Embodiments of the invention can include a hand guard assembly for securely attaching to a firearm. According to one embodiment, a hand guard assembly can be provided for a firearm having an upper receiver and a barrel. The hand guard assembly can include a barrel nut operable to mount the barrel to the upper receiver of the firearm. The hand guard assembly can also include a hand guard having a receiving channel about an interior portion of the hand guard. The receiving channel can be sized and shaped to receive the barrel nut such that the hand guard can be secured to the barrel nut by a securing mechanism when the hand guard is positioned about the barrel of the firearm.