Forward Assist on M-16/AR-15
- Thread starter Pampers
- Start date
I agree with Big G. Unfortunately, it did work, and did just what Big G says. I always called it the "jam maker". It gets a dirty or bent round in the chamber, then it won't come out and the rim tears off. Then you either have a minor problem (on the range) or a major problem (in combat).
That sort of nonsense is why I never liked the AR-15/M16 and feel that the AR-18/180 is much better.
Jim
That sort of nonsense is why I never liked the AR-15/M16 and feel that the AR-18/180 is much better.
Jim
Harley Nolden
Staff In Memoriam
When the M16 was first issued to the field, it was noted that due to the stacking priciples in the gun it was hard to keep clean, In addition the ammunition at the time was not the best and guns were jamming on the battle field. The gun would sometimes not fully seat the round. The ammunition was changed and the forward assist was introduced to fix the problem.
I have read some where, and seen at the Viet Nam mobile Wall, (message at the wall, place by a former Marine) where a squad of Marines was wiped out because they had the initial issue M16's and could not get them to function. Unfortunately I don't remember what battle this was covered under.
HJN
I have read some where, and seen at the Viet Nam mobile Wall, (message at the wall, place by a former Marine) where a squad of Marines was wiped out because they had the initial issue M16's and could not get them to function. Unfortunately I don't remember what battle this was covered under.
HJN
AR15 Foward Assist
Folks,
Not being an AR-15 person but having one, this seems to be an appropriate place to inquire about this rifle. It is marked "Colt AR15-A2", the barrel is marked "5.56NATO 1/7". It does NOT have a fowrd assist. It came with a 3X Colt scope. I have always wondered about this as I thought that the A1 were the changeover point. Any info would be appreciated. Quantrill
Folks,
Not being an AR-15 person but having one, this seems to be an appropriate place to inquire about this rifle. It is marked "Colt AR15-A2", the barrel is marked "5.56NATO 1/7". It does NOT have a fowrd assist. It came with a 3X Colt scope. I have always wondered about this as I thought that the A1 were the changeover point. Any info would be appreciated. Quantrill
Harley Nolden
Staff In Memoriam
Quantrill:
According to my records and your description the rifle you have is the Colt AR15 Sporter (model #6000) This model does not have the forward assist, Was introduced in 1964 and discontinued in 1985.
Does yours have a bayonet Lug?
16" or 2-" bbl?
HJN
According to my records and your description the rifle you have is the Colt AR15 Sporter (model #6000) This model does not have the forward assist, Was introduced in 1964 and discontinued in 1985.
Does yours have a bayonet Lug?
16" or 2-" bbl?
HJN
The early M16s had many problems, including use of the wrong powder. Sometimes it is said that old powder was used when the rifle was designed for new powder, but the reverse was the case. The rifle was designed and tested with IMR type powder, and then the ammo was loaded with improperly prepared ball powder. This caused a carbonate build up in the gas tube.
The other major problem was that the maker "sold" the rifle as maintenance free. The result was that insufficient cleaning material was issued and GIs were told they didn't have to clean the rifles. They didn't. Results predictable.
The forward assist did not help either problem.
I have never like the AR-15/M16 design, but it now seems to be a pretty good rifle and very reliable.
Jim
The other major problem was that the maker "sold" the rifle as maintenance free. The result was that insufficient cleaning material was issued and GIs were told they didn't have to clean the rifles. They didn't. Results predictable.
The forward assist did not help either problem.
I have never like the AR-15/M16 design, but it now seems to be a pretty good rifle and very reliable.
Jim
AR-15
Gentlemen,
Further examination of the rifle shows a serial number of 301XXX and the designation of "Sporter-II". It has a round handguard with ribs on it, not like the M16s I shot at Camp Perry Small Arms School with a triangular handguard. The barrel length is 18". Thanks for info so far. Quantrill
Gentlemen,
Further examination of the rifle shows a serial number of 301XXX and the designation of "Sporter-II". It has a round handguard with ribs on it, not like the M16s I shot at Camp Perry Small Arms School with a triangular handguard. The barrel length is 18". Thanks for info so far. Quantrill
AR15.com can give you the date of manufacture of your rifle.
The Sporter II was a civilian AR15 manufactured by Colt. I remember they started marking the Colt AR15 "Sporter" when some states and the federal gomt started the uproar over "assault rifles." This was even prior to the weapons ban of 1994.
Obviously, the Sporter II is more recent in manufacture than the "Sporter" which is sometime after 1985 when the original Colt SP1 was discontinued. Usually the Colt civilian rifles are a mix of old and new features as compared to military standard.
For example, my SP1 made before 1985 has the M16A1 flash hider, the M16 upper receiver, sans forward assist, and the triangular handguards used on both M16 and M16A1, so it cannot be exactly compared to any official military model. The bolt is also notched for the forward assist, even though none is fitted.
The round handguards are a feature of the M16A2, although they will fit on any M16 model. The shorty AR15 with collapsable stock has always had the round handguards, however.
I believe the "A3" is not an official designation, but I may be wrong. It's been a long time since I researched AR15s.
The Sporter II was a civilian AR15 manufactured by Colt. I remember they started marking the Colt AR15 "Sporter" when some states and the federal gomt started the uproar over "assault rifles." This was even prior to the weapons ban of 1994.
Obviously, the Sporter II is more recent in manufacture than the "Sporter" which is sometime after 1985 when the original Colt SP1 was discontinued. Usually the Colt civilian rifles are a mix of old and new features as compared to military standard.
For example, my SP1 made before 1985 has the M16A1 flash hider, the M16 upper receiver, sans forward assist, and the triangular handguards used on both M16 and M16A1, so it cannot be exactly compared to any official military model. The bolt is also notched for the forward assist, even though none is fitted.
The round handguards are a feature of the M16A2, although they will fit on any M16 model. The shorty AR15 with collapsable stock has always had the round handguards, however.
I believe the "A3" is not an official designation, but I may be wrong. It's been a long time since I researched AR15s.