Patent attributes
A handguard assembly for a firearm includes a handguard with an internal clamping area. A single-piece index block includes a securing portion for connecting to the handguard and an indexing extension for engaging an indexing feature on the upper receiver of the firearm. The handguard includes internal ribs that provide discrete clamping surfaces for engaging a barrel nut of the firearm. Connecting the index block to the handguard generates a continuous clamping action in the handguard which acts through the ribs to apply a radially-directed circumferentially-applied clamping force on a barrel nut through the discrete clamping surfaces. The indexing feature of the index block engages an indexing feature of the upper receiver to ensure proper alignment of the handguard and the upper receiver.
