I was at the gun show a couple weekends ago in Reno and picked up a set of A1 handguards. They are shiny and feel pretty hefty (if that's a word), and are heavier than my A2 handguards. I probably paid to much for them, but I got them anyway. I like the way they feel and look. I currently do not have an A1, just an A2 clone and a flat top right now. The most experience I have with the A1 is packing them around Sand Hill in boot camp at Ft Benning, GA.

These handguards seem to be in pretty good shape, although there is a broken piece on the end but doesn't seem to effect anything or be seen when on my A2 clone.

My questions is, Would these be a good candidate for cutting down to a mid length for my 16" flat top bastard? (Eventually it will be wearing an A1 or A2 upper receiver), trade them for a set that is already cut to mid length? Or Forget the whole idea?

So does anyone know what vintage these are? Would I be stoned in the square if I cut these up?  


Here are a couple pictures. I've included a link to my google drive for more pictures.

Google Drive - A1 Handguards

If they are original equipment, I would not cut them up, they are getting harder to find decent pairs of the.

Just pick up a set of reproductions from Brownell's and cut them down, they came out at a pretty good price point, I bought the whole set, handguards, pistol grip and buttstock for $79.99 the other day.

Scarcity = value increasing.

They are worth more intact than mangled.

They're yours. You paid for them. Do with them what you want. HG's and type D and E stocks get cut up all the time for projects.

Hang on to them, you will likely build an A1 some day...

It takes a bit more than a cut..  

if they don't have cracks. hang onto them..
I don't thnk its going to be cheap to reproduce them 100% accruatly.

Most all h/gs crack in the same place (and would make perfect middy hh/g production)  but it that another story.
Everyone wants something different. If a mass made product is made I bet its gonna be PIM and cheap like TCs 607s.


Do no fear rolling your own. You will come up with a much better product even if it takes you 3 tries..
It took me a some time


lampblack will dye JB weld black.. FWIW

They seem to be in pretty good shape. I cannot see any cracks anywhere, just a little chunk missing where it goes into the barrel nut assembly. There are some scratches on them, like they've been used alot, but the color is nice and they feel very solid. I would rather just find some mid length ones aftermarket. I may just hang on to them for a rainy day or wild hair or whatever!