Plastic handguards anybetter than wood?

[NewtoFals]

Are the original bulgarian military plastic handguards any better at not heating up than wood?

[Packrat]

I've fired a FA AK when you had to hold the wood with rags, and the cosmoline was dripping out of the wood. I doubt that synthetics will take that.

[eodinert]

I've lit the wood handguards on fire shooting automatic. The plastic ones don't seem to get as hot in semi, but I have not fired auto with them. I would be they will work well in that application.

~Doug

[NewtoFals]

Thanks guys. I have wood on mine and yeah they heat up after rapid firing 2 mags. Really hot after 3. I was under the impression that the plastic handguards have a heat shield? I sure hope so. Kvar just shipped mine today. :small_gri

[Antares]

you're pritty much screwed whatever way you go unfortunately. I've seen wood handguards catch fire, and i've also seen plastic handguards melt. For sustained fire and full auto the plastic along with a chicken mitt would be better as heat dissipates faster through the plastic. For those of us that just go to the range to plink, i'd suggest wood as it holds the heat in better allowing you to actually hold the handguard. Downside is that it needs a little longer to cool down