I picked up a 7" handguard the other day on the EE and noticed it may be one of the earlier versions that I have never come across. I tried searching for the differences/changes but couldn't get much information. I compared it to my 13.2" and noted some differences. I wanted to see if any LT handguard historians could chime in on improvements/changes over the years.
Please excuse my poor pictures.
First thing that is evident is the lack of QD sockets.
Older generation "keeper" bolts go through barrel nut and thread into "head" of actual handguard. This is still a very rock solid mount.
Another thing I noticed is the older barrel nut seems a good bit lighter than the newer nut. Is there a difference in materials? Aluminum vs. steel? If any other folks out there can chime in on other details please share.
Despite the age of the LT handguard design it is still my go to quad rail. I've tried plenty of others but I find the mounting is solid and the rail profile (tucked 6 o'clock rail) fits my hands perfectly. It'll be real interesting to see when a next gen LT handguard hits the market.