I've heard that early versions of M16A2s/AR15A2s would accept old M16A1 triangle handguards on their barrels, but newer ones might not--is there any truth to this? If so, does the slip ring play a role in this?

The reason I ask is that I've been thinking of putting together a rifle with both A1 and A2 features, and I'd really like to keep the A1 handguards if I can. I think they're a lot more comfortable than the A2 handguards, and just look cooler too.

You may have to dremel out a little material at the front of the hanguards to clear the heavier barrel, but they should work.

I was also wondering if A2 & A1 handguards were interchangable.  Anyone ever had problems swapping one with the other?

If the rifle the HGs are to be mounted on has a true A2 profile, and a triangle front bracket, the two types of HGs are interchangable w/o any problem.

If the barrel is, in fact a heavy version under the HGs, then you might have to do the routing mentioned above.

Most of the barrels out there will have the triangle front bracket, but I have seen an occasional civie barrel w/a round front piece.  If yours is one of them, you're SOL for triangle HGs.

thanks for the info

Quoted: If the rifle the HGs are to be mounted on has a true A2 profile, and a triangle front bracket, the two types of HGs are interchangable w/o any problem. If the barrel is, in fact a heavy version under the HGs, then you might have to do the routing mentioned above. Most of the barrels out there will have the triangle front bracket, but I have seen an occasional civie barrel w/a round front piece.  If yours is one of them, you're SOL for triangle HGs.

Thanks for this info!