In firearms, the forearm (also known as the fore-end/forend, handguard 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 or reinforced plastics. 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).

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Some forearms are equipped with additional heat shields to protect the user from heat radiating from the barrel when the firearm is fired.

• Thermal sleeve

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