In firearms, the forearm (also known as handguard

Handguard

A handguard on firearms is a guard attached to the front of a firearm to grip the weapon from the front. It allows the user protection from the barrel, which may become very hot when firing...

or forestock) is a section of the weapon between the receiver

Receiver (firearms)

In firearms terminology, the receiver is the part of a firearm that houses the operating parts. The receiver usually contains the bolt carrier group, trigger group, and magazine port. In most handguns, the receiver, or frame, holds the magazine well or rotary magazine as well as the trigger mechanism...

 and the muzzle. It is used to hold the firearm steady and is usually made out of wood or composite material. Near the front of the forearm there is often a barrel-band to secure the forearm to the barrel, as seen in the photo at right.

Some forearms are equipped with heat shields to protect the user from heat radiating from the barrel when the weapon is fired.