The AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly 160302042 is a genuine Colt OEM forward assist kit designed to restore or upgrade the reliability of your AR-15/M4/M16 upper receiver. Built to Colt’s exacting standards and engineered for mil-spec receivers, this assembly gives you the critical components needed for a positive, consistent forward assist—ideal for duty rifles, defensive builds, and high-round-count training carbines.
Whether you’re finishing a Colt-correct AR15A4 build, refreshing a worn upper, or standardizing parts across a fleet of rifles, this Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly delivers the quality, fit, and function serious shooters expect.
What the Forward Assist Does – And Why It Matters
On a direct-impingement AR-15, the forward assist allows you to manually drive the bolt carrier fully into battery if a round doesn’t chamber completely—often due to dirt, fouling, or environmental debris.
A properly functioning forward assist assembly helps provide:
Extra insurance when conditions are harsh
Confidence that the bolt is fully locked before firing
A reliable way to quietly close the bolt in certain field or hunting scenarios
For defensive, duty, and hard-use rifles, a solid forward assist assembly is a must-have component rather than a cosmetic accessory.
Complete Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly
This Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly (SKU 160302042, Mfr. No. SP64543) includes the core hardware needed for a functional forward assist, all built to Colt’s exact specs:
Assembly Includes:
Forward assist plunger
Forward assist pawl
Pawl detent
Pawl detent spring
Pawl pin
Several distributors note that this assembly does not include the forward assist spring or the roll pin that retains the assembly in the upper receiver, so those should be purchased separately if you’re not reusing your existing parts.
Colt OEM Quality – Built to Mil-Spec Standards
As an authentic Colt factory component, this forward assist assembly is machined and finished to the same standards Colt uses on complete rifles:
Made from high-quality tool steels and alloys for long-term durability
Components machined to tight tolerances for positive engagement with the carrier
Cap and pawl designed and pinned to Colt’s proven pattern for mil-spec upper receivers
Colt has decades of experience building M16/M4 and AR-15 platforms for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters. Choosing Colt OEM parts helps ensure your rifle’s controls feel and function exactly the way they should.
Compatibility – AR-15, AR-15/M4, and M16
Retailers and Colt-spec listings show this assembly as compatible with a wide range of AR-pattern rifles:
Colt AR15A4
AR-15 / AR-15/M4 mil-spec upper receivers
M16-style upper receivers
Many Colt-pattern and mil-spec compatible receivers from other manufacturers
If your upper uses a standard forward assist cut and mil-spec carrier, this assembly is designed to drop in with the appropriate spring and roll pin. Always confirm compatibility with your specific receiver if you’re using non-Colt components.
Hard-Anodized, Low-Profile Black Finish
The AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly features a hard-anodized black finish on the external cap to match most modern AR receivers and uppers.
Benefits of the finish and design:
Durable, wear-resistant surface that handles repeated use and sling/gear contact
Low-glare, matte black look that blends seamlessly with standard black anodized uppers
Clean, low-profile appearance that maintains the classic AR silhouette
If you’re building a clone-correct AR15A4 or simply want a forward assist that matches your upper cosmetically as well as mechanically, this Colt unit fits the bill.
Ideal for Builds, Repairs & Upgrades
The AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly 160302042 is a smart choice for:
New builds & Colt clones – Finish off a Colt or Colt-style upper with genuine Colt hardware
Repairing worn or damaged parts – Replace a chewed-up pawl, worn plunger, or unknown aftermarket assembly
Upgrading budget rifles – Swap out questionable or out-of-spec forward assist parts with proven Colt components
Armorer spare parts kits – Keep several assemblies on hand for fleet maintenance or range loaners
At only a few ounces, this small assembly can make a big difference in how your rifle feels and functions when you need to quietly or positively seat a round.
Easy Installation with Standard AR Tools
This assembly is designed to work with standard AR-15 forward assist spring and roll pin (not included). Once you have those on hand, a competent builder or gunsmith can install the assembly into any mil-spec upper receiver using typical AR tools.
Because the forward assist is part of the rifle’s operating controls, it’s always good practice to:
Verify proper engagement with the carrier
Test smooth plunger movement and return
Conduct a full function check after installation
For duty and defensive rifles, many shooters prefer to have a qualified armorer confirm installation and operation.
Technical Specifications – AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly 160302042
Based on Colt and major distributor listings:
Product Name: Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly
Manufacturer: Colt’s Manufacturing Company
SKU / Product Code: 160302042
Manufacturer ID: SP64543
Platform Fit:
Included Components:
Forward assist plunger
Forward assist pawl
Pawl detent
Pawl detent spring
Pawl pin
Not Included: Forward assist spring and receiver roll pin (sold separately)
Finish: Black / hard anodized cap
Delivery Weight: Approx. 0.023–0.05 lb (varies by listing/packaging)
Country of Origin: Made in USA
Why Choose the Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly 160302042?
If you’re serious about building or maintaining a reliable AR-15, M4, or M16-pattern rifle, the Colt AR15A4 Forward Assist Assembly 160302042 is an easy decision:
Genuine Colt OEM part, not a no-name knockoff
Proven mil-spec compatibility with AR-15/M4/M16 uppers
Includes the critical internal components needed for solid forward assist function
Built from durable materials with a hard-anodized black finish that matches modern uppers
Ideal for Colt clone builds, duty rifles, defensive carbines, and armorer spares
For shooters, armorers, and collectors who value authenticity and reliability, this forward assist assembly is exactly what a serious AR deserves.
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