Originally Posted by
greentips
The handguard is extended only for mounting therma and NV in front of the day optic. Practically, it is easier and faster to deploy and level the bipod if it is located closer to the receiver.
Those handguards with short rails at the end are cool if the only thing to be mounted is a plastic white light. For troops that need to mount lasers, separate white lights or potentially Grenada Launcher sights, it is much easier to have full length rails and have them setup up with surefire dual switches. It is also easier to carry the weapon with all the gadgets mounted closer to the receiver, instead of having a big bulb of stuff 12 inches away from the center of mass of the rifle, especially when going on a long patrol.