Why Did They Abandon The Triangle AR Handguards?

[Cosmoline]

In doing various upgrades to my recent carbine, I've made a point of handling other styles of AR-15's. This one came with round profile handguards which I found to be puffy and uncomfortable while shooting. I can't find a nice stable place for them to rest on my hand, so I tend to grip which isn't good. The old style triangle profile handguards sit very comfortably in the off hand and make it much easier for me to control the carbine.

Which made me wonder--why were these abandoned in favor of the A2 round profile handguards? Was it the economy of being able to replace one half at a time if there was damage? Or was it some other problem?

 

[HorseSoldier]

I believe the primary motivation was logistics and the elimination of a right and left side for the grips.

 

[PercyShelley]

The triangular-style handguards are rather fragile too, though I think that has more to do with the older-composition plastic used in them than the shape.

 

[Dobe]

Cost, i.e. logistics as mentioned above.

 

[Redlg155]

If I'm not mistaken, the CAR type rifles had a round profile grip. It's possible that the re-designers decided that this type of handguard would work well in a full size configuration.

I remember swapping the handguards on my M16 A1 for the A2 handguards when extra parts hit the system. Not any more comfortable..just different looking. We didn't get the A2's until about 6 months before Desert Storm- 24th ID, Ft Steward GA.

 

[Grunt]

Yup, it simplifies logistics. If I have an M-16A1 with a broken left handguard and the only thing I have on hand in our parts supply are right side handguards, I have to take the weapon out of service. If I broke a bottom handguard on an A2, it doesn't matter, the top is the bottom and the bottom is the top, completely interchangable so all I would need is one handguard and it doesn't matter if it's a top handguard or a bottom handguard. Now that rifle is back in service. To be honest though, I agree that the A1 handguards are more comfortable to me as well.

 

[CapnMac]

The round handguards are seamed on the side, not top-and bottom, too.

That seam could reach out and pinch, or so it was alleged.

Supposedly, the heat shield worked better for your hands, too.

Mostly for not having a left & right supply item, though.

 

[4v50 Gary]

What Hoss soljer said. Logistics was simplified.

 

[Onmilo]

Logistics
Newer handguards are also made of a stronger material than the older handguards with smaller cooling holes which reduces breakage which reduces costs.
Handguards and buttstocks were the most commonly replaced items on Depot serviced weapons.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

An additional reason was that full auto fire was encouraged in those days. The triangular handguard tapers forward, so the rifle recoils away from you left hand in full auto, making it harder to control.

 

[Cosmoline]

Thanks for that insight!