The advent of the ambidextrous charging handle, along with other ambidextrous controls, is a boon for AR15/M16 users, but it is not without unintended consequences.

The forward assist rim is in the path of the user’s fingernail or knuckle if he uses the right handle of the charging handle to load/reload, the user can easily snag on the rim. Our solution is a rimless forward assist (LDFA), available since 2015. LDFA does away with the rim found on the A2 forward assist. As the FA isn’t an often used control, the design forgoes the surface area offered by the rim and deems the smaller footprint justified.

Hodge Defense Systems Inc. (HDSI) has similar ideas but has a different execution, the forward assist on its Mod2 shares similarities with the A1 teardrop forward assist.

HDSI likes the increased surface area the A1 teardrop forward assist provides while remaining snag free for ambidextrous charging handle users.

Jim Hodge of Hodge Defense Systems and we have been friends for a decade, and are mutual admirers of each other’s work. In 2019, each company was developing its own new version of the forward assist. Once we realized the likely duplication of efforts, HDSI and FCD decided to collaborate on a unified low snag forward assist that would have the attributes both companies deem important.

Jim has worked with Jordan Bowles on concepts for many years in the way of bringing ideas and concepts into the digital world as a jump start for design. Jim had asked Jordan to source and sub the original teardrop Jim used in his builds. When Jim wanted a new solution to the FA, Jordan was an obvious “go-to” for this design.

LSFA (Low Snag Forward Assist) is the result of the collaboration between FCD and HDSI. With Jordan’s input, the design incorporates attributes from both the LDFA and Mod2 forward assist. It has a smooth top and bottom to mitigate snagging, and increased plunger surface area, with its pad extending inward, towards the bore, creating a forward assist with the surface area Jim likes, and the low probability of snagging important to FCD. LSFA is a fusion of previous FCD and HDSI designs, from two companies known for their meticulous attention to detail and focus on duty grade, hard use weapons and components.

We are confident LSFA will serve ambidextrous charging handle users that want, and use, a forward assist on their duty and defense AR15/M16.