RFI NoI Mk3 in grease.

[RobD]

Can someone explain exactly what the wire wrapping was designed to prevent? How is firing a grenade prone to splinter a wooden hand-guard or forestock, exactly? Does the wood splinter whilst leaving the barrel and action unscathed - does it not imply that the barrel has burst or the rifle action has been in some way horribly mutilated as well? And, if the barrel / action is being blown asunder to some extent, how does the wire wrapping save the day?
To me, reinforcing a rifle exterior to the surface of the wood seems like bolting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Not really good engineering... or have I missed something?