[2barearms]

You might PM Hawk he would know the neighborhood there. I got a
slotted handguard on an Armscorp rear lugged rifle on a trade
yesterday, they show the top of the barrel quite well.
I believe the gorment got rid of them because they cracked
from the heat and created quite a mirage over the barrel.

2ba

 

[Chuck S]

I got my slotted handguard from CMP a few years ago and just purchased another couple from Freds (where else) in the past year or so. All were new.

The Army got rid of them because they were fragile. I like them because the rifle cools more rapidly after rapid fire. Unless you're shooting the National Match course I doube the heat shadows will bother you.

-- Chuck

 

[tfbjwi]

Slot/Vent H'guards

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate the quick replies. I'll look into contacting Hawk and Fred's!

 

[M14]

I recall Springfield Armory Inc. has them. I am sure they would look good if they sell them.

 

[5594]

Yes, SAInc has them - that's where I got mine last year and like it LOT more than the non-slotted. (~$9?)
1. The rifle cools faster.
2. I have no idea what this "mirage" problem is. It might be an issue if looking through a scope on a totally windless day, but it is NOT a problem when looking through a peep sight, or on a typically windy day like we have here.
3. I have beat mine around quite a bit and it hasn't broken.
4. It looks great! Much nicer color match to the wood stock and parkerized metal than the light brown plastic-looking standard one.

 

[geiman]

With regards to the heat boil, it depends on how cold it is.
It's easily visible below 20 deg. in dry air across the iron sights. The non-slotted handguard helps but isn't a complete fix either.
I notice heat boil less in hot weather. That's when a little extra barrel cooling might be good.

geiman

 

[Oryguner]

Slotted handguard

I just HAD to use one so I could see the cool Winchester logo on my GI barrel! I like the look of the slots and I'm not going to war with my rifle so durability is not an issue. I'm also not engaging in rapid fire on a regular basis so the mirage from a hot barrel is also not a problem.