Abstract: A programming device for programming of munition bodies, including a retaining device to which a programming head for transmitting programming data to the munition bodies is fastened, the programming head begin designed as an interchangeable programming head module. The invention further relates to a projectile rammer having a programming device and to a method for programming a munition body.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing a parachute from being damaged. A parachute device (4) includes a flying body (43) including a parachute (400), a parachute accommodation section (40) configured to accommodate the parachute, at least one flying body (43) connected to the parachute, an ejection section (41) having a tube shape and configured to hold the flying body and to eject the held flying body, a gas generating device (60) configured to generate gas, and an extrusion member (42) capable of being at least partially inserted into the ejection section, the extrusion member being configured to extrude the flying body from the ejection section due to receiving pressure of the gas generated from the gas generating device.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) adapted for transit in and deployment from a projectile casing is provided. The UAV includes a wing assembly coupled to the projectile casing and the wing assembly moveable between a closed position and a deployed position. The UAV further includes a propulsion system including at least one rotor disposed on the wing assembly to generate lift, wherein in the closed position, the wing assembly is substantially integral with the projectile casing and in the deployed position, the wing assembly is extended outwards from the projectile casing.

Abstract: A handheld quality inspection tool for projection welded components and method for utilizing the same is disclosed. The handheld quality inspection tool includes an elongated hollow tube, a spring support, a spring member, a plunger, and a handle. The elongated hollow tube defines a slot. The spring support is connected to an end portion of the elongated tube. The spring member is disposed within the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring support. The plunger is disposed in the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring member opposite the spring support. The handle is connected to the plunger and protrudes from the elongated hollow tube through the slot and is translatable along the slot to move the plunger and compress the spring member. Upon release of the handle, the compressed spring member propels the plunger to apply an impact force to a projection welded component.

Abstract: A wind detection device with a flexible enclosure, and opening, and a dispensing tube, filled with powder or liquid and designed to be attached to hunting equipment, headgear, or clothing, wherein pressing on the outside of the device causes a puff of powder or vapor to be dispensed into the air, allowing the user to determine wind direction.

Abstract: A dart delivery apparatus including a handle, trigger, barrel, and frame comprising a dart chamber, a pressure control apparatus including a gas source port, an adjustable pressure control apparatus chamber, a gun port configured to attach to the frame, an expansion chamber, an adjustable pressure regulator configured to be actuated by a user to permit pressurized gas to flow from the gas source port, through the pressure control apparatus chamber, and into the gun port and the expansion chamber, and a shot volume modification apparatus configured to change the volume of the expansion chamber into which pressurized gas may expand.

Abstract: A barrel breech lock and mechanism for a projectile launcher chat uses a launcher body, a lower rail extending forward and under the launcher's barrel breech and a pivotally mounted latch plate. Extending downward extending from the latch plate is a front handgrip. Disposed between the lower rail and the latch plate and directly above the front handgrip is a locking mechanism that selectively blocks rotation of the proximal end of the latch plate. In two embodiments, the locking mechanism is a biased lateral push button or a biased sliding button. When the lock mechanism is activated, the proximal end of the latch plate may be rotated downward by a twisting force applied via the from handgrip. Disposed between the proximal end of the latch plate and the barrel breech is a second lock mechanism that includes a pin. The end of the pin engages a stop surface formed on the barrel breech when axially aligned in the breech void area.

Abstract: A firearm component including a barrel having a bore extending to a generally circular aperture at a forward end of the barrel. The barrel has a series of compensator slots spaced at equal intervals along the bore. Each slot has an oblong cross section extending through the barrel from an interior surface to an exterior surface having a major axis and a minor axis. The cross section also has a length measured along the major axis and a width measured along the minor axis that is shorter than the length. The interval between each adjacent pair of slots in said series of compensator slots has a width greater than the width of each slot in the adjacent pair. At least a portion of the cross section extends below the central bore axis.

Abstract: A modular grenade launcher assembly which uses a 40×46 and 40×51 mm ammunition grenade launcher and which can be used with a portable rifle butt or can be mounted under a rifle.

Abstract: A grenade launcher system comprises a grenade launcher receiver and a grenade launcher barrel attached to the grenade launcher receiver. A trigger assembly is attached to the grenade launcher receiver at a position adjacent the grenade launcher barrel. The grenade launcher receiver has an elongate channel disposed on an upper surface of the grenade launcher receiver, the elongate channel extending parallel to the grenade launcher barrel and configured to slidably and removably receive a mounting rail. In certain embodiments, the grenade launcher system is configured to operate in an underslung configuration relative to a firearm. In certain embodiments, the grenade launcher system is configured to operate in a standalone configuration without a firearm.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an aiming vector of a firearm to a user, including: at least one illuminating source, positioned along a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm and at least one light sensor, mounted onto a headgear at a predetermined position, and configured to detect light parameters from the at least one light source, and a processor, configured to: (i) receive the detected light parameters of the at least one illuminating source (ii) determine a location of the at least one illuminating source, based on the detected light parameters, and (iii) generate an aiming vector of the firearm based on the location of the at least one illuminating source with respect to the predetermined position of the at least one light sensor. A display unit mounted onto a headgear is configured to display the aiming vector generated by the processor.

Abstract: A modular grenade launcher system includes an upper chassis and lower chassis secured on opposite sides of a barrel of a weapon, such as a firearm. The chassis removably receives any of a plurality of interchangeable modules, including grenade launcher assemblies having different calibers. A separate modular and removable firing mechanism is provided, wherein multiple grenade launcher barrel assemblies can share a common firing mechanism. An accessory rail module is also provided to replace the grenade launcher barrel assembly and firing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tape switch mounting bracket for use with a firearm comprising of a one-piece mounting bracket with at least two (2) parallel opposite first and second ends, a switch slot adapted to receive a tape switch, a rail attachment feature adapted to mount to a variety of rail mounting systems, and at least one cable passage adapted to receive a cable of the tape switch. The cable passage configured to receive, contain and manage the tape switch cable during application.

Abstract: Mounting system operable to couple a grenade launcher to a firearm, the mounting system including a rail system operable to be coupled to a firearm, the rail system comprising at least one rail that is mounted on an underside of a barrel of the firearm that is opposite to sights mounted on an upperside of the barrel. The mounting system includes a front lug that is coupled to the barrel in front of the rail system and aligned with the at least one rail. Additionally, the mounting system includes a grenade launcher rail that is operable to be coupled to the grenade launcher and a lug adapter operable to be coupled to the grenade launcher rail and the front lug.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capture nets, netting systems, UAVs, and methods of making netting systems are disclosed. A UAV capture net may include an open-mesh material, and a plurality of streamers coupled to the open-mesh material, where each of the plurality of streamers includes a free longitudinal end. Netting systems may include a container, a propellant disposed within the container, and a net disposed with in the container, where the net includes an open-mesh structure and a plurality of streamers coupled to the open-mesh structure. UAVs may include an airframe coupled with a propulsion system and a netting system. Methods of making netting systems may include disposing a propellant and a net into a container, where the net includes an open-meshed fabric and a plurality of streamers connected to a portion of the open-mesh fabric. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: Projectile launchers have an elongated cylindrical body defining a projectile bore having a bore axis, the body having an open forward exit end, the body having a gas inlet facility at an opposed rear end, a movable latch element connected to the body and having a latch portion movable between a retention position in which the latch portion protrudes into the bore and a release position, and the latch element being biased to the retention position such that a projectile in the bore rearward of the latch is retained by the latch portion except until a gas pressure above a selected amount builds up behind the projectile to overcome the biasing of the latch and launch the projectile. The latch element may be clear of the bore when in the release position.

Abstract: A secondary firearm with a rail mount attachable to a rail assembly of a primary firearm is disclosed. The secondary firearm comprises a body having at least one retaining pin hole and a bolt stop hole and a housing disposed about the body. The housing comprises at least one retaining pin aperture and/or a bolt stop aperture. The secondary firearm also includes at least one fastener disposed within at least one of the at least one retaining pin aperture and the at least one retaining pin hole and/or the bolt stop aperture and the bolt stop hole to fasten the housing to the body.

Abstract: A firing device for firing cartridge ammunition comprising a case head, which has on its outer circumference at least one peripheral, groove-shaped depression. In order to achieve secure arrestment of the ammunition in the firing device when the firing device is loaded from the muzzle end, a head piece and a tubular ammunition receiving-device is provided, wherein the ammunition receiving-device is arranged such that it can be moved axially in the direction of the head piece against the pressure of a restoring element. In this case, the head piece includes an annular guiding element, which extends axially into the ammunition receiving-device and has multiple guiding openings, which extend through the wall of the guiding element and are in each case of a form that is angled from the outer side of the guiding element in the direction of the opening of the ammunition receiving-device.

Abstract: Provided is a firearm, comprising a receiver; a barrel; an upper handguard, a lower handguard, an upper barrel clamp and a lower barrel clamp, configured to be affixed to the receiver, wherein the upper barrel clamp and the lower barrel clamp are configured to be fastened together, affixing the upper barrel clamp and the lower barrel clamp to the barrel at a back-end of barrel; and wherein the upper handguard and lower handguard slide onto and are configured to be affixed to the upper barrel clamp and the lower barrel clamp, thus affixing the upper handguard and the lower handguard to both the barrel and the receiver such that the upper and lower handguards attach to the barrel solely at the back-end of the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tape switch mounting bracket for use with a firearm comprising of a one-piece mounting bracket with at least two (2) parallel opposite first and second ends, a switch slot, a rail attachment feature, at least four (4) apertures; and whereby the switch slot is adapted to receive a tape switch; and whereby the rail attachment feature is adapted to mount to a variety of rail mounting systems. The preferred embodiment includes a tape switch mounting bracket with a switch slot comprising of an indention with at least one rounded rectangular third end and an overhang on said first and second ends and said third end; the section beneath or at an adjacent angle to the switch slot comprises a rail attachment feature to mount the tape switch bracket to a variety of rail mounting systems.

Abstract: A dual purpose missile storage and launch tube device includes a tubular housing and a front cover removably covering a first end of the tubular housing, the first end defining an opening for firing a missile. A rear cover assembly removably covers a second end of the tubular housing opposite the first end. A safety mechanism is attached to the tubular housing and includes a sliding member extending through a longitudinal passageway formed in the safety mechanism. A forward portion of the sliding member engages the front cover. A rearward portion of the sliding member engages a fastener locking the rear cover assembly onto the tubular housing. The rearward portion of the sliding member is disengaged from the fastener when the front cover is removed from the first end of the tubular housing for unlocking the rear cover assembly from the tubular housing.

Abstract: Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A weapon system comprises a firearm configured for discharging ammunition having multiple projectiles and a sighting apparatus integral with the firearm. The sighting apparatus outputs a beam of light having a generally round shape. The sighting apparatus is oriented such that a centerline longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm extends through the beam of light. The sighting apparatus includes a light beam size selector for allowing a cross-sectional size of the beam of light at a fixed reference location external to the sighting apparatus to be selectively adjusted by a shooter of the firearm to a plurality of different cross-sectional sizes.

Abstract: A sight mount system for preserving adjustment settings of a removable aiming sight so as to avoid disturbing the point of aim of the aiming sight when the aiming sight is removed and subsequently reinstalled on a projectile weapon. The system includes an aiming sight foot supporting the aiming sight and a sight mount shoe for receiving the aiming sight foot. The sight mount shoe includes a non-adjustable datum surface, and pitch and yaw adjustment mechanisms that cooperate with the datum surface to establish the pitch and yaw of the aiming sight when the aiming sight foot is secured in the sight mount shoe. A foot retainer urges the aiming sight foot into contact with the datum surface and the pitch and yaw adjustment mechanisms, the foot retainer being manually operable to enable removal and reinstallation of the aiming sight foot without disturbing the pitch and yaw adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: An insertion tube (1) for firing sub-caliber ammunition bodies (20) using a high caliber weapon (10) is inserted into the loading chamber (11) of the weapon (10). The tube wall (2) of the insertion tube (1) has penetrating recesses (3) for compensating pressure differences between the inside of the insertion tube (1) and the loading chamber (11). A weapon includes an insertion tube (1) which can be inserted into the loading chamber (11) of the weapon (10) for firing a sub-caliber ammunition body (20), the insertion tube (1) being designed in the above-described manner.

Abstract: An attachment firing apparatus, in particular a grenade launcher, for mounting on the barrel of a firearm, having an anchoring part that can be fixedly mounted on the firearm and having a support part that can be detachably connected to the anchoring part via a coupling, a launch tube in the support part being openable and closable relative to a breech, wherein the coupling is locked in the closed position of the launch tube and breech and can be opened in the open position of the launch tube and breech.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety components/modifications for a firearm barrel for preventing discharge of live ammunition from the firearm. The invention includes one embodiment of a modified barrel including a rod member transversely positioned within a portion of the bore of the barrel adjacent to the chamber to prevent chambering or loading of a live round. The modified barrel further includes a standard blank-firing adapter (BFA) fixedly coupled to the distal or muzzle end of the barrel.

Abstract: A dart gun for medicating or tranquilizing animals, which includes a barrel and a breech plug, the barrel including a bore defining a longitudinal axis extending from a muzzle end to a breech end, and the breech end including a breech plug chamber and a notch. The breech plug is removably engageable with the breech plug chamber and includes a plug member, an extractor, and a baffle member. The extractor provides convenient loading, firing and ejecting of a blank firing cartridge that is used to fire the dart from the barrel. The baffle rod provides for muffling the sound of the explosion of the blank firing cartridge, and reduces the amount of heat and flames that are exposed to the dart when firing the blank firing cartridge.

Abstract: A launcher system, advantageously in kit form, is provided. The system generally includes a launching device, a pistol grip frame, and stock assembly. The pistol grip frame is characterized by a frame body and a pistol grip extending therefrom, the frame body having a first frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the launching device, and a second frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the stock assembly. The stock assembly is adapted for select operative union with the second frame body portion of the frame body of the pistol grip frame. No-tool select operator union of elements of the system is enabled.

Abstract: A launcher system, advantageously in kit form, is provided. The system generally includes a launching device, a pistol grip frame, and stock assembly. The pistol grip frame is characterized by a frame body and a pistol grip extending therefrom, the frame body having a first frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the launching device, and a second frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the stock assembly. The stock assembly is adapted for select operative union with the second frame body portion of the frame body of the pistol grip frame. No-tool select operator union of elements of the system is enabled.

Abstract: An auxiliary projectile for a firearm includes: an exhaust vessel to allow a bullet to pass through it yet capture muzzle blast, a barrel socket to slide onto the barrel of the firearm; and a ring magnet to attach to the end of the barrel. The exhaust vessel has opposed openings at each end to permit the unimpeded passage of the bullet discharged from a regular cartridge for a firearm. The opening nearest the muzzle is a muzzle-end opening and the opposite opening is an exit-end opening where the bullet exits. The barrel socket is attached to the exhaust vessel so as to surround the muzzle-end opening and project outward therefrom. The barrel socket is what slides over the muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm. The ring magnet fits within the barrel socket and is what attaches to the muzzle end of the firearm.

Abstract: An attachment firing apparatus, in particular a grenade launcher, for mounting on the barrel of a firearm, having an anchoring part that can be fixedly mounted on the firearm and having a support part that can be detachably connected to the anchoring part via a coupling, a launch tube in the support part being openable and closable relative to a breech, wherein the coupling is locked in the closed position of the launch tube and breech and can be opened in the open position of the launch tube and breech.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to launchers and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and associated methods of using such launcher systems. This disclosure further provides methods for attenuating or reducing felt recoil such that relatively large weight payloads can be launched while the launcher is handheld or mounted in any manner. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, anti-personnel, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.

Abstract: A device for selective affixation to a profiled rail is generally provided. The device generally includes a body and a clamp assembly operatively supported thereby. The body has an upper portion characterized by first and second opposing and spaced apart sidewall segments. The first sidewall segment has a profiled rail receiving surface and the second sidewall segment has a channeled face. The clamp assembly includes a clamping block adapted for advancement toward the profiled rail receiving surface of the first sidewall segment of the upper body portion, a portion of the clamping block pivotingly received by the channeled face of the second sidewall segment of the upper body portion so as to operatively self-seat the clamping block with a profiled rail interposed between the first sidewall segment and the clamping block of the clamp assembly upon advancement thereof.

Abstract: A duplex weapon system that is capable of firing a high-mass/low-velocity (“HMLV”) projectile followed by a conventional projectile such as a bullet. A barrel adapter is aligned with the bore of the barrel of a conventional firearm. The barrel adapter includes an adapter bore running completely through its length, with the adapter bore terminating in an exit in the forward portion of the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile is slidably attached to the exterior of the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile includes a launch tube that covers the exit of the barrel adapter. When a first cartridge is fired b the firearm, expanding propellant gas rushes down the adapter bore and out the exit The expanding gas forces the launch tube and the attached HMLV projectile away from the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile then flies toward a target.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a system and method for delivering a projectile toward a target. The system includes a launcher and a propulsion system positioned within the launcher. The propulsion system includes a gas generator that produces enough gas within a certain period of time to direct the projectile from the launcher toward the target. The system for delivering a projectile may further include a targeting system that collects data regarding the location of the target. In addition, the launcher may include a venting system that exhausts a particular amount of gas from the launcher in order to direct the projectile from the launcher at a desired velocity based on data received from the targeting system.

Abstract: A fire guidance device for a hand fired weapon is suitable for day and night deployment for large caliber and slow flying ammunition or missiles, such as, for example, 40 mm grenade throwers and anti tank weapons. The fire guidance device also serves to determine and automatically adjust a set-up angle for adjustment of ballistics, and a lateral angle for spin correction. The fire guidance device is attached to the weapon so it can be tilted automatically or manually and twisting is thereby dependent upon a required set-up angle of the weapon so that direct view, by the operator, to the target is preserved. For spin correction, a defined angle in horizontal orientation is adjusted between axes of the fire guidance device and the weapon. Alternatively, the fire guidance device is mounted vertically and a required cant (tilt) is then indicated in a display, followed by tilt adjustment.

Abstract: A firearm assembly including a first weapon having a first receiver is disclosed. The first receiver includes a front end with a barrel attached to the front end and a front sight attached to the barrel. A second weapon is selectively mounted to the first weapon and movable between an engaged and disengaged position. The second weapon includes a second receiver and a mounting system having a first portion attached to the second receiver and a second portion coupled to the second receiver. The first portion is coupled to the front sight to define a first attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position. The second portion includes a first end coupled to the front sight to define a second attachment point and a second end coupled to the first receiver to define a third attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A device has structure that can support the device on a weapon, and a range portion that specifies a range to a target. A sensor portion provides sensor information representing an orientation of the device, and an electronic control portion is responsive to sensor information from the sensor portion and a range from the range portion for calculating how to hit the target with each of first and second munitions that are different.

Abstract: The shoulder-fired grenade launcher includes an electrical firing mechanism powered by a suitable small electrical power source, e.g., a nine-volt dry cell battery. A battery voltage indicator is provided at the side of the action of the weapon. The weapon has a relatively short barrel, capable of firing a single muzzle-loaded round with each firing. The round is only slightly shorter than the barrel. Reliefs are provided at the sides of the muzzle to enable the operator to extract the spent shell from the barrel. An electrical safety switch is provided. LEDs or other suitable lights indicate the status of the safety switch. Closure of the electrical circuit for firing the projectile is accomplished by an electrical toggle switch used for the trigger.

Abstract: A rifle barrel adapter that ensures adequate mounting overlap for muzzle mounted grenades for proper firing alignment is described, which adapter is formed of only four parts: (1) an elongated unitary body with a narrowed cylindrical front section upon which the muzzle mounted grenade is mounted, which elongated unitary body has an enlarged rear section that is mounted about the muzzle end of the rifle barrel over the flash suppressor; (2) a unitary locking mechanism to secure the elongated unitary body to the muzzle end of the rifle; (3) a bias spring to maintain the unitary locking mechanism in place, and (4) a locking pin to hold the unitary locking mechanism in place within the unitary body.

Abstract: A firearm with a tilting barrel (1) with the possibility of setting a change of the tilting direction of the barrel (1) containing a breech block (5) for securing the barrel, the breach block containing on a part of its perimeter a locking surface (11) for securing the firearm against its tilting in the direction opposite the locking surface (11). The locking surface can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the breech block (5) for setting the change of the tilting direction of the barrel (1).

Abstract: A launchable grenade system is backwards compatible with conventional launch platforms and is capable of launching a variety of payloads at greater range and increased launch velocity, and with significantly improved targeting accuracy. The grenade is pre-packaged in a disposable launch canister that effectively confines launch ejection gases behind the projectile until it exits the canister. Additional enhancements in one or more embodiments, include collapsible aerodynamic stabilizers that are folded inside the launch canister prior to firing and deploy in flight to improve projectile stability and ballistic performance; electronic fuzing for improved repeatability and targeting precision, next-generation digital capabilities that include electronic device identification, failsafe and device monitoring; and momentum arresting forward expulsion of the payload to reduce blunt trauma hazard from projectile hardware and to provide for short distance targeting at significantly greater speed.

Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.

Abstract: A rail accessory mounting apparatus is provided. The apparatus generally comprises actuatable jaw segments and a base from which the jaw segments extend, a collar within which a portion of the base is seated with the jaw segments operatively engageable with a portion of the collar in furtherance being drawn together upon actuation. Moreover, an actuator, progressively advanceable in relation to the base so as to effectuate actuation of the jaw segments is provided, as well as a rail accessory receiving fixture supported at or by the collar, the fixture comprising a segment having a dovetail configuration characterized by a wedge shaped cross section with which a rail accessory device is readily mateable.

Abstract: A device includes structure that can support the device on a weapon. One version of the device includes a first sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a first munition, and a second sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a second munition different from the first munition. A different version includes first and second sights that each facilitate weapon orientation, and an electronic control portion that is operatively coupled to and simultaneously exerts control with respect to each of the first and second sights, the first and second sights each displaying targeting information generated electronically by the electronic control portion.

Abstract: Accessory mounting structure for securing accessory mounting rails to the barrel or other forward structure of a weapon comprises cooperatively shaped mounting ring halves that are secured to another over the barrel of the weapon. Accessory mounting rails are then secured to the mounting rings. Where the weapon is a grenade launcher, a quick-reload mechanism may additionally be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grenade that can be fired from a barrel, for recoilless firing. The barrel is open at both ends and is without any flow cross-section constrictions. The grenade is formed of a grenade base body which surrounds at least one explosive charge, and a flow cross-section reduction device for reducing the flow cross-section of the barrel. The device is arranged in the opposite direction to the firing direction X with respect to the grenade base body. The flow cross-section reduction device is connected to the grenade base body, separated from it, via a connecting device, and is connected to it such that it is stable during firing. A grenade launcher or shell firing apparatus has a grenade such as this, and the grenade firing apparatus has a barrel which is open at both ends and does not have any flow cross-section constrictions.

Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.

Abstract: A modular integrated rail system for a firearm includes an upper hand guard having a dovetail rail extending longitudinally between the forward end and the rearward end thereof. The rearward end of the upper hand guard includes a clamp that removably secures the upper hand guard to the barrel nut of the firearm. The rearward end of the upper hand guard and the clamp include clamping surfaces configured to cooperatively engage the outer surface of the barrel nut. The upper hand guard further includes mounting channels that are used to mount accessories, such as a lower hand guard or a grenade launcher, to the upper hand guard. The rear end of the upper hand guard includes alignment tabs for automatically aligning the dovetail rail of the upper hand guard with the dovetail rail of the upper receiver during mounting. The tabs also prevent rotation of the rail system relative to the upper receiver during use.