A hand guard is provided for a firearm, such as a rifle, and may be suitable for maintaining the alignment of the hand guard, and any accessories coupled thereto, relative to the rifle. The hand guard may be configured so that at least a portion of the hand guard can be removed from the firearm and then re-installed on the firearm without significant change in the orientation and position of the hand guard. The hand guard may also be suitable for coupling accessories such as lights, scopes, laser sights, and other firearm accessories to the firearm.