Thank you MeatAxe! I did some more research on these barrels and actually spoke to someone at HB Industries that actually explained it better. The 16" barrel is a one piece but it has threads some where along the barrel, kinda in their middle. The Stock hand guard has a piece in the middle through which the barrel passes and for stability, there is a Nut screwed on to those threads. When I saw those threads, it looked like they were 2 barrels attached together. Where are u from? If u were to buy the barrel, would you need the hand guard as well? Apparently, the stock hand guard doesn't work with the aftermarket barrel and I will need to get a hand guard.