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3/6/2008 11:49:36 PM EDT
so, I would like a set of synthetic handguards, but I've heard bad things about the Choates. I've heard they don't fit right, and they can melt. I don't care for the look of the KVARs. Is there a happy medium?
3/7/2008 5:21:49 AM EDT
[#1]
If you need US parts, KVAR makes the only ones with heat sheilding. Otherwise, wood is better.
3/7/2008 1:10:34 PM EDT
[#2]
If you don't mind brown bakelite and plastic, you could get a set of East German handguards.  They should run you about $20.  
3/7/2008 11:51:55 PM EDT
[#3]
these bakelites could be gun koted, correct?

What are the handguards on the yugo underfolders w/ synthetic stocks?
3/8/2008 9:55:07 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
these bakelites could be gun koted, correct?

What are the handguards on the yugo underfolders w/ synthetic stocks?


Bakelite could be coated, at least with Dura-Coat.  I don't know about the baked finishes.  Yugo (Century) black plastic handguards won't fit any other ak variant, and probably aren't any better than the Choate product.  

Honestly, if you go for the EG handguards, just leave them brown.  Bakelite looks cool.  
3/8/2008 5:04:11 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
If you need US parts, KVAR makes the only ones with heat sheilding. Otherwise, wood is better.


I always thought that polymer handguards resist heat better than wood.  Is this wrong?

As far as the Choate handguards, I left the ones on a Polytech that had a thumbhole stock when I 'debanned' it.  The U.S. parts are the FCG, stock and pistol grip.  The last two being K-Var.  I kind of like the Choate handguards but they do seem to be made of cheaper/softer plastic.  They are 'beefier' than K-Var handguards and I have larger hands so I like them.  That said, I'd recommend the K-Var handguards with the stainless heat shield.
3/9/2008 5:39:53 AM EDT
[#6]
Right now, I'm thinking of just painting a set of wood handguards black actually....
3/9/2008 9:41:50 AM EDT
[#7]
I have a set of choate handguards on a MAK-91.  The fit is perfect and I haven't had any melting issues.
3/9/2008 11:19:19 AM EDT
[#8]
I've had Choate's on an old Polytech. They worked ok but did melt a bit around the hand guard retainer.
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