Forearm (firearm component)

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 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).¹²

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