MODULAR FIREARM AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

Abstract

Present embodiments relate to a modular firearm. More specifically but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a modular firearm, for example semi-automatic rifle, with various modules that provide differing functions to a semi-automatic or automatic rifle. Some of the functions include, but are not limited to, connector for ambidextrous stock folding, interchangeable magwell for changing of firearm caliber, a barrel module with evacuation chamber, and ambidextrous charging handle.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Present embodiments relate to a modular firearm. More specifically but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a modular firearm, for example an automatic, semi-automatic rifle, or manual action, with various modules that provide differing functions to the firearm.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditional rifle platforms have been designed to accommodate a single caliber and are optimized to operate efficiently within that constraint. A knowledgeable person with specialized gunsmithing tools can re-barrel the system and change its function to operate with a different caliber given sufficient time, parts, and tuning on the range. This limiting factor does not allow flexibility to Mil/Fed/LEO and civilian markets with purchasing, training, modernization, and maintaining their arsenal.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

The present embodiments provide a modular firearm, for example rifle, which provides various improvements, including but not limited to, interchangeable barrel module to allow various calibers to be fired, an interchangeable magwell module that allows use of various cartridges for ammunition of differing calibers, a folding stock with connector that allows for folding rotation to either side, as desired by the user, and a folding charging handle which allows for low profile folding during shooting but easily folds out to allow charging when needed.

According to some embodiments a connector for a folding stock or brace, comprises a first body having a channel configured to receive a rail of preselected size, a set screw which extends from exterior to the channel to within the channel, the set screw configured to engage the rail, a second body having a biasing mechanism within the second body. An actuator which is biased by the biasing mechanism to bias the actuator to a first position of two positions. A hinge has a first hinge portion on the first body and a second hinge portion on the second body, wherein the connector can be installed in a first orientation to allow opening in one direction, and in a second orientation to allow opening in a second direction.

According to some embodiments the actuator may be a button.

According to some embodiments, the button may protrude from an end surface of the second body.

According to some embodiments, the first body may be capable of connection to a firearm.

According to some embodiments, the second body may be capable of connection to a stock or a brace.

According to some embodiments the connector may further comprise at least one locking post extending from the first body.

According to some embodiments, the second body may have an aperture which receives the at least one locking post.

According to some embodiments, the actuator may engage the at least one locking post.

According to some embodiments, an interchangeable magwell for a rifle comprises an upper receiver; the interchangeable magwell having an upper end which engages the upper receiver, a lower end capable of receiving a magazine, a first end and a second end; the interchangeable magwell having a hollow body. A tongue and groove attachment mechanism is disposed at the upper end of the interchangeable magwell; wherein the interchangeable magwell is removable from the upper receiver without use of tools.

According to some embodiments, the tongue may be tapered between the first end and the second end.

According to some embodiments, the groove is tapered between the first end and the second end.

According to some embodiments, the interchangeable magwell may further comprise a connector at the first end or the second end capable of connection with fire control housing or lower receiver.

According to some embodiments, at least one inner wall of the magwell may be angled up to about 4 degrees from vertical.

According to some embodiments, rifle barrel, comprising a body having a first end and a second end, a bore extending through the body between the first end and the second end, an attachment defining an evacuation chamber, a passage extending between the bore and the evacuation chamber, the evacuation chamber drawing gas out of the bore.

According to some embodiments, a rifle barrel comprises a body having a first end and second end, the first end defining a chamber and the second end defining a muzzle, the body having a larger diameter in at least one location which tapers to a smaller diameter defining a taper lock, a threaded section spaced from the smaller diameter of the body, a bore extending through the body from the first end to the second end, a passage extending from the bore to an outer surface of the body, an attachment having a first attachment end and a second attachment end, wherein one end of the first attachment end or the second attachment end engages the taper lock and the other of the first attachment end or the second attachment end threadably engages the threaded section, and, an evacuation chamber defined between the attachment and the body, an outlet end of the passage disposed within the evacuation chamber.

According to some embodiments, the bore has rifling.

According to some embodiments, the passage may be angled.

According to some embodiments, the passage being angled toward the first end.

According to some embodiments, a charging handle comprises a linear body configured to be positioned above a bolt carrier group, the linear body having a first end and a second end, a handle receiver disposed near either of the first end and/or the second end of the linear body, the handle receiver extending from each of two sides of the linear body, a handle that is removably connected to the handle receiver, the handle having a first portion that is pivotally connected to a second portion, wherein the first portion may be pivoted from a first position to a second position to slide the handle and the linear body together, the handle being removable from one side of the two sides of the handle receiver and reversibly position on a second side of the two sides of the handle receiver.

According to some embodiments, the charging handle may be moveable from the first position parallel to the linear body, to the second position that is perpendicular to the linear body.

According to some embodiments, the charging handle may further comprise a button which is depressed to remove move the charging handle.

According to some embodiments, the charging handle may further comprise a dovetail groove formed in the handle receiver.

According to some embodiments, the dovetail groove may receive a dovetail of the second portion of the handle.

According to some embodiments, the first portion of the handle may have one or more finger tabs.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of modular firearm will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of a modular firearm will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example modular semi-automatic firearm;

FIG. 2 is a first side view of the firearm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the firearm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a large caliber configuration;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a STANAG configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an AK configuration;

FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of the modular firearm showing various modules;

FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of a connector for a folding stock;

FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the connector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a first sectioned perspective view of the connector;

FIG. 13 is a second sectioned perspective view of the connector;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example modular magwell;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the modular magwell of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the modular magwell of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side section view of the magwell of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a barrel module;

FIG. 19 is a side section view of the barrel module of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a first perspective view of the charging handle module with integrated trunnion;

FIG. 21 is a second perspective view of the charging handle module.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the charging handle follower with the button in its normally biased position;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the follower being slidably positioned on the charging handle receiver just before the button biases out to lock the follower on the receiver;

FIG. 24 a perspective view of the button biased to its normal position locking the follower on the charging handle receiver; and,

FIG. 25 a perspective view of the pivot handle with portions shown transparently to reveal the biasing spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that a modular firearm is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, thermal, friction fit, weldments, and many other types of connections.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-25, various embodiments of a modular firearm and related components are shown. A semi-automatic rifle is a firearm that fires one round each time the trigger is pulled. This is in contrast to a fully automatic rifle, which can fire multiple rounds in rapid succession without the need to manually pull the trigger for each round. Semi-automatic rifles are popular for a variety of reasons. For example, semi-automatic rifles are relatively easy to use and maintain, popular for sport shooting and hunting, and they are capable of firing rounds successively without manually reloading each cartridge into a firing chamber. Although the term rifle is used, this term is meant to include pistols with braces, which are similar in form to rifles-both short and long barrel forms.

In some embodiments, the modular firearm may comprise either a semi-automatic or an automatic firearm, although some other embodiments may comprise manual action firearms as well. In various embodiments, the modular firearm may be a rifle or short barrel rifle. The semi-automatic and automatic rifles both use the energy from the fired cartridge to load the next round into the chamber, ready to be fired again. This allows the shooter to fire multiple rounds in rapid succession without manually reloading after each shot. After each shot, the bolt is automatically cycled to eject the spent cartridge and chamber a new round, ready to fire again. This allows the shooter to fire multiple rounds quickly and easily, without having to manually cycle the bolt between shots.

Semi-automatic and automatic rifles are typically not interchangeable in caliber. Therefore each rifle shoots a single caliber of ammunition. Stated otherwise, if a person wants to shoot an alternate caliber of ammunition, in the vast majority of firearms, the person must have an alternate rifle. By contrast, the embodiments provide various modules of various functions to an automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The modules may, for example and without limitation, provide improved performance of the rifle barrel, interchangeability of caliber, bi-directional folding of a stock for improved use by people of either dexterity, and improved charging handle functionality.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a modular firearm 100 is shown in various views. The modular firearm 100 may be an automatic rifle or a semi-automatic rifle, with changes internally to the firing mechanisms. For ease of description, the modular firearm 100 is referred to herein as a rifle and may be a long barrel or short barrel firearm. The rifle 100 has various parts which are described generally for purpose of further explanation herein. The rifle 100 may include a receiver module 104 which may be defined more specifically as an upper receiver 106, fire control housing module 120, magazine well, or called “magwell”, module 150, a trunnion cover 118, a stock module 130, and a barrel module 112. The upper receiver 106 is the part of the rifle that loads, fires, and ejects the cartridge. There are many different types of actions of the upper receiver 106 some common types are gas-operated, bolt-action, and lever-action. In a gas-operated action, the force of the expanding gases from the fired cartridge is used to cycle the bolt. The magazine well module 150 is the portion of the firearm 100 that receives a magazine 110. The magazine 110 is the part of the rifle that holds the cartridges. Magazines can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or other materials and they typically hold between 5 and 100 rounds. The fire control housing module 120 contains a trigger receiver 125 (FIG. 8) comprising the trigger 124 to activate the ammunition round to be fired.

A barrel module 112 comprises an elongate barrel 170 through which the projectile travels when fired. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the barrel 170 may be made of a strong, lightweight metal, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, or alloys, and is rifled, such that it has spiral grooves 114 (FIG. 19) inside that spin the projectile as it travels down the barrel module 112. This spin stabilizes the bullet in flight, improving accuracy, although the barrel module may also comprise smooth bore barrels. The barrel module 112 extends generally from one end of the receiver module 104. At the opposite end of the upper receiver 106 may be the bolt (not shown) is the part of the action that loads each cartridge from the magazine 110 into the chamber and ejects the spent cartridge. The bolt is typically made of steel and is operated by a spring biased charging handle and/or gas operated in the case of many semi-automatic and automatic firearms. An extractor may be used to pull the spent cartridge out of the chamber, and the ejector throws it out of the firearm.

Connected to the receiver 104, the fire control housing module 120 is engaged by the user to fire the rifle 100. The fire control housing module 120 comprises a grip 122 and a trigger 124 which are connected to other firing mechanisms which strike the cartridge and ignite a primer. In some embodiments, the trigger 124 may be a part of a trigger receiver 125 (FIG. 8) which is mounted within the fire control housing module 120. In some examples, the trigger 124 may be a straight trigger and in some examples, the trigger may be a curved trigger. A trigger guard surrounds the trigger 124 preventing unintentional contact with the trigger 124.

Also shown in these views is the stock module 130. The stock module 130 is the part of the rifle 100 that the shooter uses to brace the rifle against recoil. The stock module 130 may typically be made of various materials including, but not limited to, metal, wood, or synthetic materials, and is designed to be pressed against the user's shoulder, while allowing for the best sight picture. In some embodiments, an arm brace may be used instead of a stock in order to attach the firearm to the user's arm. This type of brace is typically used with firearms having shorter barrels.

The sights (not shown) are the parts of the firearm that are used to aim the gun and provide a sight picture for targeting. There are two main types of sights: iron sights and optical sights. Iron sights are the simplest type of sights and consist of a front sight post and a rear sight aperture which are aligned with a target. Optical sights are more complex and can include a variety of features, such as magnification, illuminated reticles, and windage and elevation adjustments. These types of sights may also, in some instances, be used together.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, three views are provided which show three respective configurations of the modular firearms 100, 400, 300. The present modularity provides a firearm which may utilize various ammunition types by change of magwell module 150, bolt head assembly (not shown), and barrel 170, along with appropriate magazine 110. For example, in a first configuration, shown in FIG. 5, a large magwell configuration 400 is provided which may utilize calibers such as 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, 8.6 BLK., .338 Federal. This may also be referred to in some instances as an SR-25 magwell. In a second configuration shown in FIG. 6, a STANAG magwell configuration 100 is shown which utilizes different calibers than the embodiment of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, for example, the arrangement may utilize calibers 5.56 NATO/.223 WIN, 300BLK, 6.5 Grendel, and the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a third embodiment is shown with a further alternative configuration. In this embodiment, an AK magwell configuration 300 is shown wherein the magazine is curved, as common with AK magazines. The magazine is received directly into the receiver assembly. In this embodiment, the cartridges may be, for non-limiting example, 7.62×39 and 5.45×39.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded side view of an example modular rifle 100 is depicted. Starting at the left-hand side of the figure, a stock module 130 is shown. The stock module 130 comprises a stock 132 having a butt 134 and an optional cheek weld 136. The butt 134 of the stock 132 may be positioned against the user's shoulder or upper arm to stabilize the firearm during shooting. The stock 132 may be skeletonized such that is has one or more openings therethrough for weight savings, or may be a solid material. The end of the stock 132 opposite the butt 134 may comprise a connector 140. In some embodiments, the connector 140 may be connected to the receiver module 104 or to the fire control housing module 120. In other embodiments, an arm brace may be pivotally connected. As will be described further herein, according to present embodiments, the connector 140 comprises a pivoting structure so that the stock module 130 may be pivoted in either the right hand direction or the left hand direction. This allows for a pivot or fold direction of the stock 132 that is desirable for persons of either dexterity, or who simply prefers a specific folding direction.

Moving to the right, the fire control housing module 120 is shown. The fire control housing module 120 includes a grip 122 for a user's hand and trigger receiver 125 inside the module and which includes the trigger 124 to control firing of the modular firearm 100. The present embodiment includes a member 126 with a rail 128 for engaging the connector 140 of the stock module 130. The rail 128 may comprise a plurality of horizontally extending grooves for vertical adjustment of the connector 140 and stock 132 position and retention of the connector 140. Examples of rails which may be utilized include, but are not limited to, dovetail rails, Weaver rails, Picatinny rails, KeyMod rails, and M-Lok rails.

Above the fire control housing module 120 is a receiver module 104. The receiver module 104 includes a bolt carrier group (not shown) therein and an opening to receive a magwell module 150 and/or a magazine 110. The bolt carrier group is responsible for the cycling and firing of ammunition in any semi-automatic or automatic firearm. The bolt carrier group (also referred to as the “BCG”) allows the firing pin to strike the primer on the chambered round; grabs and ejects the spent shell casing from the fired round; re-cocks the hammer for the next round; and, grabs a new round from the magazine and chambers it. These four actions are automatically performed when the shooter pulls the trigger. The act of chambering a new round and cocking the hammer allows the cycle to repeat, eliminating the need for a manual bolt or single-shot configuration.

The bolt carrier group performs all these tasks by harnessing the gas produced by the round being fired, by way of the gas block. A gas tube connects a gas block on the barrel 170 to the BCG. This forces all that high-velocity gas into the body of the BCG. When this happens, the BCG unlocks and drives backward against a spring force. The spring force then drives the BCG back into the receiver.

Further right of the receiver module 104 is a barrel module 112. The barrel module 112 is received within by receiver module 104 and receives cartridges which are fed from the magazine 110. As the cartridges are fired, the projectiles move through the barrel module 112.

Below the barrel module 112 is a handguard 116, which when assembled is positioned around the barrel 170 and connects to the receiver module 104. The handguard 116 provides a position for the hand while spacing the user's hand away from the barrel 170 which may become extremely hot during high volume shooting.

Below the receiver module 104 is a magwell module 150. While a single magwell is shown, the magwell size may vary depending on the caliber being used, as represented in FIGS. 5-7. The magwell module 150 engages the receiver module 104 and is captured between a trunnion cover 118 and the fire control housing module 120.

Adjacent to the magwell module 150 is the trunnion cover 118. The trunnion cover 118 covers the trunnion area of the receiver module 104 where the barrel module 112 is fixed to the receiver. Additionally, the trunnion cover 118 provides a feature which engages the magwell module 150. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the trunnion cover may change based on the rifle configuration being utilized. The magwell module 150 may be captured between the receiver module 104, the fire control housing module 120, and the trunnion cover 118.

Likewise, the fire control housing module 120 is captured between the receiver module 104, magwell module 150, and the stock module 130.

Referring still to FIG. 8, a side view of an example stock 132 is shown. The stock 132 comprises a butt end having the butt 134 and the cheek weld 136 extending between the butt 134 and the connector 140. The stock module 130 may be generally L-shaped. A gap is shown between the butt 134 and the cheek weld 136. The gap may be variable with slideable adjustments of butt 134 relative to the cheek weld 136. This adjustment as indicated by double-head arrow, may be desirable to better fit different body sizes and arm lengths of users. With additional reference to FIG. 9, the connector 140 is shown removed from the rest of the stock 132 and the modular rifle 100. The connector 140 comprises a first body 141 and a second body 142. The two bodies 141, 142 are pivotally connected together to allow for folding of the stock 132 relative to the receiver module 104. The first body 141 is formed for engagement and connection with the receiver module 104 by the rail 128 (FIG. 8) positioned thereon. The second body 142 is formed to be connected to the remainder of the stock module 130 or may be integrally formed with the stock 132.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first body 141 has a channel 143 which is disposed toward the receiver module 104 of the rifle and the fire control housing module 120. The channel 143 which extends in a vertical direction receives the rail 128 (FIG. 8) that is disposed vertically on the fire control housing module 120. The channel 143 is open at one end, for example a lower end, and closed at the second end, for example an upper end, so to provide a positioning limit of the channel 143 relative to the fire control housing module 120.

Each of the first body 141 and the second body 142 comprise a hinge portion 144 having one or more one or more hinge members 144a, 144b. In the instant embodiment, the one or more hinge members 144a, 144b may be round or circular in cross-section and have open or hollow middle portions so that a hinge pin 145 may extend through the hinge members 144a, 144b of the first body 141 and second body 142.

The present connector 140 may also comprise a casing 146 wherein a portion of the connector 140 is housed. For example, in some embodiments, the casing 146 may receive the first body 141 so that the rail 128 (FIG. 8) is disposed through the casing 146. The casing 146 may be generally C-shaped and receives the first body 141. The casing 146 also comprises channel portions 146d which align with the channel 143 of the first body 141. In this way, when the connector 140 is placed on the rail 128, the rail 128 engages both the channels of both the casing 146 and the first body 141, retaining both to the fire control housing module 120. Alternatively, when the connector 140 is removed from rail 128, the first body 141 and the casing 146 may be easily separated. As will be understood further herein, the first body 141 may also be removed from the casing 146 and rotated about a horizontal axis, and re-inserted into the casing 146 so that the hinge pivots in a direction opposite that shown in FIG. 9.

With additional reference to the rear perspective view of FIG. 10, the second body 142 is shown. The second body 142 comprises an actuator 147 which is biased outwardly and extends from a surface of the second body 142. The actuator 147 maintains a catch 148 (FIG. 11) in a position which is a normally locked position to keep the connector 140 closed and the stock 132 in the extended (unfolded) position. The catch 148 may be defined by one or more catches. When the actuator 147 is depressed, the catch 148 moves allowing the second body 142 to rotate relative to the first body 141. The hinge 144 may be opened to move the stock 132 to the folded position.

The hinge side of the second body 142 may also be chamfered in shape to allow for rotation of the second body 142 and the stock 132 (not shown) to a position parallel to the receiver module 104, when folded.

The connector 140 allows for the stock 132 to be opened in either direction, which may be desirable to shooters so that the stock 132 may be folded in a preferred direction. In order to change the pivot direction of the hinge, the first body 141 may be removed from the casing 146 and rotated about an axis A-A, so that the hinge portion 144 is disposed on the opposite side of the casing 146. This allows for pivoting opening of the connector 140 in an opposite direction.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an exploded perspective view of the connector 140 is shown. The casing 146 is positioned adjacent to the first body 141. The casing 146 is generally C-shaped with a vertical member 146a, and upper and lower horizontal members 146b, 146c. The rear of the casing 146 and the vertical members are open to receive the rail 128 as previously described. The first body 141 is sized to fit within the casing 146 and between the first upper 146b and second lower members 146c so that the hinge portion 144 is extending either left or right from the casing 146. With the first body 141 and casing 146 fixed relative to the fire control housing module 120, the second body 142 may pivot relative to the first body 141.

The first body 141 may be formed of various shapes and is shown as generally square shaped with hinge portion 144 at one side. The hinge portion 144 is formed of one or more hinge members 144a, for example hinge members at upper and lower corners of the first body 141 and along a same edge.

In the depicted embodiment, the first body 141 also comprises first and second posts 149 extending from one surface of the first body 141. The posts 149 are utilized to engage a portion of the second body 142 to retain the connector 140 in one of two positions.

A screw 129 is shown exploded from the first body 141. The screw 129 may be inserted into a hole 131 in an end of the first body 141. The hole 131 receives the screw 129 which extends across the channel 143 of the first body 141. The screw 129 may be seated within grooves 114 of the rail on the receiver module 104, thus limiting movement of the connector vertically. When the screw 129 is inserted through the rail 128 (FIG. 8), the connector 140 cannot move vertically. Although a screw is described, alternative fastening structures may be utilized. For example, and without limitation, a detent pin, a spring loaded bar, a fixed bar, or other structures may be utilized.

The second body 142 is shown as well and comprises a shape which may be similar to the first body 141. The second body 142 also comprises a hinge portion 144 and which cooperates with the hinge portion of the first body 141. The second hinge portion is also formed of one or more hinge members and in the instant embodiment is shown as a single cylindrically shaped hinge member 144b that is disposed between the first and second hinge members 144a of the first body 141. This configuration may be reversed or alternatively other hinge structures may be utilized.

Shown exploded from the second body 142 is the actuator 147. The actuator 147 is normally seated within an opening of the second body 142 and may be slidable therein. The actuator 147 may also be biased by a biasing mechanism, such as for example a spring, so as to position the actuator 147 in a first normal position but allow for movement of the actuator 147 in a second direction opposite the force of the biasing mechanism. For example, in some embodiments the actuator 147 may be slidable relative to the second body. The actuator 147 may include catches that engage the posts 149 of the first body 141 and retain the second body 142 against the first body 141 in a position for shooting. Alternately, when the actuator 147 is depressed, the catches 148 may disengage the posts 149 and the hinge or hinge portion 144 may function so that the stock 132 moves to a folded position. This may be desirable, for example, if placing the modular rifle 100 in a bag.

Also shown in FIG. 11 are an actuator pin 147a and an actuator biasing mechanism 147b, in some non-limiting embodiments, a spring. The pin 147a maintains alignment of the actuator biasing mechanism 147b which biases the actuator 147. With additional reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, section views are shown with section cuts at two different elevations. The first section view shows the biasing mechanism 147b engaging the actuator 147, which is embodied in the form of a button. The section view also shows the screw 129 extending across the channel 143 for engagement with a groove of the rail 128 (FIG. 8). In the view of FIG. 13, the actuator 147 is shown depressed so that the catch 148 is disengaged from the one or more posts 149. From this position, and because the first body 141 is fixed to the receiver module 104, the second body 142 may be pivoted to an open position.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-17, attention is turned to the interchangability of magwell modules, for example the depicted magwell module 150, which allows various magazines to be used and therefore various calibers of ammunition. The modules are generally referred to as module 150 although different magwells allow for use of differing calibers. With reference for example to FIGS. 1-7 and FIG. 14, various different magwells are shown. With reference first to FIG. 14, a perspective view of one example magwell is shown. The term magwell comes from a magazine well, which is the area of a firearm which receives the magazine 110 having cartridges therein for firing. The example magwell 151 of FIG. 14 is shown having an upper portion 152, a lower portion 154, a forward wall 156, a rearward wall 158, and opposed first and second sidewalls 153, 155 extending between the forward wall 156 and the rearward wall 158. The terms forward and rearward are merely descriptive and not to be considered limiting. The upper portion 152 of the magwell 151 is capable of interfacing with the receiver module 104 of the firearm 100. The lower portion 154 of the magwell 151 is capable of receiving the magazine 110 of a specific size according to the magwell being used.

With additional reference to FIG. 15, at the upper portion 152 of the magwell 151, there are first and second tongues 160, 162. The first tongue 160 and second tongue 162 extend in outward opposite directions in the directions of the respective opposed first and second sidewalls 153, 155. The tongues 160, 162 extend above the upper portion so as to extend into the bottom of the receiver module 104. The receiver module 104 may have corresponding receiver grooves to receive the tongues 160, 162 and allow some sliding motion of the tongues 160, 162 before frictional engagement stops the movement of the magwell 151 relative to the receiver 104. The magwell 151 stops movement when forward first and second magwell grooves 159 engage fully and abut with trunnion 230 (FIG. 20).

Also shown in the rear view of FIG. 15, the lower portion of the magwell 151 may be angled along a lower edge. The angled form of the lower portion provides a form that allows for easier guided insertion of the magazine 110.

On the exterior of the rear wall 158, there are various components which allow for actuation of the magazine release. For example, in the rear view, left (L) and right (R) buttons 111 are provided which allow for ambidextrous release of the magazine 110. Pushing of the button 111 may be performed so that the magazine catch actuates and releases the magazine 110. Alternately, when untouched, the magazine 110 is retained in the magwell module 150.

Similarly, and with reference to FIG. 16, at the forward end 156 of the magwell 151, the magwell 151 comprises a first and second magwell grooves 159. The forward end 156 of the magwell 151 may comprise lobes that allow positioning or forming of the grooves 159. The grooves 159 at the forward end 156 of the magwell 151 allows for connection of the magwell 151 to other features.

With reference again to FIGS. 14-17, an additional section view is shown in FIG. 17. The section shows the hollow interior of the magwell 151 defined by the forward wall 156, the rearward wall 158 and the opposed sidewalls 153, 155. The interior of the rear wall 158 may be canted slightly to improve feeding of ammunition. Further, the grooves 159 in the front trunnion interface support the installed lock up of the magwell 151 to the receiver of the trunnion cover 118. The lobes 157 house the grooves 159 which interface with the trunnion 230 to support the installed lockup of the magazine well to the trunnion 230. Lobe 157 interfaces with the trunnion cover 118.

The magwell 151 may also comprise side bump outs or lugs 161. These provide an engagement feature on the sides of the magwell 151 will engage the folded stock so that the stock does not hit the magazine release.

Referring still to FIGS. 14-17, the magazine release buttons 111 extend from the right and left sides of the magwell module 150. The release buttons 111 are movable in either direction to render the release function ambidextrous.

Beneath the release buttons 111 are bolt catch actuators 166. The actuators 166 are shown in the downward normal position, such that the bolt catch 165 is also shown in a downward position. When the actuators 166 are pushed upwardly, the bolt catch 165 moves upwardly against the biasing force, such as by one or more springs. The actuators 166 therefore move vertically, sliding within a channel 167. The bolt catch 165 may selectively engage the bolt when the bolt is pulled rearwardly, in order to hold open the bolt. The actuators 166 are typically in the downward position shown and allow for the bolt to be opened (pulled rearwardly). The actuators 166 may be pushed upwardly to hold the bolt open. As shown in FIG. 15, one or more springs 168 are in the area between the actuators 166 to retain the actuators 166 and the bolt catch 165 in a downward position. As shown in FIG. 17, the bolt catch 165 is shown in broken line in an upward position.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the barrel module 112 is shown removed from the modular rifle 100 in a side view and a side-section view. Specifically, the barrel module 112 comprises a barrel 170, which is removed from its connection to the receiver 104 and from within the handguard 116. The barrel 170 comprises a hollow longitudinal body having a first end 172 and a second end 174 wherein the first end 172 engages the receiver 104 and the second end 174 is a discharge end for the projectile or ordnance. The first end 172 also defines a firing chamber 177 where a cartridge is seated so that the projectile may be fired. Optionally, the second end 174 may be threaded or formed in such a way for an adapter or for direct connection with a suppressor, muzzle break, flash hider, etc.

A bore 176 extends between the first end and the second end of the barrel 170 for receiving a cartridge and movement of the projectile or ordinance from the first end 172 forward through the second end of the barrel module 170. The bore 176 has a longitudinal axis which is the same axis as the barrel 170. The bore size will be dependent on the intended caliber of ammunition intended to be used with the barrel 170. The interior of the bore 176 may comprise rifling which is defined by one or more spiral grooves 114 therein. The barrel 170 may have one or more of these spiral grooves 114 which cause the ordinance to spin while traveling through the bore 176 and stabilizes flight of the ordinance or projectile. The amount of spiral, or twist, as it is also referred to, may vary on the size of projectile, length of barrel 170 or other factors. Some example twists range between, without limitation, 1:5 up to 1:20 twist.

While the bore 176 may be of a constant diameter in some embodiments, the outer surface of the barrel 170 may vary in diameter. The first end 172 of the barrel 170 may be of a larger diameter due to the pressure developed in the firing chamber 177 area of the barrel 170. Additionally, the first end 172 of the barrel 170 comprises an opening 178 to receive a cartridge and a ramp 179 to aid in reliable feeding of each cartridge into the firing chamber through the opening 178. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bore 176 may also be tapered.

The barrel 170 may also comprise a shank area 173 and/or an extension 175 or any combination thereof for engagement with the receiver module 104 to retain the barrel module 112 in position. The shank 173 may have a plurality of circumferential grooves 173a that engage the trunnion 230 (FIG. 20). The larger outer diameter may taper to a smaller diameter but may vary to larger diameters along the length of the barrel 170. For example, the exterior of the barrel module 112 may comprise a shoulder 180 of larger diameter and threaded portion 182 on the exterior of the shoulder 180.

Disposed on the outside of the barrel 170 is an attachment 184 which defines an expansion or evacuation chamber 186. The attachment 184 is generally circular in cross-section and has multiple sections so that there are multiple diameters. For example, and without limitation, the attachment 184 may comprise at least 3 diameters. The evacuation chamber 186 is concentric with the barrel 170. The diameter of the attachment 184 and the volume of the evacuation chamber 186 create venture action to limit noxious gases from escape from the end of the barrel 170 or from the ejection port where spent cartridges are ejected. The attachment has a first end 183 which engages tapered outer surface of the barrel 170. This engagement of the attachment 184 and the outer surface of the barrel 170 forms a taper lock and seal. At the second end 185 of the engagement structure is a thread for threaded engagement with the threaded portion 182 of the shoulder 180 along the exterior of the barrel 170. As the attachment 184 is threaded on to the shoulder 180 of the barrel 170, the first end 183 of the attachment 184 engages and seals along the exterior tapered surface of the barrel 170. Once the attachment 184 is positioned and sealed on the barrel 170, the expansion or evacuation chamber 186 is defined about the outer surface of the barrel 170 and within the attachment 184.

Referring again to the section view of FIG. 19, the one or more passages 187 are shown extending from the bore 176 into the expansion or evacuation chamber 186. The instant view shows two passages or ports 187 which allow gas to move from the bore 176 into the expansion chamber 186. The number of passages or ports 187 may vary. The two passages 187 are in the same plane, but the passages 187 may also be located in different planes or in multiple planes.

The passages 187 are also shown oriented at an angle opposite the direction of travel of the projectile. While the direction of the passages 187 shown is not necessary for operation, the direction shown improves the venturi action, which removes noxious gases from the bore 176. The passages or ports 187 allow high pressure combustion gas to move into the expansion or evacuation chamber 186 and reduce pressure. With this reduced pressure in the expansion or evacuation chamber 186, gases from the barrel 170 are drawn into this volume, reducing the amount of combustion gases that would otherwise be ejected toward the user's face through the ejection port.

As mentioned, the bore of the barrel 170 may change in diameter and therefore the exterior diameter of barrels of differing calibers may differ. Further, the length of the barrels 170 may differ. For example the modular rifle 100 may have a barrel 170 which is about 16″ in length or longer, a length which is long enough to not qualify as a short-barrel by the national firearms act (NFA). Alternatively, the barrel 170 may have a length which is less than about 16″ and therefore qualifies as a short barrel rifle.

Moving toward the first end 172 of the barrel 170, above the barrel and adjacent to the attachment 184 is a gas block 190. The gas block 190 provides the flow of gas from the barrel 170 to the bolt (not shown) to operate the bolt action. The gas block 190 sits on top of a port 192 in the barrel 170. When the firearm is fired, the gas from the round travels through the gas port 192 in the barrel 170, up through the gas block, and into the gas tube. The gas block receives high-pressure and direct this high-pressure into the gas tube 194 to the bolt carrier (or bolt) (not shown). Gas pressure drives the bolt via direct impingement system or powering a piston in the gas piston system.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 4, a view of the charging handle module 200 is shown mounted to the firearm 100. The charging handle module 200 allows manual movement of the bolt, or bolt carrier group, to allow loading of a cartridge into the firing chamber 177 (FIG. 19) and charging of the rifle, as well as extraction of a spent cartridge. In FIGS. 2 and 4, the charging handle 250 is shown pivoted toward or against the receiver 104 of the rifle 100. However, in operation and for movement of the bolt carrier group, the charging handle 250 may be pivoted outwardly (FIG. 20) away from the receiver 104. In this pivoted outward position, the handle 250 may be moved relative to the receiver 104 to move the bolt. Additionally, while the charging handle 250 is shown on one side of the rifle, the handle module 200 allows for reversal or movement from a first side to a second side, to render the use easier for user of either dexterity.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 20-22, the charging handle module 200 comprises a linear body 220 which has a first end 222 and a second end 224. The linear body 220 comprises a first wall 226 and a second parallel wall 228, which are joined together by one or more connecting walls 229. The present linear body 220 may have a generally U-shaped appearance wherein the U-shape is oriented upside down when positioned in the firearm. Below the linear body is the trunnion portion 230 of the firearm frame which retains the barrel 170. When the charging handle 250 moves, the bolt moves toward or away from the firing chamber 177.

The first end 222 comprises two opposed apertures 232, one on each of the first and second parallel walls 226, 228. The apertures 232 provide for positioning of handle receivers 240 therethrough, only one of which is shown in FIG. 21. The two apertures 232 therefore allow for the reversibility of the charging handle 200 to either side of the receiver 104. Each of the handle receivers 240 extends through the hole 232 of the linear body 220, from the inside of the linear body 220 outwardly. A flange 242 on the handle receiver 240 limits movement through the hole, and a clip 244 may be used on the outside surface of the linear body 220 to retain the handle receiver 240 in position and not pull through the inside of the linear body 220.

Each handle receiver 240 has a tongue 246 that extends in a linear direction parallel to the linear body 220. The tongue 246 which allows connection with the folding charging handle 250. The tongue 246 may comprise, for example but without limitation, a dovetail for example.

The folding charging handle 250 may be a two piece structure-a pivot handle 252 (first portion) pivotally connected to a follower 260 (second portion). The follower 260 may be engaged by way of the groove 262 to the tongue 246 of the handle receiver 240. The pivot handle 252 may be pivotally connected to the follower 260.

With reference first to the follower 260, the follower 260 engages the tongue 246 on the handle receiver 240 to connect the parts. The follower 260 has a rounded outer edge which allows for pivoting of the pivot handle forward to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

A spring 258 is disposed within the follower and engages the pivot handle 252. This spring 258 may be for example a torsion spring to bias the pivot handle 252 and a button 264. The pivot handle 252 extends from the follower 260 and may comprise one or more edge tabs to aid in grasping the pivot handle 252. Also, in some optional embodiments, on a rear surface of the pivot handle 252, there may be a tooth 259 which provides spacing from the receiver 104 when the pivot handle is pivoted toward the firearm 100. The tooth 259 may also provide an interface for a user's finger when actuating the pivot handle 252.

The follower 260 also comprises the button 264 which extends through the follower 260 and a second end of the button 264 blocks an open end of groove 262. The button 264 is biased by the spring 258 to the position shown in FIG. 21 in order to block the groove 262. The button 264 may be actuated to move from blocking the groove 262, so that the tongue 246 may be inserted. When the follower 260 moves a preselected distance relative to the receiver 240 and the tongue 246, the biased button 264 clears the tongue 246 and extends toward the receiver 240, so that the follower 260 is locked on the receiver 240. For example as shown in FIG. 23, the button 264 is moved from its normal position to an unblocked position allowing movement of the follower 260 on to the handle receiver 240. Due to the spring 258 bias, as soon as the button 264 clears the handle receiver 240, the button 264 moves under spring bias to its normal position shown in FIG. 24 and the follower 260 and handle 252 are locked in position until the button 264 is engaged and moved from its normal position, to allow removal of the follower 260. Once the button 264 is moved from its normal position, the folding charging handle 250 may be moved from the receiver 240 to the position shown in FIG. 21. This may occur on either side of the firearm, as the charging handle 250 may be mounted for ambidextrous use.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, a perspective view of the pivot handle 252 is depicted including the button 264 and spring 258. The spring 258 is shown as a torsion spring to engage at one end the pivot handle 252 and at the second end the button 264. The second end of the spring 258 is positioned to engage the button 264. As depicted in the example, the button 264 may have a notch 264a which receives the end of the spring 258 so that that the button 264 is biased toward the receiver 240. The button 264 may be disengaged by using an end of a cartridge, a tool, or any of various devices to engage the button 264 nearest the receiver 240 and force the button away from the receiver 240 opposite to the biasing force of the spring 258.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments±20%, in some embodiments±10%, in some embodiments±5%, in some embodiments±1%, in some embodiments±0.5%, and in some embodiments±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A connector for a folding stock or brace, comprising:

a first body having:

a channel configured to receive a rail of preselected size;

a set screw which extends from exterior to said channel to within said channel, said set screw configured to engage said rail;

a second body having:

a biasing mechanism within said second body;

an actuator which is biased by said biasing mechanism to bias said actuator to a first position of two positions;

a hinge having a first hinge portion on the first body and a second hinge portion on the second body;

wherein said connector can be installed in a first orientation to allow opening in one direction, and in a second orientation to allow opening in a second direction.

2. The connector of claim 1, said actuator being a button.

3. The connector of claim 2, said button protruding from an end surface of said second body.

4. The connector of claim 1, said first body capable of connection to a firearm.

5. The connector of claim 1, said second body capable of connection to a stock or a brace.

6. The connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one locking post extending from said first body.

7. The connector of claim 6, said second body having an aperture which receives said at least one locking post.

8. The connector of claim 7, said actuator engaging said at least one locking post.

9. An interchangeable magwell for a rifle, comprising:

an upper receiver;

said interchangeable magwell having an upper end which engages said upper receiver, a lower end capable of receiving a magazine, a first end and a second end;

said interchangeable magwell having a hollow body;

a tongue and groove attachment mechanism disposed at said upper end of said interchangeable magwell;

wherein said interchangeable magwell is removable from said upper receiver without use of tools.

10. The interchangeable magwell of claim 9 said tongue being tapered between said first end and said second end.

11. The interchangeable magwell of claim 9, said groove is tapered between said first end and said second end.

12. The interchangeable magwell of claim 9, further comprising a connector at said first end or said second end capable of connection with fire control housing.

13. The interchangeable magwell of claim 9, at least one inner wall of said magwell being angled up to about 4 degrees from vertical.

14. A rifle barrel, comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end;

a bore extending through said body between the first end and the second end;

an attachment defining an evacuation chamber;

a passage extending between the bore and the evacuation chamber;

said evacuation chamber drawing gas out of said bore.

15. A rifle barrel, comprising:

a body having a first end and second end; said first end defining a chamber and said second end defining a muzzle;

said body having a larger diameter in at least one location which tapers to a smaller diameter defining a taper lock;

a threaded section spaced from said smaller diameter of said body;

a bore extending through said body from said first end to said second end;

a passage extending from the bore to an outer surface of said body; an attachment having a first attachment end and a second attachment end, wherein one end of said first attachment end or said second attachment end engages said taper lock and the other of said first attachment end or said second attachment end threadably engages said threaded section; and, an evacuation chamber defined between said attachment and said body, an outlet end of said passage disposed within said evacuation chamber.

16. The rifle barrel of claim 15, said bore having rifling.

17. The rifle barrel of claim 15, said passage being angled.

18. The rifle barrel of claim 17, said passage being angled toward said first end.

19. A charging handle, comprising:

a linear body configured to be positioned above a bolt carrier group, said linear body having a first end and a second end;

a handle receiver disposed near one of said first end and said second end of said linear body, said handle receiver extending from each of two sides of said linear body;

a handle that is removably connected to said handle receiver, said handle having a first portion that is pivotally connected to a second portion, wherein said first portion may be pivoted from a first position to a second position to slide said handle and said linear body together;

said handle being removable from one side of said two sides of said handle receiver and reversibly position on a second side of said two sides of said handle receiver.

20. The charging handle of claim 19, said handle being moveable from said first position parallel to said linear body, to said second position that is perpendicular to said linear body.

21. The charging handle of claim 19, further comprising a button which is depressed to remove said charging handle.

22. The charging handle of claim 19, further comprising dovetail tongue formed in said handle receiver.

23. The charging handle of claim 22, a dovetail groove receiving said dovetail tongue of said second portion of said handle receiver.

24. The charging handle of claim 19, said first portion of said handle having one or more finger tabs.