Forward Bolt Assist

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Kenneth L. Walters

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How big a deal is it that the Sport does not have a forward bolt assist?

I'm looking at either a Sport or a M&P 15 TS. Except for all the rails on the TS I don't see much functional difference. Am I missing something?
 
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Kenneth L. Walters said:
How big a deal is it that the Sport does not have a forward bolt assist?

I'm looking at either a Sport or a M&P 15 TS. Except for all the rails on the TS I don't see much functional difference. Am I missing something?
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None , unless you plan on going on patrol in Afghanistan.. (in reference to your bolt assist question)

Of course I don't know your neighborhood either..

Well I see you do live in Flag AZ.. Been there, nice place..

FWIW of the 2 the TS is what I would want. There are sooo many options in that price range though ... Some better, some worse.. The TS is the more customizable gun of the 2 imo. Has a free float handguard (improves accuracy) better sights that can be changed easily if desired. But the TS cost a lot more too. kinda apples to oranges..

There are a lot of very good AR's under 2k..

S&W builds a dependable accurate gun imo. Are there better, yes.
 
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If you keep the firearm clean, you don't need the forward assist.
It's what all the cool kids have to have, though! The M203 cut in the barrel and the bayonet lug are unnecessary, as well. They are however, very important to the Call-of-Duty-soldier-wannabes. :)
 
I can't recall ever using the forward-assist on my rifles that it actually did me any good. I have used it a time or two and just made matters worse. :)

If you keep your Sport clean and use good ammunition and good magazines, I doubt you will ever miss having a forward-assist. I know a lot of people will disagree but that is my opinion.
 
Boris B said:
The TS is the more customizable gun of the 2 imo. Has a free float handguard (improves accuracy) better sights that can be changed easily if desired.
Click to expand...


What? Please explain how the TS is "more customizable" than the Sport. I guess if your idea of "custom" is hanging a bunch of stuff off a rail, then ya, out of the box, the TS wins that category....but as far as changing handguards, stocks, sights, BCG, barrel, etc., they are both the same. They are both built on the AR platform and you can change anything you want.

As far as the sights, I'm going to disagree with you there too...better for what? Both the TS and the Sport have the Magpul MBUS rear sight right out of the box.

For the front sight, I like the fixed A2 style front sight base. "Better" will depend on the preference of the user. If you want to use a red dot sight without seeing the front sight, then the fold down sight is the answer. However, I believe the fixed front sight will prove to be more accurate over time, as it is pinned to the barrel and not being flipped up and down, subjecting it to movement.
 
It really is a matter of opinion.

I'd be checking into what barrel you get as that seems to be changing frequently, and if it's treated or chromed.

No sense paying for sights you don't want, or hand guards you won't leave on.

The Sport is a heck of a value, the other models can be if they add stuff you want.
 
cyphertext said:
What? Please explain how the TS is "more customizable" than the Sport. I guess if your idea of "custom" is hanging a bunch of stuff off a rail, then ya, out of the box, the TS wins that category....but as far as changing handguards, stocks, sights, BCG, barrel, etc., they are both the same. They are both built on the AR platform and you can change anything you want.

As far as the sights, I'm going to disagree with you there too...better for what? Both the TS and the Sport have the Magpul MBUS rear sight right out of the box.

For the front sight, I like the fixed A2 style front sight base. "Better" will depend on the preference of the user. If you want to use a red dot sight without seeing the front sight, then the fold down sight is the answer. However, I believe the fixed front sight will prove to be more accurate over time, as it is pinned to the barrel and not being flipped up and down, subjecting it to movement.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you own a sport. As I have said they are fine AR's. Personally I have no need for the stock fixed front sight so I would not consider owning one. The TS would be, if I was starting out again, a better beginning point for me in the S&W line.
I do like S&W AR's in general, however there are many other options for builders out there that in the price range of the TS that I would be looking at as well.

.
 
Boris B said:
I'm glad you own a sport. As I have said they are fine AR's. Personally I have no need for the stock fixed front sight so I would not consider owning one. The TS would be, if I was starting out again, a better beginning point for me in the S&W line.
I do like S&W AR's in general, however there are many other options for builders out there that in the price range of the TS that I would be looking at as well.

.
Click to expand...

Ok, so you didn't answer the question...how is the TS "more customizable" than the Sport?

And it appears that we agree that the TS does not come with "better" sights, just different, but that it is user preference as well. The Magpul sight came right off my rifle and put onto my son's and has been replaced by a Matech, providing windage and elevation at the rear sight. Still a fold down, but more adjustment. Personal preference.
 
M29since14 said:
I can't recall ever using the forward-assist on my rifles that it actually did me any good. I have used it a time or two and just made matters worse. :)

If you keep your Sport clean and use good ammunition and good magazines, I doubt you will ever miss having a forward-assist. I know a lot of people will disagree but that is my opinion.
Click to expand...

A lot of people will agree as well. Just depends on what school of thought you belong to and how you were trained. :D
 
The first Ml-16's didn't have forward assist. The problem with that is that when you do a water crossing and water gets in the barrel, it won't drain out when you point the muzzle down (think of the finger on the end of a straw effect), pulling back the charging handle a bit breaks the seal at the bolt and the water will run out. Problem was that the only way to be sure that the bolt was fully locked and ready for action was to do a full cycle and eject a good round. That wasted ammunition and was noisy (both critical items in a combat zone). With the forward assist you could crack the action slightly, gently release the bolt and push the forward assist. Bolt locked and ready to rock and roll. In reality it doesn't have a use in most civilian circumstances. (unless of course you have to sneak up on your quarry through a river).:D
 
Bkreutz said:
The first Ml-16's didn't have forward assist. The problem with that is that when you do a water crossing and water gets in the barrel, it won't drain out when you point the muzzle down (think of the finger on the end of a straw effect), pulling back the charging handle a bit breaks the seal at the bolt and the water will run out. Problem was that the only way to be sure that the bolt was fully locked and ready for action was to do a full cycle and eject a good round. That wasted ammunition and was noisy (both critical items in a combat zone). With the forward assist you could crack the action slightly, gently release the bolt and push the forward assist. Bolt locked and ready to rock and roll. In reality it doesn't have a use in most civilian circumstances. (unless of course you have to sneak up on your quarry through a river).:D
Click to expand...

You can accomplish the same thing by using your thumb in the indention on the bolt to push it forward...we hashed this all out about a week ago. :D
 
Dang it! I never trained for a river crossing and didn't think about a barrel full of water. Great point though... ;)

You guys know I am all for the FA and dust cover, but my reasons are personal.
If you don't need them then that's great for you.

I'm pretty proud of myself for staying out of this one though!!! :p
 
cyphertext said:
You can accomplish the same thing by using your thumb in the indention on the bolt to push it forward...we hashed this all out about a week ago. :D
Click to expand...

Just trying to answer the OP question. The FA really isn't necessary. A lot of lessons were learned between the first versions and the A1 (like we really did have to clean them:D)
 
Keep your rifle well lubricated and you'll never notice it's missing. Most of the problems I have noted on ARs can be ultimately traced back to them being run too dry. They'll even run pretty filthy if you keep them wet.
 
Forward Assist on a civilian rifle?...It's like having a Warn Winch on a Corvette...you probably won't ever need it but anything's possible I suppose and if it makes you feel better having it hanging out there...more power to you. :)
 
My Colt SP1 doesn't have the FA but I always wanted one. Lots of rounds through it and never needed it. However, today I ordered a Magpul MOE Mid from Kittery Trading Post and it does come with FA which makes me happy. The good thing is if you need one, it's there. Good luck!
 
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