I was wondering if there was any particular reason why the newer rifles have a round button for the forward assist plunger, and the older ones (my special one was made by the Hydramatic Division of General Motors) have the teardrop fa plunger.
Other question is, for immediate action drills, is the acronym SPORTS still useful. That went, Slap the magazine; Pull the charging handle; Observe the chamber area or ejected round; Release the charging handle; Tap the forward assist; Shoot.
The debate I’ve seen since the advent of the internet on the actual use of the forward assist…whether to gently use it if close to battery, or to slam it mindlessly as I was taught at Ft Dix… got me to wondering if the change in shape of the part was maybe to encourage thumb use only rather than the slamming palm of the hand. Or maybe there was other reasons, anybody know?
I’ve been away from these rifles for several decades, choosing instead the .30cal semis. Lately I’ve been brought back around. I like this newly-found for me, board. It seems much more polite than the other side of the street.
PS: If anybody knows of a source of 20", 1/7 or 1/9 skinny barrels (.625" or thereabouts), I’d appreciate the info.
After eleven years Active Duty I automatically tap the FA every single time when loading. Good habits are hard to break.
I’ve had a few occurances in my issued M16/M4’s where the bolt did not go fully into battery and the FA helped it close all the way. Some think it isn’t needed, I for one think it is well thought out and useful.
As for mindlessly hitting it…a couple taps will suffice.
I never use the forward assist. If the bolt doesn’t go into battery all the way, I use my thumb on that indentation on the bolt carrier and push forward.
That’s the way I was taught in my first carbine class a few years ago. I’ve never been in a class where use of the forward assist was advocated as any part of a standard procedure, but I have been cautioned that it’s fragile and can cause problems if you push too hard and break it.
I was a young jar head when I got my M16A1 replaced by a brand new A2. The round forward assist came on that model. I do know it has sharper edges, when running at port arms it does dig into the thumb joint just a bit.
I used to use it when loading a fresh mag, like others said it can’t hurt and it’s cheap insurance to be sure you’ve seated the bolt fully.
If you keep environmental grud out of the chamber area you should not need it. But you can’t always do that, so it seems to me that a quick smack on the FA is not a bad habit save a “speed reload” if you’re exposed. If you’re behind cover a smack on the FA can be done as you’re coming out from behind cover and mounting the weapon.
This is not an attempt to criticize or insult you.
That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. What idiot taught you to do that? First off in a firefight the weapon is going to be hot, secondly the term S.P.O.R.T.S is taught unilaterally across the Armed Services for a reason. I question a carbine class that teaches this as an immediate action drill (push the bolt groove). Reading that kind of stuff really chaps my smooth.
I’d reconsider any carbine class that neglects the use of a part of your weapon. If your AR doesn’t have a FA than S.P.O.R.T.S. should be the preferred method.
But what the hell do I know.
The FA is not as fragile as most would leave you to believe. If your weapon has it, you should use it. Forget that crap about the indentation, if anything that should be unlearned asap. Slap, pull, observe, release, tap, squeeze or shoot ( Whichever floats your boat).
As mentioned above, Louis Awerbuck. If you’re not familiar with him, his web site is: www.yfainc.com. He also has a regular column in the back of SWAT magazine. I think he’s kinda new to this firearms training thing, so maybe we should cut him some slack.
This is the first time I’ve read or hear anyone call him an “idiot,” though. Interesting!
I’m sorry, but that is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard. Do you also take the handguards off and just hold onto the barrel instead? Did they teach you a different way to lock the BCG back without the use of the bolt catch as well? What do you do if the dust cover is shut and you decide that you want to make make extra sure that the bolt is in full battery? Pry the dust cover with your fingernail and then us that ridiculous technique to get the bolt into battery? WHy not make use of the item that was installed just for such an occassion (hint: it’s the Forward Assist).
You can slam the FA pretty hard and it isn’t going to damage it any. I know, I’ve done it as part of S.P.O.R.T.S. JM2CW.
Rhino- what’s your name over on ARF? Reading more and more from you you are starting to remind me of someone or some type that I can’t put my finger on.
That depression is not for your thumb. The person that told you that thought he had come up with a new way of doing something that would catch on and he could become famous for. That depression has two holes where very hot gasses exit. my fingers aren’t going in there ever.
