[grobdriver]

Avoids the heat build up from the barrel.
"Stock" ARs have heat shields built into the hand guards - the minimalist rail forends can get hot when shot a lot or, I would imagine, on full auto.

[Voice of Reason88]

Hmmm I’m thinking that would point to wanting a forward grip to keep your hand away from the barrel.

Maybe it’s is that doctrine has gone from running at full auto to burst fire given that they are dealing with small bands of insurgents vs. a mass infantry attack, and that a forward grip interferes with firing from cover.

I’m asking from a ‘maybe they know something I don’t’ point of view and it’s darn well worth knowing….