Question about AR-15 triangular handguards

[Clammy]

When the 2 halves of the triangular handguards are put together, are there supposed to be any gaps between them?

Thanks.

Cheers!

 

[nairbg]

Not any significan gap at the bottom or the top (between the holes) on my SP-1

 

[BattleRife]

My 1970's LM spare parts M16A1 top half has six oblong vent holes along the bottom, and ten along the top. There are several places where the "fingers" between the holes don't quite meet, leaving gaps of 1-2mm. There is also a space wide enough to admit a fingernail along much of the bottom of the handguards.