A hand rail mounting system having a rail with an open end and a barrel with a open end configured to fit about closely about an outer surface of the first rail. The rail may be slidably received within the barrel. A clamp is positioned within the barrel and extends into the open end of the rail, with a portion of the end of the rail between the clamp and the barrel. A screw extends through the barrel and engages the saddle. The screw configured so that rotating the screw will draw the clamp toward the barrel and capture the end of the rail within the barrel between the barrel and the clamp. The end of the rail is generally contained within the barrel.