I cannot believe no one has mentioned Black Powder. Nothing can raise a blister like the heat off the barrels after 25 rounds of skeet.
My guns get screaming hot after just one station of sporting clays. Only a good hand guard (or ugly beaver tail) can protect the hands from the heat.
This year at the Southern SxS Black Powder event, I had to borrow a glove, mid course, to go with the hand guard as the barrels got so toasty.
I have one vintage hand guard with a "blinder" extension on the left side. It was someone's idea of curing left eye dominance.
I use handguards on all my doubles. I haven't worn through any bluing (yet).
I second John Budgen's work. He made me a custom handguard in 24 ga.
Joe
