Marushin M16 Handguard Problem

Post by Phobus

Hello everyone ,
Thanks to everyone who has helped me so far with this rifle
One problem is solved - the next one begins !! hehehh

No matter how I adjust them I cannot get the ( nasty ) triangular original handguards to fit properly - & now I noticed a tiny crack in them which is bound to get worse .They always have a gap at the top or the bottom when I fit them .

I like the look of the A2 handguards and would like to buy some for my A1 - they look nice on the Blackhawk down M 16s which I was watching whilst I sweated and cursed trying to fit the handguards last night !!

Why DO they always have tape wrapped around the base of the rifle butts ?? - never figered that one

Question : Where do I get A2 handguards ? Would real steel fit unmodified . Would they fit an A1 model unmodified ? Anyone else had problems with unruly handguards ??
ps : I already contacted modelguns - awaiting response but thought I would ask you guys as well ??


Thank you Carl
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Marmite enthusiast

Post by Phobus

Anyone have any ideas ?

Still not heard from modelguns .

Google searches for A2 Handguards reveals loads of US suppliers wheras UK only searches just links you to airsoft sites .

Hhhhmmmm
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Marmite enthusiast

Hiya,

I have the XM177E2 model myself so can only use that as a guide mate but as far as getting the handguards to fit properly I'm assuming everything's pretty similar.
The XM177 has a ring between receiver and the hanguards that's springloaded. That's pulled back, allowing the handguards to pull out of position.
Both ends of the handguards have 'tangs' or locating flanges on them which slot into retaining rings at the muzzle end first, then back under the springloaded ring.
If your guards cracked, it suggests it's been forced manually or perhaps got jammed up somewere?
Being plastic mouldings, and especially if your gun was built from kit, allthe parts may not have ben cleaned up properly prior to fitting.
Check for burrs, moulding flash or anything along the mating edges that'd stop them sitting right. Check inside the holding rings too.
Chances are you'll find some flash that just needs dressing up.
Accessories for modelguns (PFC) seem very scarce don't they?
The only source of bits and pieces is Airsoft manufacturers fom what I've seen.
Chances are that people like modelguns.co.uk buy in airsoft gear and have the know how as to what they need to make them fit the PFC jobs.
It is a shame that modelguns.co don't divulge anything unless you buy the gun off them but there ya go.
That's what ths forum's good at mate!
I'd guess that Mark the moderator and MadMike could tell you if real parts will fit your gun They both have intimate knowledge of M16's by the sound of it
Cerwyn
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Hobby collector of mainly WW2 era uniforms, headgear, field equipment and replica weapons.

Post by Phobus

Thanks Cerwyn,

That will explain modelguns lack of response to my emails

I don,t want to buy a whole new gun ( yet ! ) just some parts / loading tool / some caps .

Can they really afford to turn away business like that ? - The mind boggles.

Spent hours trawling the net for A2 Handguards - still no joy and now I am tempted to risk ordering from the US - if I can find one who will post to UK .

Regards Carl.
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Marmite enthusiast

Post by Madmike

Hi Carl!

I know that the plastic triangular hand guard is not of high quality on the modelgun M16s, no matter if they are Marushin or MGC. I did not yet find a cure for this myself. The short tubular hand guards on the Carbines are far better.
If you like try contacting www.modelguncollector.co.uk - I did so when I was new to modelguns 2 years ago when I needed caps, carts and spares as well as help assembling the kit. They were very helpful and patient, although I did not buy the gun there. It should be worth a try.

MadMike

Post by Phobus

Thanks Mike ,
Still awaiting response from modelguncollector whom I emailed same time as the other place .
No response from either
I suppose they prioritise large orders which is understandable.

Its the handguards which spoils my gun because they are so poor and flex so badly if I put any pressure or stress on them . One side won,t sit in the circular collar properly which causes a gap in the two halves .

Regards CARL.
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Marmite enthusiast

Post by Mark

Yes, the factory Marushin M16/XM177E2 forearms are extremely bad...Although I haven't tried to replace them (yet) I am not at all sure that real parts would work as they are dimensioned differently. I think that real parts like the handguards could be used if they where fitted properly.
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Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Take my advice here, order your caps from Francky, he is much cheaper, you'll get them in about 3/4 days and yes, it's a big saving even taking shiping into account.
He'll probably get you a loading tool too.
It is worth it, believe me!

Cerwyn
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Hobby collector of mainly WW2 era uniforms, headgear, field equipment and replica weapons.

Post by Phobus

Thanks Cerwyn,

Will do .

I am going to pm Francky today.

BTW previous owner of my M16 also has a UK SPEC centrefire 5.56 cal straight pull M 16 which has A2 Handguards .
They fitted straight on the Marushin without modifications .

Regards CARL.
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Marmite enthusiast

Post by richard jones



My Marushin M16a1 handguards also fit badly from new-i did contact modelguns at teh time and they said something to do with how the heatshield was fitted-makes no difference at all thay still fit badly

Post by Madmike

I had a look at the heat shields, I can not see how they could affect the fit of the plastic handguard. Yes, the M16 hand guards are wobbly on the Marushin M16 as well as on the early MGC M16 (full metal). I was told that this was also a problem with early real M16s, so you could often see additional tape or cord around the hand guards of M16s in Vietnam.

The XM177E2 handgurdas are much shorter and they fit much better.

Post by gavin

thats intresting info as i was watchingplatoon the other night and noticed that they had duck tape on there guns i guess thats why