Aluminum vs Plastic for the forearm?

[JohnEd]

I now see alu furniture for the upper and lower.  Nice rails for Pic mounts, etc.  What is the down side for these?  Do the transmit heat and burn the "operator"?  All of mine are the FAB or FAB style stuff.  Is there a valid concern that the FAB will melt?

Thanks,

John

[cciman]

full auto, or bump stocks, or repeating mag dumps will heat up either metal or plastic- will burn wood too

Also destroys the barrel.

If you are not doing that, then probably not a worry.

[RSR]

full auto, or bump stocks, or repeating mag dumps will heat up either metal or plastic- will burn wood too

Also destroys the barrel.

If you are not doing that, then probably not a worry.

+1 -- unless you are intending to destroy your barrel through torture testing it through rapid fire, you won't have a problem w/ polymer handguards.  FAB have much better ventilation than beaver barf.

Aluminum will, or can, transfer more heat to your hand.  Aluminum also releases heat faster than polymer.  I REALLY like the the NEA handguards.  I run them with an AFG and the GoGun gas pedal thumb rest.  And then I use ergo ladder rail covers on the exposed picatinny rail as well.  Haven't needed gloves.  Aluminum upper does get warmer than w/ FAB though since both polymer and uses OE heat shield...

[JohnEd]

Thanks guys.