Hand guard Quality

gaar · September 27, 2002, 08:48

I saw an FAL type rifle a friend of mine built, He used the Imbel handguards from the dealer warehouse, The Quality was top notch, The price was very High (Around $80).
How does the Quality of the handguards sold by DS Arms @$49 per pair compare?
How about the handguards included in the complete set of US made L1A1 furniture sold By Tapco?

justashooter · September 27, 2002, 09:49

for good quality buy the penguin set from FAC. handguards come without the bipod cuts. around 70$? don't remember. they say the first thing to go is the short term memory.

**fal fiend** · September 27, 2002, 09:50

imbel handguards are fiberglass,,dsa;s are polymer ,,i have a few pairs on fals,,i like them

c east · September 27, 2002, 11:38

How do the Izzys from Gunthings hold up?
Thanks

gaar · September 27, 2002, 18:24

fal fiend
Witch ones do you like better, The Imbel fiberglass or the DSA Polymer ?
How about heat dissapation?, I would think the fiberglass would be better ! But I could be wrong!

**fal fiend** · September 27, 2002, 18:51

the izzys stay the coolest,,the imbels next,,then the dsa..no idea why the other countries did not open slots in their handguards at the top to disapate heat

MM in NM · September 27, 2002, 23:01

If you're going to spend anywhere close to that kind of money get full set of Israeli furniture, cool in more ways than one.
Next in my opinion is the Ironwood US wood handguards which are also cool/cool. Best with a matching Ironwood butt and pistol grip.
I most often use regular Imbel fiberglas handguards that come with the Imbel kits. I recondition em with paint and bedliner which are cheap (because they come with the kit) and also comparatively cool but not as cool as wood.
I've also got one carbine with the wood non bipod cut inch handguards (I think Brit) that are made like the fusalage of a Mosquito bomber with a reflective metal liner inside which are also pretty cool.
Personally I don't necessarily care for the all plastic handguards though I only have expierence with the Century examples.
Hey, shoot enough rounds and they ALL get hot but nothing like those damn G1 stamped metal handguards.
There has to be dozens of choices out there and in the end it's up to you.

xIA · September 27, 2002, 23:09

IMHO, if you know enough to notice the quality of the Imbels, the DSAs will be a disappointment to you.
Flimsy feeling, and the front metal is universally misaligned.
If you want bipod cut handguards, the Imbels are worth every last cent.
Gerald at Penguin was supposed to be doing a group buy on the Imbels for like $59, but he appears to have dropped off the face of the earth, at least FAL Files-wise.

Upside Down @ 100 MPH · September 27, 2002, 23:43

I agree with Dave. The Imbels are superior to any other U.S. made handguard out there that I have seen. I bought two sets of them in pretty good shape the other day and wet sanded and polished one set tonight and put them on one of my rifles. They look great and are the REAL thing.

gaar · September 28, 2002, 17:50

Ok, I am going with the Imbels,
Does anyone sell them cheaper than the Dealer Warehouses price of $80 ?

gaar · September 28, 2002, 17:51

Ok, I am going with the Imbels,
Does anyone sell them cheaper than the Dealer Warehouses price of $80 ?

FALic · September 28, 2002, 17:53

Try gunthings for handguards.

GSF1200 · September 28, 2002, 22:15

Quote:

Originally posted by gaar
Ok, I am going with the Imbels,
Does anyone sell them cheaper than the Dealer Warehouses price of $80 ?

You can get a whole Imbel parts kit for $99!

xIA · September 29, 2002, 13:22

Dealer's Warehouse or Sarco are the limit of your choices for new Imbel HGs, at $80 a pop.
If you want some dented, scratched and gouged, maybe cracked ones, the kit handguards are just the ticket.
Gunthings, Dan's of maybe some other dealers w/ that "hands on approach" might be able to pick you out a reasonably nice set of used ones from some of the kits they have broken up for individual parts sales. Just know going in that they will not be or look new.

**WJ-Polish Guy** · September 29, 2002, 14:12

No question that Imbel HG are the strongest and most durable metric plastic aviable for decent money.
IMO choice depends on the grade of weapon you build. It planly make no sense for me to invest $80 handguards into rack grade weapon build on $99 parts kit.
For those rifles used Imbel forniture works just fine. Forniture and hanguards in good shape are plenty over the marketplace and cheap (granted there is something wrong with forniture suplied with the kit).
Professional refinish is just bout $30 or something, for whole forniture kit at Mac`s. I just recently got forniture kit redone by him and I`m impressed with quality of finish itself..
Not to mention you may get non bipod handguards, those feel realy nice..

I like DSA handguards, but only when used with bipods. Plastic on those is flawless as opposite to all those waves, and surface imperfection on Imbels....

Upside Down @ 100 MPH · September 29, 2002, 19:01

The DSA's have pretty good plastic but I have not yet seen one set that didn't have bent up metal ends on them. I have looked at about ten sets in person now. Forget that.

If I couldn't find any low usage Imbel handguards I would gladly spend the 80 bucks for new ones on any of my FAL's because they are all nice guns, not cheap worn out guns that were re-parked.

Carp Killer · September 29, 2002, 20:39

I have a pair of Imbels on back order from Dealer's. The lady on the phone said that all the new hand guards are stuck on a dock in Brazil because of a strike. So she said that maybe sometime in Oct. they will receive them. I already have a set of the new Imbels and they are worth the money IMHO.

**fal fiend** · September 29, 2002, 20:57

is some peoples reply button stuck ?//,,lol

**WJ-Polish Guy** · September 29, 2002, 22:01

Quote:

Originally posted by fal fiend
is some peoples reply button stuck ?//,,lol

Nah,... just accidently in full auto mode...

Just to elaborate more on DSA metal ends beeing bent.
Have two sets of those on two STGs, one early and one late type. t is really cosmetic issiue raise now and then by various sisies. Once instaled light tapping alround gas block with plastic faced hammer take care for most of the flaw... But yes, you have to use a tool

Lets face it, it is just handguard, if you can instal one US made you may save one of the "importand" for reliability parts from fire control or piston f.e....
Lastly friggin Imbel handguard cost $5 to make, $80should buy me a 10 of those.
I rather reward my money for good people in Chicago for actualy making something in this country, close enough to oryginal for gov. work..

Dirtfarmer · September 29, 2002, 23:12

Quote:

Originally posted by WJ-Polish Guy

I rather reward my money for good people in Chicago for actualy making something in this country, close enough to oryginal for gov. work..

God Bless America WJ!,
You are truly a credit to our nation and we our happy to call you our own...

( ...Unrelatedly, I was worried about that board situation for a bit there...)

Truly,
Goodwill,
-Dirtfarmer

Upside Down @ 100 MPH · September 30, 2002, 00:11

Quote:

Originally posted by WJ-Polish Guy

t is really cosmetic issiue raise now and then by various sisies. Once instaled light tapping alround gas block with plastic faced hammer take care for most of the flaw... But yes, you have to use a tool

Lets face it, it is just handguard,

I see your point. No sense in putting a silk hat and lipstick on one of your $99 pigs

September 27, 2002, 08:48	#1
gaar Registered FALaholic #: 7536 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 64	Hand guard Quality I saw an FAL type rifle a friend of mine built, He used the Imbel handguards from the dealer warehouse, The Quality was top notch, The price was very High (Around $80). How does the Quality of the handguards sold by DS Arms @$49 per pair compare? How about the handguards included in the complete set of US made L1A1 furniture sold By Tapco?

September 27, 2002, 23:09	#8
xIA Registered FALaholic #: 729 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Brazil, IN USA Posts: 1,127	IMHO, if you know enough to notice the quality of the Imbels, the DSAs will be a disappointment to you. Flimsy feeling, and the front metal is universally misaligned. If you want bipod cut handguards, the Imbels are worth every last cent. Gerald at Penguin was supposed to be doing a group buy on the Imbels for like $59, but he appears to have dropped off the face of the earth, at least FAL Files-wise. __________________ Dave Williams (The Artist formerly known as Inland Armory) NRA Life Member Until the meek actually do inherit the earth, I wish they'd stay the hell out of my way.

September 27, 2002, 23:43	#9
Upside Down @ 100 MPH Unregistered FALaholic #: 2405 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 659	I agree with Dave. The Imbels are superior to any other U.S. made handguard out there that I have seen. I bought two sets of them in pretty good shape the other day and wet sanded and polished one set tonight and put them on one of my rifles. They look great and are the REAL thing. __________________ "It is not the facts that guide many through life but their beliefs about what the facts are that guide them. " -DABTL-

September 28, 2002, 17:53	#12
FALic Registered FALaholic #: 3119 Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 182	Try gunthings for handguards. __________________ Run with the pack or piss with the puppies - it's your choice.

September 29, 2002, 13:22	#14
xIA Registered FALaholic #: 729 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Brazil, IN USA Posts: 1,127	Dealer's Warehouse or Sarco are the limit of your choices for new Imbel HGs, at $80 a pop. If you want some dented, scratched and gouged, maybe cracked ones, the kit handguards are just the ticket. Gunthings, Dan's of maybe some other dealers w/ that "hands on approach" might be able to pick you out a reasonably nice set of used ones from some of the kits they have broken up for individual parts sales. Just know going in that they will not be or look new. __________________ Dave Williams (The Artist formerly known as Inland Armory) NRA Life Member Until the meek actually do inherit the earth, I wish they'd stay the hell out of my way.

September 27, 2002, 09:49	#2
justashooter Registered FALaholic #: 5967 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: york, pa. Posts: 4,494	for good quality buy the penguin set from FAC. handguards come without the bipod cuts. around 70$? don't remember. they say the first thing to go is the short term memory.

September 27, 2002, 09:50	#3
fal fiend Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 7091 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,266	imbel handguards are fiberglass,,dsa;s are polymer ,,i have a few pairs on fals,,i like them

September 27, 2002, 11:38	#4
c east Registered FALaholic #: 1736 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: chaparral,NM,usa Posts: 352	How do the Izzys from Gunthings hold up? Thanks

September 27, 2002, 18:24	#5
gaar Registered FALaholic #: 7536 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 64	fal fiend Witch ones do you like better, The Imbel fiberglass or the DSA Polymer ? How about heat dissapation?, I would think the fiberglass would be better ! But I could be wrong!

September 27, 2002, 18:51	#6
fal fiend Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 7091 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,266	the izzys stay the coolest,,the imbels next,,then the dsa..no idea why the other countries did not open slots in their handguards at the top to disapate heat

September 27, 2002, 23:01	#7
MM in NM Registered FALaholic #: 5720 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East mountains of New Mexico Posts: 461	If you're going to spend anywhere close to that kind of money get full set of Israeli furniture, cool in more ways than one. Next in my opinion is the Ironwood US wood handguards which are also cool/cool. Best with a matching Ironwood butt and pistol grip. I most often use regular Imbel fiberglas handguards that come with the Imbel kits. I recondition em with paint and bedliner which are cheap (because they come with the kit) and also comparatively cool but not as cool as wood. I've also got one carbine with the wood non bipod cut inch handguards (I think Brit) that are made like the fusalage of a Mosquito bomber with a reflective metal liner inside which are also pretty cool. Personally I don't necessarily care for the all plastic handguards though I only have expierence with the Century examples. Hey, shoot enough rounds and they ALL get hot but nothing like those damn G1 stamped metal handguards. There has to be dozens of choices out there and in the end it's up to you.

September 28, 2002, 17:50	#10
gaar Registered FALaholic #: 7536 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 64	Ok, I am going with the Imbels, Does anyone sell them cheaper than the Dealer Warehouses price of $80 ?

September 28, 2002, 17:51	#11
gaar Registered FALaholic #: 7536 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 64	Ok, I am going with the Imbels, Does anyone sell them cheaper than the Dealer Warehouses price of $80 ?

September 29, 2002, 14:12	#15
WJ-Polish Guy Polak 210 Contributor FALaholic #: 137 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 3,874	No question that Imbel HG are the strongest and most durable metric plastic aviable for decent money. IMO choice depends on the grade of weapon you build. It planly make no sense for me to invest $80 handguards into rack grade weapon build on $99 parts kit. For those rifles used Imbel forniture works just fine. Forniture and hanguards in good shape are plenty over the marketplace and cheap (granted there is something wrong with forniture suplied with the kit). Professional refinish is just bout $30 or something, for whole forniture kit at Mac`s. I just recently got forniture kit redone by him and I`m impressed with quality of finish itself.. Not to mention you may get non bipod handguards, those feel realy nice.. I like DSA handguards, but only when used with bipods. Plastic on those is flawless as opposite to all those waves, and surface imperfection on Imbels.... __________________ Czapajew

September 29, 2002, 19:01	#16
Upside Down @ 100 MPH Unregistered FALaholic #: 2405 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 659	The DSA's have pretty good plastic but I have not yet seen one set that didn't have bent up metal ends on them. I have looked at about ten sets in person now. Forget that. If I couldn't find any low usage Imbel handguards I would gladly spend the 80 bucks for new ones on any of my FAL's because they are all nice guns, not cheap worn out guns that were re-parked. __________________ "It is not the facts that guide many through life but their beliefs about what the facts are that guide them. " -DABTL-

September 29, 2002, 20:39	#17
Carp Killer Registered FALaholic #: 6931 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 541	I have a pair of Imbels on back order from Dealer's. The lady on the phone said that all the new hand guards are stuck on a dock in Brazil because of a strike. So she said that maybe sometime in Oct. they will receive them. I already have a set of the new Imbels and they are worth the money IMHO.

September 29, 2002, 20:57	#18
fal fiend Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 7091 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,266	is some peoples reply button stuck ?//,,lol

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