above the trigger. When you want to close the bolt on an M16, you first have to push in the forward assist. This pushes the bolt forward and locks it into place.
The AR-15 also has a forward assist. However, the AR-15 does not have the same issue with the bolt not locking into place. The forward assist is still there, but it is not needed to close the bolt. So, what does the forward assist do on an AR-15?
There are a few different theories out there. Some people think that the forward assist is there to help close the bolt if it is not locked into place. Others think that it is there to help clear a jam if the gun does jam. And finally, some people think that it is there for cosmetic reasons only.
Overview of What forward assist does on an AR-15.
The forward assist on an AR-15 is a feature that allows the user to ensure that the bolt is fully closed when chambering a round. When the bolt is in its locked position, the forward assist can be pressed to ensure that the bolt is fully closed. This is especially useful in malfunction situations as it can help ensure the round is properly chambered. The forward assist is typically used in conjunction with the charging handle to ensure the bolt is in its locked position.
When was it implemented by the US Military and why?
The forward assist was first implemented by the US military in the M16 rifle in 1963. It was designed to provide a way for soldiers to manually close a rifle bolt that had not closed completely due to various conditions such as a weak or dirty cartridge, or a malfunctioning magazine. This would allow soldiers to quickly and reliably clear the weapon and get back into the fight.
How it works and how it’s different from a regular charging handle?

A forward assist on an AR-15 is a button located on the right side of the charging handle. When pressed, it forces the bolt into battery in the event that it does not seat properly after charging the weapon. This is different from a regular charging handle, which only allows the user to pull back the bolt and chamber a round. The forward assist serves as an extra layer of protection to ensure the rifle is ready to fire. It is a crucial feature to ensure reliability and safety, as a round not properly seated can cause the weapon to malfunction.
How to inspect and clean it?
To inspect and clean your AR-15’s forward assist, first make sure the rifle is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Use a cleaning rod with a soft cloth patch to wipe away any dirt or debris from the forward assist. Make sure the rod is long enough to reach the entire length of the forward assist. Use a brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt, then use a light oil to lubricate the forward assist and wipe away any excess. Inspect the forward assist’s spring and pin for any signs of wear or damage. If necessary, replace the forward assist and its components with new parts. Finally, reassemble the forward assist and test it to make sure it functions properly.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Forward assist helps to ensure that the bolt is fully seated in the chamber, providing extra insurance against misfires.
To use forward assist, simply push the button on the side of the receiver. This will cause the bolt to move forward, chambering a round if one is present in the magazine.
If you suspect that the bolt may not be fully seated in the chamber, you can use forward assist to ensure that a round is properly chambered.
Forward assist provides an extra measure of safety against misfires, and can also be used to chamber a round if one is not already present in the chamber.
No, there are no drawbacks to using forward assist. It is a simple and effective way to ensure that the bolt is properly seated in the chamber.
Conclusion
The forward assist is a device on an AR-15 that helps to chamber a round that may be difficult to chamber otherwise. It is a last resort option and should only be used if the bolt is having difficulty chambering a round.
Overall, the forward assist is a helpful device that can be used to chamber a round in an AR-15 if needed.

A. Wilcox Head is a lifelong shooter, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Head grew up in a family where firearms were a way of life, and from an early age, he was taught the importance of firearm safety, accuracy, and proper hunting techniques.