military stocks?

[alemonkey]

Something I've always wondered - why do military rifles tend to have a full length forend, instead of a half length like civilian rifles? Is it to prevent burning one's hand on a hot barrel?

 

[lionken07]

long sight picture?

 

[ckay]

What type of rifle?

 

[Anteater1717]

Probably to protect the barrel.

 

[Deer Hunter]

Ever fired 20-30 rounds, rapid, then grabbed the gun and ran to another foxhole?

It's for protection for the rifle and the rifleman.

 

[toivo]

And to make the rifle easier to grip when using a bayonet.

 

[Vaarok]

Given I've almost burned the digits from the rear sight leaf into my fingers from handling hot rifles, I'd say the full-stock and handguard is a pretty good thing.

I do like the barrel-tube of the Gew88, though. It's different, but it stays cooler longer and doesn't get quite as hot as bare metal.

 

[Titan6]

Is it to prevent burning one's hand on a hot barrel?

Yes.

 

[Ash]

And it protects the barrel from damage.

Ash