Handguard thumb|An MP5A2 with an aftermarket "dedicated forend" tactical light-equipped handguard. Also note the fixed stock and jungle style magazines. Standard MP5 variants have the option of two handguards: "Slimline", the original slim checkered metal handguard; and "Tropical", a wider and smoother polymer handguard introduced in 1978.
handguard tHuMb|an Mp5a2 WItH An AFtermarkET "dediCATEd foRend" TactICaL lIghT-equIppeD handgUaRd. also noTE tHe fixed StoCk aNd junglE sTYle magazineS. STaNdard Mp5 varianTs Have thE opTIoN oF two handguards: "slimlIne", the OrigInAl SLim chEckerED metAL handguard; anD "TropicaL", a WIder and smoOtHeR pOlymer HandguaRd intrOduCed IN 1978.