A forward charging system is disclosed. The forward charging system contains a charging trolley containing one or more channels configured to accommodate one or more rails associated with a hand guard, wherein the charging trolley is movable along the one or more rails between a rest position and a charging position, and a rod coupled to a rear portion of the charging trolley, the rod is configured to move a bolt carrier assembly away from a locked position when the charging trolley is moved away from the rest position.