Abstract: A modular fore-end rail assembly for mounting onto a firearm includes an upper hand guard, a lower hand guard and a clamping member that combines with the rear portion of the upper hand guard to encircle and clamp onto the barrel nut thereby supporting the entire assembly from the front of the upper receiver and preventing any transfer of load into the barrel. The lower portion of the hand guard is slidably received into channels formed in the upper hand guard and is retained in its installed position by a spring biased detent located in the clamping member. The lower hand guard is removable by simply depressing the detent and sliding the lower hand guard forward. By providing for the easy removal of the lower hand guard, other auxiliary devices may be mounted to the upper hand guard.

Abstract: A modular fore-end rail assembly for a firearm is disclosed. The assembly includes an upper handguard having forward and rearward ends. A dovetail rail extends between the forward and rearward ends. Opposing sidewalls extend outwardly and downwardly from the dovetail rail, respectively. The sidewalls terminate in mounting channels. The rearward end includes a first clamping member. A clamp is removably secured to the rearward end and cooperates with the first clamping member to engage a barrel nut of a firearm. The clamp has an exterior surface including a slidable locking pin movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A lower handguard includes sidewalls that extend outwardly and upwardly. The sidewalls terminate in mating formations that are configured to be slidably received in the mounting channels. A lock aperture is provided at a rearward end of the lower handguard.

Abstract: A modular fore-end rail assembly for mounting onto a firearm includes an upper hand guard, a lower hand guard and a clamping member that combines with the rear portion of the upper hand guard to encircle and clamp onto the barrel nut thereby supporting the entire assembly from the front of the upper receiver and preventing any transfer of load into the barrel. The lower portion of the hand guard is slidably received into channels formed in the upper hand guard and is retained in its installed position by a spring biased detent located in the clamping member. The lower hand guard is removable by simply depressing the detent and sliding the lower hand guard forward. By providing for the easy removal of the lower hand guard, other auxiliary devices may be mounted to the upper hand guard.