What is the purpose of the forward-assist on the M16?

The purpose of the forward-assist on the M16 is to assist in chambering a round. This feature is designed to ensure that a round is fully seated in the chamber when the bolt may not have closed completely either due to a misfeed or when a round is being chambered manually. When the user pushes the forward-assist button, it drives the bolt forward to complete the chambering process, which is especially useful in scenarios involving dirty ammunition or adverse environmental conditions where reliable operation is critical.

By utilizing the forward-assist, a shooter can reduce the likelihood of jams or failures to fire, ensuring that the firearm operates smoothly and effectively. This mechanism reflects the overall reliability required in military applications, where proper handling and control of the weapon are paramount.