HANDGUARD Meaning and
Definition
-
A handguard refers to a protective device designed to shield and cover the hand while holding a weapon, particularly firearms. It is typically positioned above the barrel and in front of the trigger mechanism. The primary purpose of a handguard is to safeguard the hand from accidental burns, intense heat, and potential injuries caused by the discharge of the weapon. It acts as a shield, preventing contact with the scorching barrel or other hot components during firing.
Handguards serve as ergonomic features as well, enhancing the user's grip and stability while handling a weapon by providing a firm and comfortable surface to hold. They often have texturized surfaces or improved grips to minimize slippage and increase control.
Handguards can vary in design and material, depending on the intended use and the type of weapon they are designed for. They can be made from a range of materials, such as polymer, aluminum, carbon fiber, or wood, each offering different advantages of strength, weight, and durability.
With the advent of accessory rails, handguards have evolved to incorporate these attachment points, allowing users to add various accessories like foregrips, flashlights, lasers, infrared illuminators, or other add-ons to customize their weapon. This enhancement enables users to optimize their firearms for different scenarios or personal preferences.
Common Misspellings for HANDGUARD
- hadguard
- gandguard
- bandguard
- nandguard
- jandguard
- uandguard
- yandguard
- hzndguard
- hsndguard
- hwndguard
- hqndguard
- habdguard
- hamdguard
- hajdguard
- hahdguard
- hansguard
- hanxguard
- hancguard
- hanfguard
- hanrguard
Etymology of HANDGUARD
The word "handguard" is a compound noun derived from two words: "hand" and "guard".
1. "Hand" comes from Old English "hand", which derives from Proto-Germanic "handuz". This word can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European "ḱm̥tóm", indicating the body part at the end of an arm. The word "hand" has remained relatively unchanged throughout the history of the English language.
2. "Guard" comes from Old French "garder", meaning "to keep, protect". It entered English in the 14th century and has its roots in Latin "guardare", which also means "to watch, guard". The Latin word is ultimately derived from Proto-Indo-European "wer-", which means "to perceive, watch out for".
