The dust cover is that little spring-loaded flap that snaps down over the ejection port on your AR-15 when you’re not firing it to… well, keep dust and debris out of the action. But some folks, the mythical “they,” out on the Interwebs are saying you don’t need the dust cover. You’ve probably even seen the “slick side” upper receivers on some high-end target AR-15s that don’t have one. So is it true that the AR-15’s ejection port cover isn’t necessary? Brownells Gun Techs™ Caleb and Steve are here to sort out the Great Dust Cover Debate. In fact, Eugene Stoner thought it necessary to put a dust cover on his original AR-10 and AR-15 designs, and in the intervening years, dust and dirt haven’t exactly disappeared. Caleb thinks the dust cover is absolutely essential on a combat rifle, and Steve has ’em on all of his AR-15s. AND Sig Sauer saw fit to include a dust cover on their new MCX-Spear Next Generation Squad Weapon (on the bench in front of the guys in this video), just adopted by the U.S. Army. So the myth that the AR-15’s dust cover is unnecessary is BUSTED.
What about that Forward Assist? Watch our Smyth Busters video called “Does the AR-15 REALLY Need a Forward Assist?”
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Who TF asked for this? Do you drive to work? Or do you get dropped off?
Thanks for being professional and answering the question for people who need a little help
The only arguable reason not to have one is if you use the rifle solely for competition. I would rather have one.
Ok, so why does the SCAR, CZ Bren 2, and a whole host of other weapons not have a dust cover? All of these performed WORSE than an AR without a dust cover.
It’s to keep the system sealed when not in use. Jesus people it weighs an ounce. Lol what are we even talking about here!!?? What idiots are complaining about this enough to make a video about it. Get a life!!!
I’ve seen so many times in a Hollywood movie action scene that a person would enter a building and shoot the place up with an m-16 and when the person is leaving the building the dust cover is closed on the rifle. 😂 Those little inaccurate details make me crazy.
read you loud and clear. 301 now has a forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector.
Took the layup this round.
Trust me. The amount of moon dust in Afghanistan would end this debate immediately.
Only Gucci safe queens AR’s don’t need a dust cover.
…and a condom over the muzzle end!
Caleb almost seemed embarrassed to bring up this topic….
Looking forward to the new Magpul quick cover.
Is the NGSW the first military rifle to not have a bayonet lug? Or, at least in the past 100 years or so? So does that mean that is obsolete now? 🤔. Maybe another Smith Busters topic???
Fun range gun no, if you’re in actual combat yes. I have both and never had a problem with either.
Yes, it adds almost no additional size, weight, price , or complexity. Why do people insist on removing features for no reason?
Is a spare tire with a Jack and tire iron nessary to have in the vehicle / forward Assist and dust cover are not nessary BUTT help keep out crap out if closed = FA operator head space 🔇 chamber round slowly holding the charge handle and walk it into the chamber with forward Assist not so loud instead of LOUD CLICK BANG other point if one has not had time to clean to make shure the bolt is fully seated % It's not going to be able to ram a dented bent case and stove pipe better to have then not . Not a enough of a cost and whieght difference to not have it there. 🎻
hahaha "smyth busters: does your AR-15 really need life alert?"
Why is this a question? Anyone who has spent any real time behind a rifle in different shooting positions and scenarios knows why it’s necessary.
Life alert omg 🚨 😂
While it absolutely has a purpose, some people are a bit overzealous with them. I watched a guy argue with the range master that was checking for clear before ceasefire that he had to keep it closed whenever it wasn't be shot and that he could only open for a moment to show it was clear and wouldn't put a flag in it.
At least swap out that stamped dust cover for something a bit more modern looking….SI has a couple of options. 😉
These guys probably take the hood off of Mom’s minivan because it’s unnecessary, and when their vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road they can see the engine and still not know what to do.
Thanks guy's,
Tell the guy's that asked this question.
Go ask the boys in Iraq if they need a dust cover.
The sand is so fine that every step you take
in it, it fluffs like Flour.
Trust me, I know this first hand.
As long as it works well.
Lol the dust cover is why i love my 1873 Winchester over my 1866. The fact my 73s are also lighter doesn't hurt…lol
Heres one for you boys to chew on…
Lever actions are terrible self defense arms, and not viable, especially in PCC calibers due to lack of power…discuss. lol
That ones always a chuckle worthy one.
NEEDED…..FACT‼️‼️‼️🇺🇸
Forward assist for a battle rifle. A dust cover for all AR-15 style rifles. Either that or keep it tucked under your arm pit.
Y’all should call these “Fudd busters” 99% of bad gun advice comes from Fudds.