A semi-automatic or automatic rifle. The rifle has a receiver having a receiver frame, a barrel removably connected to the receiver frame and a cover coupled to the barrel. A removable hand guard section extends over and generally surrounds the barrel, the removable hand guard section removably connected to the receiver. The removable hand guard section has a locating feature adapted to engage with the cover and locate the hand guard relative to the cover. The barrel has a locking collar adapted to removably position and lock the removable hand guard section relative to the receiver frame and the barrel. The removable hand guard floats in position relative to the barrel.