I had two HMG's, both 83c series, which are essentially IM6 8' 3" composite carbon fiber rods. Both rods were through handle design meaning that the blank went all the way to the butt of the rod in the same way as current production standards. Both rods had a few inches of the blank exposed that you could rest your trigger finger on for better feel. The older rod was a locking ring that screwed from the back to the tip. The newer rod had a course thread molded into the forward part of the handle and the entire fore-grip would screw down on the handle to capture the reel. The first rod was my preferred weapon but it scummed to a car door. The second rod was marked Legacy as well as HMG. I preferred the first rod. Good luck!