Elevate Your AR-15's Dependability with the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit

For every AR-15 owner, builder, or enthusiast, the pursuit of unwavering reliability and peak performance is a constant endeavor. At the heart of a truly dependable AR platform lies a collection of meticulously engineered components working in harmony. Among these, the forward assist stands out as a critical, often underestimated, element designed to ensure your firearm functions flawlessly, even in the most demanding conditions. The CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit (Part # 55BA556) is engineered precisely for this purpose, offering a robust, mil-spec compliant solution for enhancing your rifle's operational consistency.

What is a Forward Assist and Why is it Essential for Your AR-15?

The forward assist is a small, plunger-like mechanism located on the right side of an AR-15's upper receiver. Its primary function is to manually push the bolt carrier group (BCG) fully into battery when a round has not completely chambered. While a properly functioning AR-15 should cycle rounds smoothly, various factors can lead to an incomplete battery, such as:

• Carbon buildup: Fouling from repeated firing can create resistance.
• Dirty ammunition: Out-of-spec or contaminated rounds might not slide smoothly into the chamber.
• Adverse environmental conditions: Dust, dirt, mud, or extreme temperatures can impede the BCG's movement.
• Weak recoil springs: An old or weak buffer spring might not provide sufficient forward force.
• Magazine issues: Improper seating or worn feed lips can misalign rounds.
• Tolerance stacking: Minor variations in component dimensions can combine to create friction.

In such scenarios, where the bolt isn't fully locked, the rifle will not fire. The forward assist provides a means to rectify this without having to manually cycle the action, which can be crucial in high-stress situations, whether on the range, in competition, or in a defensive scenario. It ensures that the cartridge is fully seated and locked into the chamber, allowing the firing pin to strike the primer correctly and facilitate a successful discharge.

Without a functional forward assist, clearing an incomplete battery might require more drastic measures, potentially disengaging from a target or losing precious time. The CMMG Forward Assist Kit ensures you have this vital tool at your fingertips, restoring confidence in your firearm's immediate readiness.

Unpacking the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit: Features & Specifications

The CMMG 55BA556 kit is a complete assembly designed for straightforward installation and long-term durability. It adheres to strict manufacturing standards, making it an ideal choice for both new builds and essential upgrades or repairs.

Key Components Included in the Kit:

• Forward Assist Body: The main housing unit that secures the internal components and mounts to the upper receiver.
• Forward Assist Plunger: The cylindrical component that engages with the serrations on the bolt carrier.
• Forward Assist Spring: Provides the necessary tension for the plunger to return to its resting position after use.
• Forward Assist Pin: A small roll pin that secures the plunger and spring within the body, preventing them from falling out.

Exceptional Design and Material Choices:

• Mil-Spec Construction: Built to meet or exceed military specifications for materials, dimensions, and finish. This ensures compatibility with a vast majority of AR-15 platforms that also adhere to these standards, including M4 and M16 variants. Mil-spec compliance is a hallmark of reliability and interchangeability, giving users peace of mind that this component will integrate seamlessly with their existing rifle.
• Durable Steel Construction: Each component within the CMMG kit is machined from high-quality steel. This material choice is paramount for parts subjected to repeated impact and friction, guaranteeing resistance to wear, deformation, and corrosion over thousands of cycles.
• Phosphate Finish: The exterior surfaces of the forward assist body and plunger are treated with a robust phosphate coating. This finish serves multiple critical purposes:
  • Corrosion Resistance: It provides an excellent barrier against rust and environmental damage, essential for firearms exposed to moisture, humidity, and the elements.
  • Reduced Glare: The matte, non-reflective finish helps minimize glare, which can be advantageous in tactical or hunting scenarios.
  • Enhanced Lubricity: While not as slick as some advanced coatings, phosphate can hold oil well, contributing to smoother operation and reduced friction over time when properly lubricated.
  • Durability: It creates a hard, durable surface that resists scratching and abrasion, maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the component.
• Precision Engineering: CMMG is renowned for its commitment to precision. The components in this kit are manufactured with tight tolerances, ensuring proper fitment and reliable engagement with the bolt carrier group's serrations. This precision minimizes play and maximizes efficiency when the forward assist is actuated.
• Reliable Spring Tension: The included forward assist spring is calibrated to provide consistent and appropriate tension. This is crucial for both positive engagement when the assist is pressed and swift, reliable return to its home position, preventing interference with the rifle's operation.

These specifications combine to deliver a forward assist kit that is not merely a replacement part but an enhancement, ensuring your AR-15 remains a dependable tool for any application.

Who Benefits Most from the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit?

The CMMG 55BA556 AR Forward Assist Kit is an indispensable component for a wide array of individuals involved with the AR-15 platform.

• AR-15 Builders and Customizers: If you're assembling a new AR-15 from a stripped upper receiver, this kit is a fundamental requirement. It provides all the necessary components for a complete, functional forward assist assembly, ensuring your build is compliant and ready for action.
• Firearm Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: For those who frequently shoot, maintain, or tinker with their ARs, having a reliable forward assist is non-negotiable. It contributes directly to the shooting experience, allowing quick issue resolution.
• Competitive Shooters: In the fast-paced world of competitive shooting (e.g., 3-Gun, USPSA PCC), every second counts. An incomplete battery can cost valuable time. A functional forward assist allows for swift correction, keeping the shooter in the game.
• Tactical Users and Law Enforcement: For professionals who depend on their rifle for personal safety or duty, reliability is paramount. The ability to quickly ensure a round is fully chambered in adverse or high-stress environments is a life-saving feature.
• Hunters: When afield, reliability cannot be compromised. A single misfeed can mean missing a crucial shot. The forward assist provides an extra layer of assurance.
• Gunsmiths and Armorers: For professionals performing repairs, maintenance, or upgrades for clients, the CMMG kit offers a high-quality, readily available replacement part that meets industry standards.
• Anyone Experiencing Malfunctions: If your AR-15 has occasionally experienced incomplete battery issues, and you've identified that your forward assist is worn, damaged, or missing, this kit is the direct solution to restore full functionality.

Real-World Use Cases and Scenarios

Imagine these situations where the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit proves its worth:

• Dusty Range Day: You're at an outdoor range, and a gust of wind kicks up dust. After a few magazines, your rifle feels a bit sluggish, and on a fresh mag, the bolt doesn't quite lock forward. A quick tap on the forward assist, and you're back in action, avoiding the need to clear a jam or re-chamber.
• Competitive Match Pressure: During a timed stage, you reload, and as the bolt slams forward, you notice it's not fully seated by a hair. Instead of a frustrating stoppage, a rapid thumb press on the forward assist confirms lockup, and you continue to engage targets without losing valuable seconds.
• Field Expediency in Adverse Weather: You're hunting in cold, wet conditions. Your rifle has been exposed to the elements. When you chamber a round, the cold and moisture create enough resistance that the bolt hangs up slightly. The CMMG forward assist allows you to positively seat the round, ensuring readiness when that critical moment arises.
• New Build Commissioning: You've just completed assembling your dream AR-15. As part of the final function check, you cycle dummy rounds, and occasionally, due to the tight new tolerances, a round might not fully seat. The forward assist ensures everything is perfectly aligned before you even head to the range.
• Training Drills: During a tactical carbine course, you're practicing reloads and malfunction clearances under simulated stress. An incomplete battery is a common training scenario. With a reliable forward assist, you can practice the correct remedial action swiftly and efficiently.
• Routine Maintenance and Component Refresh: Over years of use, even the most durable parts can wear. If your existing forward assist feels sticky, sluggish, or looks worn, replacing it with the CMMG kit restores optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your upper receiver's critical mechanisms.

These scenarios highlight that the forward assist is not a redundant component but a vital tool that contributes to the overall safety, efficiency, and reliability of your AR-15, especially when conditions are less than ideal.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Installing the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit is a relatively straightforward process for anyone with basic AR-15 disassembly and assembly knowledge and appropriate tools. Typically, it involves:

1. Disassembly: Removing the existing forward assist (if present) by driving out its retaining pin.
2. Preparation: Ensuring the receiver's forward assist bore is clean and free of debris.
3. Assembly: Inserting the new forward assist plunger and spring into the body, then sliding the assembly into the receiver.
4. Retention: Driving the new forward assist pin into place to secure the assembly.

While the process is simple, it's crucial to ensure proper alignment and to use the correct punch size to avoid damaging the pin or receiver. For comprehensive instructions, always refer to a detailed AR-15 armorers manual or reputable online guides.

Maintaining your forward assist primarily involves keeping it clean and lightly lubricated. During routine rifle cleaning, pay attention to the forward assist plunger and the serrations on your bolt carrier. A buildup of carbon can hinder smooth operation. A light coating of quality firearm lubricant on the plunger and spring will ensure fluid movement and protect against corrosion.

Why Choose CMMG for Your AR-15 Components?

CMMG has established itself as a leading manufacturer in the firearms industry, particularly renowned for its AR platform components and complete firearms. When you choose the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit (Part # 55BA556), you are investing in a product backed by:

• Proven Track Record: CMMG products are widely used and trusted by shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel for their consistent quality and performance.
• Commitment to Quality Control: Every CMMG component undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets exacting standards before it leaves the factory.
• Innovation and Design: While the forward assist is a standard component, CMMG's dedication to precise manufacturing ensures their version is optimized for maximum reliability within the mil-spec envelope.
• Customer Satisfaction: CMMG stands behind its products, offering support and ensuring customers are satisfied with their purchases.

Choosing CMMG means opting for a component that will seamlessly integrate with your AR-15, providing the robust functionality you expect from a premium firearm part.

Secure Your CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit from DEGuns

When acquiring essential firearm components like the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit, it's crucial to purchase from a reputable and knowledgeable retailer. DEGuns is your trusted source for a comprehensive selection of firearms, parts, and accessories. We understand the importance of quality and reliability in every component that goes into your AR-15.

At DEGuns, you'll find the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit (Part # 55BA556) readily available, ensuring you can complete your build, upgrade your rifle, or perform necessary repairs without delay. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing, expert customer service, and a seamless shopping experience. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right parts to optimize your firearm's performance and ensure its long-term dependability. Trust DEGuns for all your CMMG product needs and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About AR Forward Assists

Q: Is a forward assist truly necessary on an AR-15?
A: While a properly built and maintained AR-15 should ideally cycle without needing the forward assist, it serves as a crucial mechanical override to ensure the bolt is fully seated in situations where it might not be. This can happen due to carbon buildup, dirty ammunition, or adverse environmental conditions. For tactical, competitive, or self-defense applications, it's considered an essential feature for maintaining rifle reliability and quickly resolving incomplete battery issues.

Q: Can I install the CMMG Forward Assist Kit myself?
A: Yes, installation of the CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit (Part # 55BA556) is generally straightforward for individuals with basic mechanical aptitude and the appropriate gunsmithing tools (such as a roll pin punch set and a small hammer). It involves disassembling the existing unit (if any) and carefully installing the new components. However, if you are unsure or lack the necessary tools, it is always recommended to seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith.

Q: How do I know if my forward assist needs replacing?
A: Signs that your forward assist may need replacement include:

• Difficulty engaging: If the plunger is sticky, doesn't depress smoothly, or doesn't return properly.
• Visible wear or damage: Cracks, bends, or excessive wear on the plunger or body.
• Missing components: If the spring or pin is lost, or the entire assembly is missing from a new upper receiver.
• Inconsistent operation: If you find yourself repeatedly needing to press the forward assist with no positive effect, suggesting internal wear or damage.

Q: Is the CMMG Forward Assist Kit compatible with all AR-15 platforms?
A: The CMMG AR Forward Assist Kit (Part # 55BA556) is designed to be mil-spec compliant, meaning it is compatible with the vast majority of AR-15, M4, and M16 pattern upper receivers that utilize a standard forward assist port. If your upper receiver is designed to accept a standard forward assist, this kit will fit.

Q: What are the benefits of choosing a phosphate finish for a forward assist?
A: A phosphate finish, also known as parkerizing, offers several key benefits for firearm components. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially when paired with a light oil, which is crucial for parts exposed to the elements and cleaning chemicals. It also reduces glare due to its matte appearance and creates a durable, non-reflective surface that holds lubrication well, contributing to smoother operation and enhanced longevity of the part.

Product Summary

Component	Material	Finish	Compatibility	Function
Forward Assist Kit	High-Quality Steel	Phosphate Coated	Mil-Spec AR-15, M4, M16	Ensures positive bolt lock-up and reliability
Part Number	N/A	N/A	55BA556	Unique CMMG identifier
Availability	N/A	N/A	DEGuns.com	Trusted source for purchase