Forward Assist

The forward assist is a device on an MSR-style rifle’s upper receiver behind the ejection port that, in the event of a round not fully chambering, helps shooters force the bolt forward and seat a round into the chamber. The forward assist was originally designed for the military M-16 rifle to help in situations where the rifle is being used in dirty or sandy environments. Typically, the recoil spring housed in the stock has enough force to throw the bolt forward and seat the round. However, in some extreme situations fouling will inhibit the bolt’s movement. The forward assist works to push the bolt forward in small increments using grooves machined into the bolt.