US Patent 9464865 Hand guard installation mechanism

A hand guard installation mechanism for securing a hand guard over the barrel of a firearm includes a tapered locking element that extends at least partially through the hand guard and interfaces with a surface of the barrel nut of the firearm. A fastener mates with the locking element, drawing the locking element at least farther into the hand guard and against the surface of the barrel nut. As the locking element is drawn against the barrel nut, the hand guard is tightened against the barrel nut such that the hand guard is secured in place against the receiver of the firearm.