Belgian non-bipod cut h-grd variations

[L/FN]

Been going through a box of Belgian non bipod cut h-grds and noticed some variations.

In pic of LH sides.

H-grd half in fore ground has rivited
stop tab for Mod C gas reg.

The central and rear h-grd halves do not have the stop tab.

Central h-grd nose is grey painted.

What is unusual is the vent slot on the rear h-grd half.

The slot is molded in at a 90% angle in relation to the flat upper area of the h-grd whereas the slot on the central and fore h-grd halves are the traditional angled slots. Traditional being when the h-grds are held upright, the top & bottom edge of the slots are on a level plane.

Anybody know about these odd h-grds? The odd slotted ones did come from a Rhody FAL kit.

Thanks
Larry

[L/FN]

LH h-grd shows where the front of the synthetic material has been cut back.
For use w/ Mod A regulator??

Very nicely done on the Belgian h-grds compared to Rhody cutbacks.

Larry

[FUUN063]

I have several pairs of these odd/different handguards as well. I did not know about them, just figured they were modified in the field or at different stages of armory divisions just to accomodate. You know the mentality, "Just make it work" attitude. I don't think they cared a whole lot about us collecting them over here some years later. I thought about just posting them on the MP a while back, but just now got around to digging them out of the basement. Soem still have a little Rhodie paint on them, too. Still interesting, though. Wish they could talk. If someone is interested, let me know, as I don't really need them. I do know some of them have cracks, some are repairable and some would be fine just cleaned up (TLC). 8 1/2 sets total. I don't want this to turn into a MP ad, however, Larry, it seems you were reading my mind. That's scary, huh.

Leland

[Valmet78]

Good info...now, how do you tell Belgian from SA, from Imbel, etc.

[L/FN]

Belgian on top.
SA on bottom.

The re-inforcement gusset on the Belgian & Imbel h-grds are basically identical.

The gusset on SA h-grds w/ metal nose pcs are a smaller rounded cross pattern.

Belgian & Imbel h-grds are molded of resin w/ fiberglass fibers w/a smooth gel coat surface.
Very rigid.

SA are a more flexible molded plastic.

[L/FN]

Belgian on left
Imbel on right

Belgians are flat at slot are.
Imbels are rounded from slots to bottom mating edges.

[L/FN]

L>R: Belgian 1st, Belgian 2nd, Imbel & SA

On Belgian metal nose pcs, w/ or w/out the rivited regulator stop tab, the gap between the rear of the h-grd screw bushing and the raised area that mates to the synthetic body is .150 approx.

Same gap on Imbel & SA is .210 approx.

2nd patt Belgian and Imbels have unique LH side screw bushings.
Rivited regulator stops too.

Belgian 1st pattern & SA nose pcs are similar w/a simple screw bushing.
No regulator stop.

Of course the gap between the bushing and raised portion is different and well as the construction of the synthetic body.

[Ghost]

This needs to be stickied in reference. good stuff keep it coming.