SAS M16 Question

The M16's that are issued with the SAS sets, and other later sets, presumably, have vertical slots on the triangular hand guard. Does anyone know why?

All the research I've done says they shouldn't be like that in real life, unless there's an international variation that I don't know about.

I'm going to assume that it was a cost-cutting move by Palitoy, as the first issue M16 (that doesn't have those vertical slots) has a triangular hand guard that looks to be molded in two pieces, then attached onto the main body of the M16. This theory of mine is reinforced by the number of M16s I see with no hand guard, just a barrel. Every M16 with vertical slots I've seen seems to be molded as one piece, which leads me to assume that for one reason or another, Palitoy was unable to do that without those vertical slots.

Can anyone confirm or deny? Or perhaps point me to a real life one?

The M16 only comes with certain issues mate. The standard weapon is the H&K

I know the figures were issued an HK MP5, and I know that the SAS Para Attack had the Slotted M16, but it had to be released in more than just one set, right?


Joe90 says it's referred to as a "Carbine," and could be the M16A2 (which has a round hand guard).