Barrel shroud

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A barrel shroud is a ventilated covering attached to the barrel of a firearm, that partially or completely encircles the barrel, that allows the bearer to hold the firearm for stability. Slides, extensions of the stock that do not fully encircle the barrel, and the receiver (or frame) of a firearm itself are generally not considered barrel shrouds. Barrel shrouds are commonly featured on heavy machine gun barrels, along with a carrying handle, as to better allow the firer to swap barrels.^{[citation needed]}

Barrel shrouds have no effect on the ballistic performance of the firearm on to which they are installed other than offering an additional grip to help control recoil while firing^{[citation needed]}. Barrel shrouds are included in the Federal Assault Weapons Ban definition of assault weapons because firearms fitted with them are perceived to be designed for warfare rather than sporting or individual defense.^{[citation needed]}