what plastic in early AR carbine handguards?

[Kaylee]

It feels to me that the early triangular handguards feel like they're from a kind of more-brittle-er plastic, compared to the "softer" feel of modern A2 handguards.

So here's the question -

1. Are the early A1s actually made from a different plastic, or do they just feel different because of age?

and more to the point -

2. Provided they're different formulations - what was used in the early XM-type carbines of the same era, that also used round handguards? I'm presuming it was something harder and perhaps a little thicker than modern ones? And if so.. are they still made by anyone?

-K

 

[trueblue1776]

I found an awesome early model DPMS A1, with minimal tactical bubba, yesterday for $675. The handguards were the triangle type but really rickety. I had to pass, I just figured the DPMS furniture was probably the bottom of the barrel.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Hmmm, don't know that one. If none of the THR members know, you might check out the Retro forum at AR15.com as they probably have someone who can at least point you the right direction.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I don't know specifically what the pre-A2 handguards were made from, but I do know that it was a different, weaker material than the glass-filled Nylon of the A2 handguards. The pre-A2 handguards were known for cracking so the material was changed to something stronger.

I have seen pics of very early AR15 furniture made from Bakelite.

 

[DMK]

The pre-A2 handguards were known for cracking so the material was changed to something stronger.

Actually, I don't think A2 handguards are stronger, just more flexible. They will deform more before fracturing.

There are a ton of different plastics out there, like different grades of steel, they all have certain uses where they work best. Plastic technology has also come a long way since the late 60s. Those early plastics could be tough, but very inflexible. Modern plastic technology has combined the high heat resistance and strength with better flexibility.

 

[Hoppy590]

well bake-a-lite (SP) was used for early AR's and was by nature very brittle right?

 

[DMK]

well bake-a-lite (SP) was used for early AR's and was by nature very brittle right?

Yes, Bakelite was used on the early Armalite AR15s and AR10s with the thin, round handguards. The triangle M16 handguards were plastic.

BTW, Bakelite was used on some BARs too.

 

[BigG]

The carbine never had triangular handguards to my knowledge. They always had the round. The 20" rifle had the triangular ones. I don't know what the material was but could have been bakelite.

 

[DWARREN123]

CAR 15 and M-16/16A1 had thin plastic hand guards and the butt stocks would sometimes crack also. A-2 had/has better. I think the best are aftermarket/OEM man. than military (mostly).