"Fat" rifle handguards

[Slater]

I know a couple guys that prefer these fatties, but what's the story behind these? Were they a commercial development or do they have a military background?

https://www.cavmfg.com/C5-Fat-Rifle-Handguard-C5.htm

[DG23]

I know a couple guys that prefer these fatties, but what's the story behind these? Were they a commercial development or do they have a military background?

https://www.cavmfg.com/C5-Fat-Rifle-Handguard-C5.htm

Palmetto has stuck those on uppers I bought in the past.

They went in the trash where they belong and were replaced with Colts.



Notice the gaps in the middle even when installed?

PalmettoStateCrappery on top - Colt on bottom.

[Slater]

The gap? That's for enhanced cooling effect

[MSW]

The carbine fatties I have are double lined vs the skinny Colt single lined. Not sure if that’s universal, but as noted, it’s for cooling.

[Slater]

The fatties I've seen have a somewhat oval profile to them. Is that typical?

[DG23]

The gap? That's for enhanced cooling effect

Colt on top in this picture -


On left this picture -

[MSW]

All the fore end grips I have fit like the right diagram & don’t have gaps.

Are they Colt? Were they stored apart? Polymers warp, unfortunately. I was taught, especially with the A1s, to rubber band them mated properly & lay them down where they won’t get roasted. Fortunately, i’ve always had a basement for gun storage.

[MSW]

ETA: my post went fully semiautomatic. Sorry.

[Slater]

Presumably Colt subcontracted theirs?

[DG23]

All the fore end grips I have fit like the right diagram & don’t have gaps.

Are they Colt?

Diagram is of how the heat shields fit together. Colt would be on left.

Double lined is not to keep the barrel cooler - It is to keep your hands cooler...