“Upgrade your AR15 with Forward Assist or Slick Side – the choice is yours.”
Benefits of a Forward Assist on Your AR15 Upper
When it comes to customizing your AR15, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to include a forward assist on your upper receiver. While some shooters swear by the benefits of a forward assist, others prefer the sleek look and simplicity of a slick side upper. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of having a forward assist on your AR15 upper and why it might be the right choice for you.
First and foremost, a forward assist can be a lifesaver in a jam. If you’re out in the field and your bolt doesn’t fully close, a quick tap on the forward assist can help seat the bolt and get you back in action. This can be especially crucial in high-pressure situations where every second counts. Having a forward assist can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable tool to help you overcome any potential malfunctions.
Additionally, a forward assist can be a handy feature for chambering a round quietly. By using the forward assist to gently push the bolt into battery, you can avoid the loud noise that can sometimes accompany chambering a round. This can be particularly useful in hunting scenarios where stealth is key. With a forward assist, you can quietly chamber a round without alerting your prey to your presence.
Another benefit of a forward assist is its versatility. Whether you’re shooting at the range, hunting in the field, or competing in a match, a forward assist can help ensure smooth and reliable operation of your AR15. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can make a big difference in your shooting experience.
Of course, some shooters prefer the clean lines and simplicity of a slick side upper. Without a forward assist, a slick side upper can offer a sleek and minimalist look that appeals to many shooters. If you prioritize aesthetics and want a more streamlined appearance for your AR15, a slick side upper might be the right choice for you.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of not having a forward assist. Without this feature, you may find yourself struggling to seat the bolt in certain situations, leading to frustrating malfunctions that can disrupt your shooting experience. While some shooters may never encounter a situation where a forward assist is needed, having this tool can provide added peace of mind and confidence in your firearm.
In conclusion, the decision to include a forward assist on your AR15 upper ultimately comes down to personal preference and shooting style. If you value reliability, versatility, and the ability to quickly overcome malfunctions, a forward assist may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize aesthetics and prefer a more minimalist look, a slick side upper could be the perfect fit for your AR15. Whichever option you choose, make sure to consider your own needs and preferences to ensure that your AR15 is customized to suit your shooting style.
Pros and Cons of a Slick Side Upper for Your AR15
When it comes to customizing your AR15, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a forward assist upper or a slick side upper. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making your choice.
Let’s start by looking at the pros of a slick side upper. One of the main advantages of a slick side upper is its simplicity. Without the forward assist mechanism, the upper receiver is sleeker and more streamlined, giving your rifle a cleaner look. This can be especially appealing if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or if you’re looking to reduce weight on your rifle.
Another benefit of a slick side upper is that it can be easier to clean and maintain. Without the forward assist, there are fewer moving parts to worry about, making it simpler to disassemble and clean your rifle. This can be a big plus if you’re someone who likes to keep your firearms in top condition.
In addition, some shooters find that a slick side upper offers a smoother cycling action. Without the forward assist, there’s less friction and resistance when chambering a round, which can result in a more reliable and consistent shooting experience. This can be particularly important for competitive shooters or those who rely on their rifle for self-defense.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when it comes to a slick side upper. One of the main disadvantages is that without the forward assist, you may encounter more malfunctions or failures to fully seat a round in the chamber. While this is relatively rare, it can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially in high-pressure situations.
Another potential downside of a slick side upper is that it may not be as versatile as a forward assist upper. The forward assist can be a useful tool for manually chambering a round in situations where the bolt doesn’t fully close, such as when shooting in adverse conditions or with dirty ammunition. Without this feature, you may be limited in certain shooting scenarios.
Ultimately, the decision between a slick side upper and a forward assist upper comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you value simplicity, aesthetics, and a smooth cycling action, a slick side upper may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility and reliability in all shooting conditions, a forward assist upper may be the better option.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to do your research and consider how each feature will impact your shooting experience. By weighing the pros and cons of a slick side upper, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of your AR15.
How to Decide Between a Forward Assist and Slick Side Upper
When it comes to building or customizing your AR15, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a forward assist or slick side upper receiver. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two before making your choice.
Let’s start by discussing the forward assist. The forward assist is a small button located on the side of the upper receiver that is designed to help push the bolt into battery if it fails to fully close. This can be particularly useful in situations where dirt, debris, or other obstructions prevent the bolt from fully closing on its own. The forward assist can be a valuable tool for ensuring that your rifle remains operational in less-than-ideal conditions.
On the other hand, the slick side upper receiver does not have a forward assist. This can make the rifle lighter and more streamlined, as there is no protruding button on the side of the receiver. Some shooters prefer the slick side upper for its cleaner look and reduced weight, as well as the fact that it eliminates the possibility of accidentally engaging the forward assist.
When deciding between a forward assist and slick side upper, it’s important to consider how you plan to use your rifle. If you anticipate using your AR15 in harsh environments or situations where reliability is paramount, a forward assist may be the way to go. The ability to manually push the bolt into battery can be a lifesaver in certain circumstances, and having that extra level of control over your rifle’s operation can provide peace of mind.
On the other hand, if you prioritize weight savings and a clean, minimalist look, a slick side upper may be the better option for you. The absence of a forward assist can make the rifle easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot, particularly for those who prefer a more streamlined design. Additionally, the lack of a forward assist eliminates the possibility of accidentally engaging it, which can be a common issue for some shooters.
Ultimately, the decision between a forward assist and slick side upper comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you value reliability and the ability to manually assist the bolt in closing, a forward assist may be the way to go. If you prioritize weight savings and a cleaner look, a slick side upper may be more your style.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to remember that both forward assist and slick side uppers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences. So take your time, do your research, and choose the AR15 upper that’s right for you.
Customizing Your AR15 Upper with Forward Assist or Slick Side
When it comes to customizing your AR15 upper, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a forward assist or a slick side design. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand what each feature brings to the table before making your decision.
Let’s start by taking a closer look at the forward assist. This feature is designed to help you chamber a round in the event of a malfunction or a stuck cartridge. By pressing the forward assist button, you can push the bolt forward and ensure that your rifle is ready to fire. This can be a valuable tool in high-pressure situations where every second counts.
On the other hand, some shooters prefer a slick side upper for its simplicity and clean lines. Without the forward assist, the slick side upper has a sleeker profile and can be easier to handle. This can be especially beneficial for shooters who prioritize speed and agility in their shooting style.
When it comes to choosing between a forward assist and a slick side upper, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you anticipate encountering malfunctions or need the added assurance of a forward assist, then opting for this feature may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value simplicity and a streamlined design, a slick side upper may be more in line with your shooting style.
It’s also worth considering the weight and balance of your rifle when choosing between a forward assist and a slick side upper. The forward assist adds a bit of extra weight to the upper receiver, which can affect the overall feel of your rifle. If you’re looking to keep your rifle as lightweight as possible, a slick side upper may be the better option for you.
Another factor to consider is the cost of each option. Generally speaking, a slick side upper will be more affordable than a forward assist upper, as the latter requires additional machining and components. If you’re working within a budget, this may be something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Ultimately, the choice between a forward assist and a slick side upper comes down to your personal shooting style, preferences, and budget. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh these factors carefully before making your decision.
In conclusion, whether you choose a forward assist or a slick side upper for your AR15, both options have their own unique benefits. By understanding the differences between the two features and considering your own shooting style and preferences, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your shooting experience. So take your time, do your research, and choose the AR15 upper that’s right for you.
Comparing Performance of Forward Assist and Slick Side Uppers
When it comes to choosing the right AR15 upper for your rifle, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a forward assist or slick side design. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two before making your decision.
Let’s start by taking a closer look at the forward assist. This feature is designed to help you chamber a round in the event of a malfunction or if the bolt doesn’t fully close. By pressing the forward assist button, you can push the bolt forward and ensure that the rifle is ready to fire. This can be a useful feature in certain situations, especially if you’re in a high-pressure or tactical environment where every second counts.
On the other hand, slick side uppers do not have a forward assist. This design is often preferred by shooters who prioritize simplicity and reliability. Without the forward assist mechanism, slick side uppers tend to be lighter and more streamlined, making them a popular choice for those who value speed and agility in their shooting.
In terms of performance, both forward assist and slick side uppers can deliver reliable and accurate shots. However, some shooters argue that the forward assist can add unnecessary complexity to the rifle and may not always be needed in practice. On the other hand, proponents of the forward assist argue that it can be a lifesaver in certain situations and is worth the extra weight and bulk.
When it comes to maintenance, slick side uppers are generally easier to clean and maintain. Without the forward assist mechanism, there are fewer moving parts that can get dirty or malfunction. This can be a significant advantage for shooters who want to spend less time cleaning their rifle and more time on the range.
In terms of aesthetics, some shooters prefer the clean and sleek look of a slick side upper. Without the protruding forward assist button, slick side uppers have a more minimalist and modern appearance. This can be a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth considering if you want your rifle to stand out on the range.
Ultimately, the choice between a forward assist and slick side upper comes down to your personal shooting style and preferences. If you value simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, a slick side upper may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed, versatility, and the added functionality of a forward assist, then a forward assist upper may be the better option.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to remember that both forward assist and slick side uppers can deliver excellent performance on the range. Take the time to consider your shooting needs and preferences, and choose the upper that best fits your style. With the right upper, you’ll be able to take your shooting to the next level and enjoy hours of fun on the range.
