firearms A firearm is any type of gun that uses an explosive charge and is designed to be readily carried and operated by an individual. The term is legally defined further in different countries (see legal definitions). The first firearms originated ...

, the forearm (also known as the fore-end/forend,

handguard A barrel shroud is an external covering that envelops (either partially or full-length) the barrel of a firearm to prevent unwanted direct contact with the barrel (e.g. accidental collision with surrounding objects or the user accidentally touch ...

or forestock) is a section of a gunstock between the receiver and the muzzle. It is used as a gripping surface to hold the gun steady and is usually made out of heat-insulating material such as

wood Wood is a structural tissue/material found as xylem in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It is an organic materiala natural composite of cellulosic fibers that are strong in tension and embedded in a matrix of lignin t ...

or reinforced plastic. Near the front of the forearm there is often an underside sling swivel stud and sometimes also a barrel-band to secure the forearm to the barrel (as seen in the photo). Some forearms are equipped with additional heat shields to protect the user from heat radiating from the barrel when the firearm is fired.

References

Firearm components {{firearms-stub

See also

References