A handguard attachment assembly for a firearm is disclosed. The assembly includes a handguard with an elongate structure extending between a first end and a second end, where the handguard has at least one opening proximate the first end. A flange insert is received in an opening on a first side of the handguard and engages the handguard. A fastener secures the flange insert to a connector positioned over the barrel nut. The fastener can be tightened to draw the handguard to the barrel nut. The connector can be a bridge connector positioned on or over the barrel nut within the handguard, or can be a connector with a flange portion that engages the second side of the handguard and has a connector body that extends towards the flange insert on the first side, to name a few examples.