Abstract: A rear clamping nut retaining feature for a hardline connector includes a rear nut having a compression ring retained therein in such a manner that the compression ring is able to move axially within the rear nut. The inner peripheral surface of the nut has an axially extending protrusion which when the compression ring is forced into an opening in the rear nut the protrusion deforms radially inward into a slot located on the outer peripheral surface of the compression ring thus holds it in place. The size of the protrusion and the size of the slot are related such that the volume of the protrusion is less than the volume of the groove to thereby allow the desired axial movement of the rear nut and compression ring.