![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/A_wood_forearm_of_a_Browning_BLR.jpg/640px-A_wood_forearm_of_a_Browning_BLR.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Forearm (firearm component)
Part of a gunstock between the receiver and muzzle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the firearm component. For other uses, see Forearm (disambiguation).
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).[1][2]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/A_wood_forearm_of_a_Browning_BLR.jpg/640px-A_wood_forearm_of_a_Browning_BLR.jpg)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2024) |
Some forearms are equipped with additional heat shields to protect the user from heat radiating from the barrel when the firearm is fired.