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Posted: 11/28/2004 4:54:59 AM EDT
I found a Colt 1/7 barrel online that I am planning on using for my 20" A2 build. However, something is puzzling me.  Will this rifle accept circular A2 handguards? Maybe my eyes are decieving me, but it appears as if the part right behind the front sight post is triangular in shape. If it does not allow circular handguards, can I change that piece out and replace it with one that does? Sorry if this is a n00b question, but this will be my first AR ever, and I have no hands-on experience with the AR-15 platform, besides what I have already finished on my current build. Thanks! |
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The original M16 and M16A1 handguards were triangular. But in an effort to keep as many parts backwards compatable as possible, the newer A2 handguards (round, ribbed) were made with tabs in the front that mated inside and outside in such a manner that either half could be used on top or bottom. The old A1 triangular handguard had left and right halves. So, the "new" handguards could fit the older rifles, and the "old" handguards could still fit the newer rifles. By the time the carbines came into general use, they had round handguard caps and the ribbed type round handguard. There was no compatibility issue, as there were very few of the very early experimental models with other handguards "in the field". So they were made from the beginning with round handguard caps. At one time it was thought the rifles would be switched over to the same round caps as the carbine, but the A2 handguard tabs have fit and function well for many years. There is just no need to change it. |
| [email protected]Yah, this 20in will take round gaurds. If this is your first build, go get the little book from Bushmaster from the gunsmithing section--get armorers blocks and wrench also |
You may have to modify the heatshields a bit if the barrel is a Bushmaster Dissipator. Couldn't get my A1 handguards to fit 'cause the milled gas block gets in the way. pic for yugosksfan 
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