Toolless barrel nut assembly

Abstract

A barrel nut assembly with an improved attachment paradigm may feature a collet body circumscribed by a tightening band and release lever such that actuation of the release lever will selectively loosen or tighten the band and collet such that the barrel nut assembly may be positioned over or off a joint between a barrel and receiver in a firearm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A barrel nut comprising:
 a. a collet body;   b. a circumferential tightening band positioned about the collet body;   c. a nut and bolt completing the circumferential tightening band;   d. a tightening lever positioned proximate a head of the bolt; and   e. a distribution ring.   
     
     
         2 . The barrel nut of  claim 1 , the collet body further comprising internal ribs and a plurality of fingers forming one end of the collet, abutting the ring. 
     
     
         3 . The barrel nut of  claim 2 , the tightening lever having a bulbous end abutting the bolt, said end having a varying radii of thickness from a bore provided as a pivot point of the lever.