HANDGUARD SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL GAS TUBE FOR GAS OPERATED FIREARMS

Abstract

A novel firearm handguard system includes a handguard and an integrated gas tube. In a particular embodiment, the gas tube includes fastening feature and the handguard includes a complementary fastening feature that is adapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube. In a more particular embodiment, the gas tube includes an integral mounting rail and the handguard includes an integral mounting rail. In an even more particular embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard each include a feature for configuring removable rail systems thereon.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/461,088, filed Jan. 13, 2011 by the same inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to firearms, and more particularly to gas operated rifles. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a rifle handguard system having an integral gas tube.

2. Description of the Background Art

For several decades, AK (Avtomat Kalashnikov) type rifles such as the AK-47 have remained the most widely used assault rifles. These rifles are well known for their reliability, simple operation, and manufacturability. However, they were not originally designed with the intent to support optics and/or other tactical accessories such as, for example, rail mounted flashlights, laser sights, etc. However, their use has since become much more widespread and it is often desirable to mount optics and other accessories on the rifle.

Several systems for mounting optics and/or other tactical accessories on gas operated rifles (e.g., AK style rifles) have been developed. Typically, such systems include an upper handguard and lower handguard that replace the existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) upper and lower handguards, respectively. In such systems, the replacement upper handguard and/or replacement lower handguard typically incorporates some type of rail system such as, for example, picatinny rails, weaver rails, etc.

Replacing the OEM handguard system in, for example, an AK-47 typically involves first rotating a gas tube locking lever located on the sight block so that the rear end of the gas tube can be lifted out from a gas tube receiving socket located on the fore-end of the sight block. Once the rear end of the gas tube is free, the fore-end is then disconnected from the gas block by pulling the handguard/gas tube assembly away from the gas block. Once the upper handguard/gas tube assembly is free, the OEM upper handguard has to be separated from the OEM gas tube. This requires securing the gas tube in place while the upper handguard is rotated 180 degrees about the gas tube. Once rotated, the upper handguard can be pulled away from the gas tube. Then the replacement upper handguard is mounted on the OEM gas tube in the reverse order of that which the OEM upper handguard was removed. Before mounting the replacement upper handguard/OEM gas tube assembly back on the rifle, the OEM lower handguard is removed from the rifle by first releasing the handguard retainer lever so that the retainer is free to move along the rifle's barrel. Once the retainer is free to move, the OEM lower handguard can be pulled away from the receiver. Then, the replacement lower handguard is mounted to the rifle in the reverse order of that which the OEM lower handguard was removed. Finally, the replacement upper handguard/OEM gas tube assembly is mounted to the rifle in the reverse order of that which the OEM upper handguard/OEM gas tube assembly was removed.

Although such systems provide a means for mounting optics and other accessories on such rifles, there are drawbacks. For example, the OEM gas tube has to be used with the replacement handguard system, thus requiring the removal of the OEM gas tube from the OEM upper handguard. This removal process is well known to be a challenge and oftentimes requires cutting the OEM upper handguard to remove the OEM gas tube.

Addressing the problems associated with having to harvest the OEM gas tube from the OEM upper handguard, many systems eliminate the upper handguard/gas tube assembly altogether. For example, some handguard systems employ replacement gas tubes that include rails. In these types of systems, the gas tube is secured to the top of the rifle barrel via rigid securing members (e.g., brackets, straps, clamps, etc.) that wrap around the outer perimeter of the barrel. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,895, issued to Keeney et al., discloses an AK-47 gas tube that includes an integral optic mount 10 and a set of barrel mounting members 30. The optic mount 10 is an integral rail formed on top of the gas tube. The barrel mounting members 30 are essentially rigid U-shaped straps fastened to the bottom of the gas tube via a set of screws 39. Mounting members 30 wrap around the barrel so as to secure the gas tube directly thereon.

Although the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,895 eliminates the challenges associated with having to harvest the OEM gas tube from the upper handguard, there are disadvantages to the design. For example, the system introduces additional components thus making field stripping the rifle for cleaning a very lengthy process. This is due at least to the requirement to disengage the clamps in order to remove the gas tube from the rifle. Another disadvantage is that lower handguards used with the system have to be unnecessarily bulky to provide the space occupied by the mounting members 30. Yet another disadvantage is that the system requires a high number of parts. Yet another disadvantage is that the gas tube can reaches high temperatures because it is in direct contact with the barrel.

What is needed, therefore, is a handguard system that facilitates simpler assembly and disassembly. What is also needed is a more compact handguard system. What is also needed is a handguard system that operates at a lower temperature. What is also needed is a handguard system with fewer parts.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing a firearm handguard system having handguard and an integral gas tube that mount together.

The firearm handguard system includes a gas tube and a handguard. The gas tube includes a rear end adapted to engage a gas tube receiver socket of a firearm, a fore-end adapted to engage a gas block of the firearm, an interior surface defining a piston bore, an exterior surface, and a fastening feature. The handguard includes a rear end, a fore-end, an exterior surface, and a complementary fastening feature adapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube.

In a more particular embodiment, the fastening feature of the gas tube includes at least one aperture, the complementary fastening feature of the handguard includes at least one aperture, and at least one aperture of the fastening feature is aligned with one aperture of the complementary fastening feature. In a more particular embodiment, one of the fastening feature and the complementary fastening feature includes a threaded aperture and the other includes a clearance aperture. In an even more particular embodiment, the fastening feature of the gas tube includes at least one clearance aperture and at least one externally threaded fastener, the complementary fastening feature of the handguard includes an internally threaded aperture, and the external thread set and the internal thread set are adapted to mate with one another. In yet a more particular embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tube and the exterior surface of the handguard are adapted to abut one another.

In another particular embodiment, the fastening feature and the complementary fastening feature form a fixed mechanical joint directly between the gas tube and the hand guard. In a more particular embodiment, at least one of the fastening feature and the complementary fastening feature includes a threaded fastener that includes a first end secured directly to the gas tube and a second end secured directly to the handguard.

In another particular embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tube defines at least one planar side surface, the exterior surface of the handguard defines at least one planar side surface, and the planar side surface of the gas tube is coplanar to the planar side surface of the handguard. In a more particular embodiment, at least one of the side surface of the gas tube and the side surface of the handguard is adapted to receive a removable mounting platform. In an even more particular embodiment, the surface of the gas tube defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on the side surface of the gas tube. In another more particular embodiment, the side surface of the handguard defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on the side surface of the handguard.

In an example embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tube defines an integral rail system, and the exterior surface of the handguard defines another integral rail system. In the example embodiment, the gas tube is a first single body and the handguard is a second single body.

Optionally, the handguard system further comprises a spring element seated within the handguard. The spring element has a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to retain a cleaning rod disposed within the handguard, and the second end is adapted to exert a biasing force against the exterior surface of a firearm barrel.

In an example embodiment, the gas tube is adapted to mount over a barrel and remain spaced apart from the barrel, and the handguard is adapted to mount under the barrel and remain spaced apart from the barrel. In this example embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of the barrel without contacting the barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm handguard system mounted on a gas operated firearm;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the handguard system of FIG. 1 assembled;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a gas tube of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the gas tube of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the gas tube of FIG. 5 taken along line A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a handguard of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the handguard of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the handguard of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the handguard shown in FIG. 7 taken along line B-B of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a spring clip of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the handguard system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the handguard system of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing firearm handguard system that includes a gas tube and a lower handguard that are adapted to mount to one another. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., specific firearm models, rail types, materials, etc) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well known metal manufacturing practices (e.g., machining, extrusion, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a firearm handguard system 100 mounted on a gas operated firearm 102 which is depicted by way of example as being an AK-47 assault rifle.

Firearm 102 includes a receiver 104, a barrel 106, a gas block 108, a rear site block 110, a lower handguard retainer 112, and a cleaning rod 114. Receiver 104 provides the main structure that supports and houses the working components of firearm 102. Barrel 106 extends from the fore-end 116 of receiver 104. More specifically, the rear end of barrel 106 is mounted to a front trunnion (not visible) which is mounted in the fore-end of receiver 104. Gas block 108 is fixed to barrel 106 and coupled to the fore-end of system 100. Although not visible, gas block 108 includes in interior port that routes expanding combustion gasses from within barrel 106 to handguard system 100. Rear site block 110 is mounted to barrel 106 and includes a gas tube receiver socket (not visible) 118 and a gas tube locking lever 120. Socket 118 is located at the fore-end 122 of rear sight block 110 and is adapted to receive the rear end of a gas tube. Lever 120 provides a means for connecting/disconnecting a gas tube from rear sight block 110. Lever 120 is shown in a locked position, wherein handguard system 100 is secured to rear sight block 110. To release handguard system 100 from socket 118, lever 120 is rotated to an unlocked position. Lower handguard retainer 112 is slidably coupled to barrel 106 and is adapted to receive the fore-end of a lower handguard. Retainer 112 includes a lever 124 that enables it to be locked to or unlocked from barrel 106. When locked, lever 124 is positioned horizontally as shown and retainer 112 is secured to barrel 106. To unlock retainer 112, lever 124 is rotated clockwise until retainer 112 is free to move along barrel 106.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of handguard system 100 removed from firearm 102 and assembled. Handguard system 100 includes a gas tube 200 and a handguard 202.

Gas tube 200 includes a fastening feature 204, a rear end 206, a fore-end 208, an exterior surface 210, and an interior surface 212. Fastening feature 204 facilitates the mounting of gas tube 200 to handguard 202. Rear end 206 is adapted to engage gas tube receiver socket 118 of firearm 102. Fore-end 208 is adapted to receive gas block 108. Interior surface 212 defines a piston bore wherein the expanding combustion gasses from within barrel 106 are routed via gas block 108.

Handguard 202 includes a complementary fastening feature 214, a rear end 216, a fore-end 218, and an exterior surface 220. Complementary fastening feature 214 is adapted to be coupled to fastening feature 204 of gas tube 200. Rear end 216 is adapted to engage the trunnion (not shown) at fore-end 116 of receiver 104. Fore-end 218 is adapted to engage retainer 112.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of handguard system 100 showing additional features not visible in previous figures. In this particular embodiment, fastening feature 204 includes a set of four threaded fasteners 300 and a respective set of four apertures 302. Each of fasteners 300 includes a first end 304 adapted to be secured to gas tube 200 and a second end 306 adapted to be secured to handguard 202. In the example embodiment, each of fasteners 300 is a machine screw, wherein first end 304 is a screw head and second end 306 is threaded. Furthermore, each of apertures 302 is a clearance aperture adapted to receive a respective one of fasteners 300. More specifically, each of apertures 302 is formed through a respective flange 308 defined by exterior surface 210. Each flange 308 defines a top surface 310 and an opposite bottom surface 312. Top surface 310 of each flange 308 is adapted to abut the underside of a respective machine screw head. Bottom surfaces 312 are adapted to abut exterior surface 220 of handguard 202.

Complementary fastening feature 214 includes a set of four internally threaded apertures 314, each of which aligns with a respective one of apertures 302 of gas tube 200 and is adapted to receive a second end 306 of a respective one of threaded fasteners 300. Each of apertures 314 is formed on a respective top surface 316 defined by external surface 214. Further, each top surface 316 is adapted to abut a respective one of bottom surfaces 312 of flanges 308.

As shown, handguard system 100 further includes two set screws 318 and a spring element 320, both which couple to handguard 202. Set screws 318 thread into a complementary set of threaded apertures 322 formed through handguard 202. Set screws 318 facilitate stabilizing and further securing handguard 202 to firearm 102. That is, when handguard 202 is coupled to firearm 102, set screws 318 are threaded into apertures 322 and tightened thereby clamping to the trunnion (not shown) mounted within fore-end 116 of receiver 104. Spring element 320 seats within handguard 202 and further stabilizes handguard 202 by providing an upward biasing force onto the bottom exterior surface of barrel 106. Spring element 320 facilitates the correct placement and retention of cleaning rod 114 when it is inserted into handguard 202 from fore-end 218.

FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of gas tube 200. In this particular embodiment, exterior surface of gas tube 200 defines a top region 400, two side regions 402, and a bottom region 404. Top region 400 defines an integral rail 406 that facilitates the mounting of optics and/or other accessories onto gas tube 200. In this example, rail 406 is a picatinny rail, which is well known in the art.

Each side region 402 defines a planar surface 408, a set of vent holes 410, and two of the four flanges 308. Planar surface 408 defines a plurality of threaded apertures 412 arranged longitudinally at predetermined distances so as to facilitate the mounting of modular side rails. For example, various length modular rails (not shown) can be attached to side regions 402 of gas tube 200 in various configurations according to the shooters preference. If so desired by the user, the modular side rails can be removed altogether and set screws can be inserted into apertures 412 to protect the threads. Vent holes 410 are located near fore-end 208 and extend through the interior surface 212 so as to allow the expulsion of gas that forces the piston rearward during a shot.

Bottom region 404 defines a low profile flat surface 414 that provides clearance above barrel 106. It is important to recognize that gas tube 200 does not mount directly on barrel 106, as is does in the prior art. This provides many advantages including eliminating direct heat conduction between barrel 106 and gas tube 200.

FIG. 5 is a top view of gas tube 200 showing details not visible in previous figures. As previously described, rail 406 is a picatinny rail integrally formed as part of gas tube 200. Rail 406 includes a plurality of slots 500 and a fore-end 502. Every other one of slots includes a reference number that facilitates the quick placement of optics and/other tactical accessories. Fore-end 502 includes a surface 504 that is chamfered using a custom revolve cutaway that is complementary in appearance to commonly used gas blocks on AK type rifles. Rear end 206 of gas tube 200 defines opposing flat sides 506 that engage opposing interior wall surfaces of socket 118.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of gas tube 200 taken along line A-A of FIG. 5. Rear end 206 of gas tube 200 includes a downward extending lip 600 and a slot 602 that facilitate the retention of rear end 206 in socket 118. That is, when rear end 206 is seated in socket 118, lip 600 prevents horizontal relative motion between gas tube 200 and rear sight block 110. Slot 602 is adapted to engage a locking pin (not shown) controlled by lever 120. When lever 120 is in the unlocked position, the locking pin is disengaged from slot 602 thereby permitting rear end to be lifted upward and removed from socket 118. In contrast, when lever 120 is in the locked position, the locking pin engages slot 602, thereby preventing vertical motion.

Interior surface 212 defines a gas block receiving surface 604 and a piston guide feature 606. Surface 604 is adapted to seat around the exterior surface of the outlet of gas block 108. Piston guide feature 606 is a 6-point star shaped bore defined by six channels 608 extending along interior surface 212. Channels 608 allow excess gas to disperse around the piston (not shown) during operation. Feature 606 is counter bored with a draft angle that allows the piston to travel through both directions unobstructed.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of handguard 202. In this particular embodiment, rear end 216 defines a set of rectangular bosses 700 that mate against a block (not shown) located inside of the receiver of certain rifles. Fore-end 218 defines a U-shaped boss 702 that is contoured to seat within handguard retainer 112 of firearm 102.

Exterior surface 220 defines a top region 704, two side regions 706, a bottom region 708, and an inner region 710. Top region 704 is adapted to engage gas tube 200 and defines complementary fastening features 314.

Each side region 706 defines a planar surface 712, and a plurality of vent cutouts 714. Planar surface 712 defines a plurality of threaded apertures 716 in addition to previously discussed threaded aperture 322 of FIG. 3. Threaded apertures 716 are arranged longitudinally at predetermined distances so as to facilitate the mounting of modular side rails. For example, various length modular rails (not shown) can be attached to side regions 706 of handguard 202 in various configurations according to the shooters preference. If so desired by the user, the modular side rails can be removed altogether and set screws can be inserted into apertures 716 to protect the threads. Vent cutouts 714 enable the heat generated by barrel 106 to dissipate while also eliminating unnecessary weight from handguard system 100.

Bottom region 708 defines an integral rail 718 that facilitates the mounting of optics and/or other accessories thereon. In this example, rail 718 is also a picatinny rail similar to integral rail 406 of gas tube 200.

Inner region 710 defines a main U-shaped channel 720 and a lower U-shaped channel 722. Channel 720 is adapted to receive barrel 106 and part of spring element 320. Channel 722 is adapted to receive cleaning rod 114 and part of spring element 320.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of handguard 202 showing details not visible in previous figures. Like rail 406 of gas tube 200, rail 714 includes a plurality of slots 800. Every other one of slots 800 includes a reference number that facilitates the quick and proper placement of tactical accessories.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of handguard 202, and FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of handguard 202 taken along line B-B of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, inner region 710 defines a cut away 900 and a keyway 902. Cut away 900 is formed in channel 720 near rear end 216 so as to accommodate for the extra width of front trunnions attached to the barrel on certain rifles. Both the height and width of channel 720 are increased at cut away 900. Keyway 902 is a thin set of channels adapted to receive spring clip 320. Further, each channel is cut on an angle so as to intersect the walls of inner region 710 on each side.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of spring clip 320 which, for example, is formed from a flat rectangular shaped piece of steel that is longitudinally formed to a certain radius. The radius is sufficient to provide a firm fit when inserted into the keyway 902. Spring clip 320 includes two opposing side edges 1100, a rear end 1102, and a fore-end 1104. When spring clip 320 is inserted into keyway 902, each of edges 1100 is firmly engaged by a respective side channel of keyway 902. Rear end 1102 defines an elbow 1106 that is adapted to engage cleaning rod 114. Fore-end 1104 is adapted to engage the bottom of barrel 106. Optionally, a radius can be added to fore-end 1104, to prevent scratching the exterior surface of the barrel 106.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of handguard system 100 assembled. As shown, elbow 1106 protrudes into lower channel 722 such that when cleaning rod 114 is inserted, elbow 1106 forces it into its correct position and retains it. Fore-end 1104 of spring clip 320 has a length sufficient to extend into channel 720 such that it is urged downward by barrel 106 when handguard system 100 is mounted to firearm 102. In response to being deflected downward, fore-end 1104 maintains a constant upward spring force on the bottom of barrel 106 thereby providing stability. It should be noted that although spring clip 320 contacts barrel 106, gas tube 200 and handguard 202 do not. It should also be noted that gas tube 200 and handguard 202 have the same width thus giving handguard system 100 a compact profile.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of handguard system 100 and FIG. 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of handguard system 100 taken along line C-C of FIG. 12. It should be recognized that in the example illustrations of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, spring clip 320 is not shown sectioned. Spring clip 320 is shown seated in handguard 202 wherein one of edges 1100 is inserted into a respective one of two side channels of keyway 902.

The assembly of handguard system 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 1-13. Fore-end 1104 of spring clip 320 is inserted into the keyway 902. Rear end 216 of handguard 202 is coupled to fore-end 116 of receiver 104 and raised up parallel to barrel 106. Handguard retainer 112 is slid over U-shaped boss 702, and lever 124 is then locked. Next, fore-end 208 of gas tube 200 is inserted over the outer diameter of gas block 108. Then, rear end 206 of gas tube 200 is lowered into socket 118, lever 120 is moved into the locked position. Finally, gas tube 200 is attached to handguard 202 via fasteners 300, and set screws 318 are tightened against the front trunnion (not shown) of firearm 100.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate firearm models (e.g., AK-74), may be substituted for the AK-47 firearm 100. As another example, other rail systems (e.g., weaver rail), may be substituted for the picatinny rail systems 406 and 718. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A firearm handguard system comprising:

a gas tube having a rear end adapted to engage a gas tube receiver socket, a fore-end adapted to engage a gas block, an interior surface defining a piston bore, an exterior surface, and a fastening feature; and

a handguard having a rear end adapted to engage the firearm, a fore-end adapted to engage the firearm, an exterior surface, and a complementary fastening feature adapted to be coupled to said fastening feature.

2. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein

said fastening feature of said gas tube includes at least one aperture;

said complementary fastening feature of said handguard includes at least one aperture; and

said at least one aperture of said fastening feature is aligned with said at least one aperture of said complementary fastening feature.

3. A firearm handguard system according to claim 2, wherein one of said at least one aperture of said fastening feature and said at least one aperture of said complementary fastening feature is threaded, the other of said at least one aperture of said fastening feature and said at least one aperture of said complementary fastening feature is a clearance aperture.

4. A firearm handguard system according to claim 3, wherein

said at least one aperture of said fastening feature of said gas tube is a clearance aperture;

said fastening feature of said gas tube further includes at least one threaded fastener, said at least one threaded fastener being adapted to pass through said at least one clearance aperture, said at least one fastener defining an external thread set; and

said at least one aperture of said complementary fastening feature of said handguard is a threaded aperture defining a complementary internal thread set, said complementary internal thread set being adapted to mate with said external thread set of said fastener.

5. A firearm handguard system according to claim 4, wherein said exterior surface of said gas tube and said exterior surface of said handguard are adapted to abut one another.

6. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said fastening feature and said complementary fastening feature form a fixed mechanical joint directly between said gas tube and said hand guard.

7. A firearm handguard system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said fastening feature and said complementary fastening feature includes a threaded fastener, said threaded fastener having a first end and an opposite second end, said first end of said threaded fastener being secured directly to said gas tube and said second end of said threaded fastener being secured directly to said handguard.

8. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein:

said exterior surface of said gas tube defines at least one planar side surface; and

said exterior surface of said handguard defines at least one planar side surface, said at least one planar side surface of said gas tube and said at least one planar side surface of said handguard being coplanar.

9. A firearm handguard system according to claim 8, wherein at least one of said side surface of said gas tube and said side surface of said handguard is adapted to receive a removable mounting platform.

10. A firearm handguard system according to claim 9, wherein said side surface of said gas tube defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said side surface of said gas tube.

11. A firearm handguard system according to claim 9, wherein said side surface of said handguard defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said side surface of said handguard.

12. A firearm handguard system according to claim 11, wherein said side surface of said gas tube defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said side surface of said gas tube.

13. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said gas tube defines an integral rail system.

14. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said handguard defines an integral rail system.

15. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said gas tube is a first single body and said handguard is a second single body.

16. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, further comprising a spring element seated within said handguard system, said spring element having a first end adapted to retain a cleaning rod disposed within said handguard and a second end adapted to exert a biasing force on the exterior surface of a firearm barrel.

17. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said gas tube is adapted to mount over a barrel and remain spaced apart from said barrel.

18. A firearm handguard system according to claim 17, wherein said handguard is adapted to mount under a barrel and remain spaced apart from said barrel.

19. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein said gas tube and said handguard are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of a barrel without contacting said barrel.

20. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein:

said exterior surface of said gas tube and said exterior surface of said handguard are adapted to abut one another;

said gas tube is a first single body and said handguard is a second single body;

first single body defines a rail system;

said second single body defines a rail system; and

said gas tube and said handguard are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of a barrel without contacting said barrel.

21. A gas-operated firearm comprising:

a receiver;

a barrel coupled to said receiver,

a retainer coupled to said barrel;

a gas tube receiver socket;

a gas block;

a gas tube having a rear end adapted to engage said gas tube receiver socket, a fore-end adapted to engage said gas block, an interior surface defining a piston bore, an exterior surface, and a fastening feature; and

a handguard having a rear end adapted to engage said receiver, a fore-end adapted to engage said retainer, an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a complementary fastening feature adapted to be coupled to said fastening feature of said gas tube.

22. A firearm according to claim 21, wherein:

exterior surface of said gas tube and said exterior surface of said handguard are adapted to abut one another;

said gas tube is a first single body and said handguard is a second single body;

first single body defines a rail system;

said second single body defines a rail system; and

said gas tube and said handguard are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of a barrel without contacting said barrel.

23. A firearm handguard system comprising:

a gas tube having a rear end adapted to engage a gas tube receiver socket, a fore-end adapted to engage a gas block, an interior surface defining a piston bore, and an exterior surface; and

a handguard having a rear end, a fore-end, and an exterior surface, and

means for fastening said gas tube to said handguard.