Abstract: A handguard assembly includes a handguard and a key. The handguard includes a receiver surface that faces toward a receiver of an associated firearm and a muzzle surface that faces toward a muzzle of an associated barrel of the associated firearm and in an opposite direction as the receiver surface. The handguard extends between the receiver surface and the muzzle surface so as to define a longitudinal direction. The handguard defines a key bore extending in the longitudinal direction from the receiver surface toward the muzzle surface. The key is received in the key bore of the handguard so as to be surrounded by the handguard such that the key is concealed from view when the handguard is installed on the associated firearm.

Abstract: A handguard assembly includes a handguard and a key. The handguard includes a first ear with a first ear inner surface and a second ear with a second ear inner surface that cooperate to define a slot that extends in a longitudinal direction. The key is received in the handguard and includes a main body with an interior side and an exterior side that face in opposite directions from one another so as to define a main body depth and a first projection extending from the interior side of the main body so as to define a first projection depth. The first projection includes a first projection contact face that contacts the second ear inner surface when at least one fastener compresses the slot so as to prevent overtightening of the handguard.