Forward Assist & Dust Cover/ Sport15

[2001gmc]

Does anyone ever regret not paying the extra to get the forward assist and dust cover that the Sport doesn't offer? I really like the sport but just feel like its not complete without these 2 features. I really like the rear site there coming out with now to. Is it necessary to get a chrome lined barrel in a AR platform rifle? Sorry for all the questions but I am about down to going and picking one up. Thanks!!

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

The dust cover flys open after the first round is fired anyway. Besides you won't be low crawling in the dirt with your rifle. As far as the Foward assist, it is just a panic button for those who do not know how to clear a jam. The melonite finish on the barrel is more than enough to protect it. Bottom line is don't get rapped around the axel from all the gear queens. Buy what you can afford and go from there.

 

[rojodiablo]

Oh my lord.

I will ask; exactly how many other firearms do you possess that have a dust cover on them? How many other do you have with a FA? And..... how many have a totally untreated barrel, vs how many with a chrome lined barrel?

Think about it; like 99% of all firearms ever made have none of these features, and they seem to work out pretty well. I have not worried about, nor had any issue with my Sport and no dust cover. I shoot it a lot, and hunt coyotes and other varmints. Last summer, I was in Az. and got hit with one of those Boabab- whatever they are called; it's a sand storm that shuts down an airport it is so big! 40mph wind, filled with sand and silt. Once it passed, everything in sight was coated with 1/8" to 1" of sand and dust. I picked up the rifle, took out the mag, shook it out, put the mag back in and went hunting. No issues.
FA is something the rifle was not originally designed to have. It was an outgrowth of the US Gov't. changing powder in the ammo, and a lack of cleaning in a very harsh environment. FA is what you call a Band-Aid. Tell you what; look at the KAC SR 25. The US military's combat 308, medium rifle. The sister rifle to the AR 10. It's missing a.............Forward Asssist. And the LMT L129A1 is the British military's go to 7.62.... and it has no FA.
Chrome lining is nice, it is easy to clean to be sure. But do not count out Melonite; just read up on it. Also called Salt Carbuerizing. You will feel a LOT better when you realize you got a great rifle, for a super value price.

 

[TangoFoxtrot]

Well stated rojo!

 

[2001gmc]

Thanks for the info guys. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I have no regrets. But you should get what YOU want. I have a feeling you'll regret not getting one with the FA and dust cover, even though you don't need either. BTW, quite a few people think having melonite and not a chrome lined barrel is a plus. Some of the higher end ARs are going melonite these days.

 

[oneyeopn]

Mine arrives Friday...I studied quite a bit, and I carried a M16 in the Marine Corps for a little while before I switched to a M60 and the M60 didnt have a dust cover on it. In the desert it never failed me, plus I dont remember ever having to use the FA. Someone posted some really good technical info on the melonite coating and if I can find it I will repost it but I would take it over chrome anyday...roll on down and get it, IMHO you wont have any regrets!!! plus it gives you more money for ammo...LOL

 

[oneyeopn]

This might help and my read tells me that the melonite treatment is probably harder than your brushses are. I'd clean as usual with a chromed bbl.

Firearms History, Technology & Development: Metal Treatments: Ferritic Nitrocarburizing/Melonite/Tenifer
Reply With Quote

reposted from MPDC
oops the link didnt post I will go back and get it!!

http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2010/08/metal-treatments-ferritic.html

 

[crracer_712]

I have no regrets, cuz I bought one with the DC and FA. I just feel totally at peace with the world when I close that dust cover before zipping up my soft side case. Sometimes, while lying in bed at night, I just run the action to open the dust cover, just so that I can close it again.

Same with the forward assist, I'll purposely ease the bolt forward, then nudge it with the FA. I've found I sleep better after doing both for about a half hour, before bedtime. How you guys sleep at night, without this ability, is beyond me...

Last night, in my dreams, had I had the sport model, I wouldn't be alive to post this reply. I was in the ruins of a city, totally destroy, swirling winds and sand blowing everywhere. I thought I was alone, but alas, I was not. Thank God I had just received my supply of Zombie Max ammo from Hornady, and also for the dust cover keeping the majority of the dust out of the action area. The dust was SO bad, the cover couldn't keep it completely clean, luckily, that FA saved the day. I was able to assist the rounds in to the chamber, kill all the Zombies, and still wake up in time to get to work.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for my best friend. He was eaten alive. Why? He had a sport, his gun was full of dirt, and he couldn't get the ammo to load consistently.

 

[oneyeopn]

I have no regrets, cuz I bought one with the DC and FA. I just feel totally at peace with the world when I close that dust cover before zipping up my soft side case. Sometimes, while lying in bed at night, I just run the action to open the dust cover, just so that I can close it again.

Same with the forward assist, I'll purposely ease the bolt forward, then nudge it with the FA. I've found I sleep better after doing both for about a half hour, before bedtime. How you guys sleep at night, without this ability, is beyond me...

Last night, in my dreams, had I had the sport model, I wouldn't be alive to post this reply. I was in the ruins of a city, totally destroy, swirling winds and sand blowing everywhere. I thought I was alone, but alas, I was not. Thank God I had just received my supply of Zombie Max ammo from Hornady, and also for the dust cover keeping the majority of the dust out of the action area. The dust was SO bad, the cover couldn't keep it completely clean, luckily, that FA saved the day. I was able to assist the rounds in to the chamber, kill all the Zombies, and still wake up in time to get to work.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for my best friend. He was eaten alive. Why? He had a sport, his gun was full of dirt, and he couldn't get the ammo to load consistently.

Dude are you suffering from PTSD..all I got to say is LMEffnAO!!

 

[Capt Crunch]

If you read that stuff on Melonite it really does seem to me like a better option than chrome. From what it said, chrome lined can make the barrel more inaccurate so with melonite it seems like you get the best of both worlds.

As for the dust cover and FA...the FA does not bother me, I have a tiny concern about the Dust Cover but if I really want one it is an AR, I can just buy a new upper later on.

 

[crracer_712]

Dude are you suffering from PTSD..all I got to say is LMEffnAO!!

Nah, I just had a good nights sleep last night

 

[JaPes]

I really like the sport but just feel like its not complete without these 2 features.

Then no matter how functional and practical the 15-Sport is, you won't be 100% happy with one.

Spend your hard earned money on the "trim level" that will. Never settle for something less.

For me, the omission of a dust cover, forward assist, & fixed trigger guard have not been an issue functionally or aesthetically.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

IMHO, the lack of FA, the melonite barrel, the fixed trigger guard and the absense of the grenade launcher cut in the barrel are all improvments. I wouldn't mind having a dust cover though. But it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I still think the OP needs to buy one with the do-dads he wants and be done with it.

 

[Mack]

I would not own an AR without a dust cover as it serves a very real need. An AR needs to be run wet, the dust cover helps to protect the lube on the bolt carrier from drying out, rubbing off or being contaminated. Comparing a AR to other weapons that don't have dust covers makes no sense what so ever.

 

[MPDC]

I would not own an AR without a dust cover as it serves a very real need. An AR needs to be run wet, the dust cover helps to protect the lube on the bolt carrier from drying out, rubbing off or being contaminated. Comparing a AR to other weapons that don't have dust covers makes no sense what so ever.

I agree unless it is only a target gun (which most seem to turn out to be). I also like the FA for reassurance a round I might "ease" home is seated. Not important to many though and I really like the melonite and R5 bbl. I really think people tend to find the merits of what they've bought and reasons against what they didn't buy. Just human nature.

 

[crracer_712]

I agree unless it is only a target gun (which most seem to turn out to be). I also like the FA for reassurance a round I might "ease" home is seated. Not important to many though and I really like the melonite and R5 bbl. I really think people tend to find the merits of what they've bought and reasons against what they didn't buy. Just human nature.

I believe this to be true, no one really needs to justify to someone else why they chose what they did (cept maybe if you have a better half or something along those lines...). As long as they are happy with it, that's all that matter. Which reminds me, here is a video EVERYONE needs to watch.

Choosing Your Carry Gun: A Gun Expert's Guide - YouTube

 

[GeauxHunting]

I bought the sport and I love it. Yeah the forward assist and dust cover are nice, but I didn't need them. I will be building a whole new upper assembly and I will get a FA and dust cover. I really just wanna get some cool **** engraved in my dust cover haha.

 

[2001gmc]

Product: Model M&P15 MOE Mid MAGPUL® SPEC SERIES™

Guys I think I have decided on this. Went to local gun shop and they got one it today was dark earth. I checked it out and I think its what I want. Done talked the wife into it and I can get it out the door for $1,075 tax included. I'm gonna have them order me a black one. Thanks for all your input on the Sport also.

 

[rojodiablo]

I have no regrets, cuz I bought one with the DC and FA. I just feel totally at peace with the world when I close that dust cover before zipping up my soft side case. Sometimes, while lying in bed at night, I just run the action to open the dust cover, just so that I can close it again.

Same with the forward assist, I'll purposely ease the bolt forward, then nudge it with the FA. I've found I sleep better after doing both for about a half hour, before bedtime. How you guys sleep at night, without this ability, is beyond me...

Last night, in my dreams, had I had the sport model, I wouldn't be alive to post this reply. I was in the ruins of a city, totally destroy, swirling winds and sand blowing everywhere. I thought I was alone, but alas, I was not. Thank God I had just received my supply of Zombie Max ammo from Hornady, and also for the dust cover keeping the majority of the dust out of the action area. The dust was SO bad, the cover couldn't keep it completely clean, luckily, that FA saved the day. I was able to assist the rounds in to the chamber, kill all the Zombies, and still wake up in time to get to work.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for my best friend. He was eaten alive. Why? He had a sport, his gun was full of dirt, and he couldn't get the ammo to load consistently.

I'm certain that you keep your rifle wet and protected from dust when you fondle it under the blankets and dream about firing off a round or 2..............
Hope when you wake up the action isn't too sticky!!!