US Patent 12135186 Free floating handguard anchoring system

Handguard anchoring systems suitable for attaching a handguard to a firearm are disclosed, including systems having a fastener that extends into a barrel nut and compresses at least a portion of the handguard between the fastener and the barrel nut. Many embodiments include openings in the handguard and/or a plate that are oversized for the fastener such that the handguard may be rotated relative to the barrel nut when a portion of the fastener is positioned within the opening.