Abstract: A vehicle stem configured to secure a handle bar to a vehicle frame is disclosed. The vehicle stem includes: a body containing a first and second arm segment defining a vehicle frame hole; a handle bar clamp arm positioned adjacent to the first and second arm segment, wherein a curvature of the handle bar clamp arm defines a handle bar oriented perpendicular to the vehicle frame hole; wherein a first distal end of the first arm segment comprises a first set of vehicle frame clamp holes and wherein a second distal end of the second arm segment comprises a second set of vehicle frame clamp holes; wherein a first distal end of the handle bar clamp arm comprises a set of slotted fastener holes that are separated by a gap from a set of threaded fastener holes positioned on a second distal end of the handle bar clamp arm.

Abstract: An improved handguard for AR type rifles is shown. The handguard system uses an offset cam with a dual tapered side surface that engages a tapered circumferential groove on the barrel nut. Tightening the cam in place forces the receiver end of the handguard to clamp simultaneously against the barrel nut and against the front edge of the upper receiver of the rifle.