In construction of a lightweight AR (Armalite Rifle) there came a comparison of two components from two reputable brand names. The first item is the Forward Assist.

While many an enthusiast insists that removing the Forward Assist is an optimal way to reduce weight, they fail to remember the history of the Forward Assist and why it was added after field use during the Vietnam War Era. Removing the Forward Assist is an example of not learning from history.

With the matched upper and lower receivers for the AR coming from VSevenWeaponSystems, naturally many other components I acquired started off from the same manufacturer. Upon reading the techs and specs of StrikeIndustries’ Forward Assist, I was excited to “upgrade” my Forward Assist to a lighter weight version. However, upon receiving the new Forward Assist item and weighing it compared to the other brand—I learned they were identical in weight. Since both Forward Assists weighed the same, I have opted to stick to the VSevenWeaponSystem.

Next item up is the Dust Cover. Albeit the VSevenWeaponSystem dust cover is built from aluminium, versus the polymer StrikeIndustries; with all components of the dust covers weighed and considered, the VSevenWeaponSystem is lighter in weight.