Abstract: A preferred handguard for a rifle includes a pair of essentially identical half-grip pieces each having an elongated body with a generally triangular lateral cross-section, including two exterior sides and a mating side. The exterior sides of the triangular cross-section are formed substantially at a right angle to each other. The mating side of the triangular cross-section is centrally hollowed and has outer edges that form a mating surface for mating with the other half-grip piece to enclose an air space surrounding a section of the rifle barrel. Longitudinally extending accessory mounting rails are formed on each of the exterior sides and are recessed in the half-grip piece such that the rails are located inside a laterally extended generally semi-octagonal outline defined by an end wall. Removable elastomeric rail covers that replicate the semi-octagonal outline are provided to form a substantially continuous shape with the end wall.

Abstract: A forearm handgrip for a rifle, comprising a pair of essentially identical semi-oval mating half-grip pieces adapted to mate together to form the grip. The half-grip pieces have an exterior shaped in a generally semi-oval lateral section having curved sides and adapted to fit a shooter' hand, and are formed of injection-molded high density polymer. At least the bottom, and preferably both, half-grip piece have an accessory mounting rail recessed in the area at the center of the piece such that the posts and guide channel of the rail are inside what would be the extended arc of the sides of the half grip piece. A cover plate is adapted for engagement with each rail to cover the rail when the rail is not in use, the cover plate being shaped to replicate the extended arc of the sides of the half grip up to a flat longitudinally extending rib running along the center of the cover plate. Ventilation holes may be located in a row in the accessory rail and in the cover plate.

Abstract: A forearm handgrip for a rifle, comprising a pair of essentially identical semi-oval mating half-grip pieces adapted to mate together to form the grip. The half-grip pieces have an exterior shaped in a generally semi-oval lateral section having curved sides and adapted to fit a shooter' hand, and are formed of injection-molded high density polymer. At least the bottom, and preferably both, half-grip piece have an accessory mounting rail recessed in the area at the center of the piece such that the posts and guide channel of the rail are inside what would be the extended arc of the sides of the half grip piece. A cover plate is adapted for engagement with each rail to cover the rail when the rail is not in use, the cover plate being shaped to replicate the extended arc of the sides of the half grip up to a flat longitudinally extending rib running along the center of the cover plate. Ventilation holes may be located in a row in the accessory rail and in the cover plate.