US20150176944A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20150176944A1
Application number: US14/276,782
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Andrew Kupanoff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2014-05-13
Publication date: 2015-06-25

Abstract

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/822,653, filed May 13, 2013, entitled “Fixed Stock Assembly and Method for Forming the Same,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to stock assemblies for firearms. In particular, the present invention relates to fixed stock assemblies for long guns, such as Stoner-design rifles, and methods for forming such systems.

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen a significant increase in demand for firearms and firearm-related accessories, for both civilian/recreational and military uses. This increased demand can especially be seen with the increased sales of assault rifles and accessories for use with assault rifles. Some of the most popular assault rifles, for civilian, law enforcement, and military uses, are those based on Eugene Stoner's design (e.g., the M-16/AR-15 and variants thereof, the AR-10 and variants thereof, etc.).

Most Stoner-design rifles manufactured today are equipped with a “collapsible” butt stock, or stock, assembly. That is, the length of the stock assembly is capable of being manually adjusted (i.e., by hand, without tools). Collapsible stock assemblies typically include or utilize a “carbine” receiver extension (or buffer tube) that is fixed to the lower receiver of the rifle using an end plate, which goes on the back end of the lower receiver of the rifle, and a castle nut, which tightens the receiver extension and the end plate to the lower receiver.

However, for various reasons (e.g., personal preference and/or jurisdictional regulations), some Stoner-design rifles are equipped with a “fixed” stock assembly, which is not capable of being adjusted (at least not manually). One example of a fixed stock assembly is the type that is typically found on M16A4 rifles and is often referred to as a “rifle” stock assembly, which utilizes a “rifle” receiver extension that is considerably longer than a carbine receiver extension. Although these stocks are “fixed” in length, some users find them undesirably long, and although they do not utilize an end plate or castle nut, the rifle receiver extension still needs to be properly “torqued” (i.e., tightened) to the lower receiver. This procedure may be difficult for many users, as they may not have access to the proper tools, for example.

In recent years, several fixed stock assemblies have been developed which are closer in length to collapsible stock assemblies (i.e., shorter than rifle stock assemblies). However, some of these fixed stock assemblies require a unique receiver extension, while others use a conventional carbine receiver extension but still require the use of the end plate and/or castle nut, which, similar to rifle receiver extensions, are difficult for many users to install properly, as specialized tools are required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a conventional lower receiver for a Stoner-design rifle;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a conventional receiver extension for a collapsible stock assembly for a Stoner-design rifle;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the receiver extension ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the receiver extension taken along line5-5 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the receiver extension taken along6-6 inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a fixed stock according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the fixed stock ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a front end of the fixed stock ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed stock taken along line10-10 inFIG. 9;

FIGS. 11-17 are various views of the fixed stock ofFIG. 7 illustrating installation on the lower receiver ofFIG. 2 and the receiver extension ofFIG. 3;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are side views of the receiver extension ofFIG. 3 threaded into the lower receiver ofFIG. 2;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of a fixed stock according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a spacer which may be used in the fixed stock shown inFIGS. 20 and 21; and

FIG. 23 is a side view of a portion of the fixed stock ofFIGS. 20 and 21 illustrating the use of the spacer ofFIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, and brief summary, or the following detailed description. It should also be noted thatFIGS. 1-23 are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

According to one aspect of the present invention, fixed stock assemblies for Stoner-design rifles are provided. In some embodiments, a fixed stock assembly includes a stock, or stock body, that has a receiver extension cavity extending therethrough and at least one stock stabilizing member extending into the receiver extension cavity. When a conventional carbine/collapsible receiver extension, the front end of which is threaded into a lower receiver for a Stoner-design rifle, is positioned within the receiver extension cavity, the at least one stock stabilizing member is actuated/adjusted/manipulated to extend into the receiver extension cavity and contact the receiver extension, thus exerting a force on receiver extension and/or a force on the stock. The at least one stock stabilizing member may contact a surface of the receiver extension that is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the receiver extension cavity (and/or the receiver extension). The force on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver, and the force on the stock is in a direction towards the lower receiver.

The at least one stock stabilizing member (and/or the force(s) exerted thereby) may be adjusted such that the receiver extension and/or the stock are suitably “locked” or “tightened” into position for use of the stock assembly during use of the respective firearm. As such, the fixed stock assembly allows for the use of a conventional carbine receiver extension without requiring an end plate or castle nut and the tools typically associated with the installation thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm, more particularly, a Stoner-design rifle (e.g., an AR-15)10. Generally, therifle10 may be understood to include a lower “half”12 and anupper half14. Amongst other components which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thelower half12 includes alower receiver16 and astock assembly18, and theupper half14 includes anupper receiver20 and abarrel assembly22.

Thestock assembly18 shown inFIG. 1 is an example of a conventional “collapsible” (or “carbine”) stock assembly and includes acarbine receiver extension24, anend plate26, acastle nut28, and a collapsible stock (or butt stock)30. As is commonly understood, thereceiver extension24 is threaded into the back of thelower receiver16 and tightened thereto with thecastle nut28, with theend plate26 being between thecastle nut28 and thelower receiver16 and having thereceiver extension24 inserted therethrough.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventionallower receiver16 for a Stoner-design rifle (e.g., a AR-15) in greater detail. In particular,FIGS. 2-4 illustrate thelower receiver16 in a “stripped” configuration (i.e., just the lower receiver itself, without any other components installed, such as the pistol grip or other lower receiver parts). Thelower receiver16 has afront end32 and aback end34. At theback end34, the lower receiver includes areceiver extension hole36, which has aninner surface38 with a series of threads formed thereon (not shown inFIG. 2). Thelower receiver16 also has adepression40 formed in theback end34 thereof, below thereceiver extension hole36.

In some embodiments, thereceiver extension24 is a “mil-spec” receiver extension. Thus, thereceiver extension24 may have alength56 of approximately 7.25 inches and a diameter58 of approximately 1.185 inches at the front end40 (i.e., including the threads44), but at other portions of the receiver extension (i.e., without the threads46) the diameter58 may be, for example, between 1.145 and 1.150 inches (excluding the ridge structure48). Theridge structure48 may have a width60 of, for example, between 0.485 and 0.495 inches. Thereceiver extension24 may have ofwall thickness62 of approximately 0.73 inches. However, in some embodiments, thereceiver extension24 may be a “commercial” receiver extension, which as slightly different, but similar, dimensions (e.g., a slightly larger diameter at the portions thereof without the threads46), as is commonly understood. It should be understood that the fixed stock assembly described below may be sized/shaped to accommodate both mil-spec and commercial receiver extensions, or alternatively, different embodiments of the stock assembly may be made for mil-spec and commercial receiver extensions.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a fixedstock70 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The fixed stock is substantially made of a singular, integral piece of material that forms a stock body with afront end72, aback end74, atop side76, and abottom side78. In some embodiments, the stock body is made of a polymer or plastic material, but other materials, such as metals (e.g., aluminum) may be used.

Thestock70 has a substantially elongate shape with a receiver extension cavity (or channel)80 extending therethrough from the front end72 (i.e., beginning at an opening at the front end72) towards theback end74. In some embodiments, thereceiver extension cavity80 is shaped to have alower portion82 such that thereceiver extension cavity80 substantially has the same cross-sectional shape and size as a mil-spec receiver extension (or in some embodiments, a commercial receiver extension). On thefront end72 of thestock70, analignment protrusion84 extends outwards below the opening for thereceiver extension cavity80. In the example shown, thealignment protrusion84 has a substantially semi-circular shape and may have dimensions (e.g., width, length, depth, etc.) similar to thedepression40 on theback end34 of the lower receiver16 (FIG. 2).

Still referring toFIGS. 7-10, thestock70 includes aridge86 extending from thebottom side78 thereof, which connects to theback end74 as shown. A series of stock stabilizing

member openings

88,90, and92 are formed through thebottom side78 of thestock70. As shown specifically inFIG. 10, the

openings

88,90, and92 extend through thestock70 to the receiver extension cavity80 (or thelower portion82 thereof). In some embodiments, the

openings

88,90, and92 have circular cross-sections and are arranged in thestock70 such that thecentral axes94 thereof are at an angle to acentral axis96 of the receiver extension cavity80 (and/or of thestock70 and/or that of the receiver extension24). In the example shown, the angle between thecentral axes94 and thecentral axis96 of thereceiver extension cavity96 is approximately 45 degrees. However, in other embodiments, this angle may be any angle between 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) and 0 degrees (or essentially parallel) and may vary between the

openings

88,90, and92. In some embodiments, the angle is any angle between 60 degrees and 30 degrees.

It should noted that the

openings

88,90, and92 are arranged such that as they extend away from thereceiver extension cavity80, the

openings

88,90, and92 get closer to thefront end72 of the stock (or conversely, as the

openings

88,90, and92 extend closer to thereceiver extension cavity80, they get closer to theback end74 of the stock70).

Still referring toFIG. 10, a threaded insert (or helical insert)98 is embedded within each of the

openings

88,90, and92. The threaded inserts98 may be made of steel. However, in some embodiments, rather than inserts made from a material different than thestock70, the threads provided by theinserts98 may simply be formed in the material of the stock (i.e., the

openings

88,90, and92 may be “tapped” or otherwise have threads formed therein).

FIGS. 11-17 illustrate the installation of thestock70. As shown inFIG. 11, thefront end42 of thereceiver extension24 is first threaded into thereceiver extension hole36 of thelower receiver16. As is commonly understood, thereceiver extension24 is threaded into thelower receiver16 until thefront end42 is positioned appropriately relative to a buffer detent (not shown) in thelower receiver16, with theridge structure48 on thereceiver extension24 being oriented as shown inFIG. 11 (i.e., facing “down”). It should be noted that in at least some embodiments, thereceiver extension24 is installed without an end plate or castle nut (which are typically used when installing conventional receiver extensions for collapsible/carbine stock assemblies). As such, as installed inFIG. 11, thereceiver extension24 may exhibit some “wobble” or “play” (i.e., the receiver extension is somewhat “loose” after being threaded into thelower receiver16 without the end plate and castle nut).

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, thestock70 is then slid onto the receiver extension24 (i.e., thereceiver extension24 fits into the receiver extension cavity80). Due to the mating betweenreceiver extension24 and the receiver extension cavity80 (especially because theridge structure48 of thereceiver extension24 fits into thelower portion82 of thereceiver extension cavity80 as shown inFIG. 13), thestock70 is substantially prevented from rotating relative to thereceiver extension24. In some embodiments, thereceiver extension24 may fit very tightly into thereceiver extension cavity80, and may even require the use of a hammer or similar tool to tap thestock70 completely into position.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 14, thefront end72 of thestock70 is pressed against theback end34 of thelower receiver16 such that thealignment protrusion84 on thefront end72 of thestock70 is inserted into thedepression40 on theback end34 of thelower receiver16. Thus, thealignment protrusion84 mates with thedepression40 to prevent thestock70 from rotating relative to thelower receiver16, which in turn prevents thereceiver extension24 from rotating relative to the lower receiver16 (due to the mating between thereceiver extension24 and thereceiver extension cavity80 in stock70).

As shown inFIG. 15, after thestock70 is pressed onto thereceiver extension24, stock stabilizing members are inserted into the

openings

88,90, and92 in thebottom side78 of the stock70 (or alternatively, the stock stabilizing members are previously positioned within the

openings

88,90, and92). In the example shown, the stock stabilizing members arefasteners100. Each of thefasteners100 are threaded into/through the respective threadedinsert98 and into thereceiver extension cavity80 of thestock70 to press against selected portions of the receiver extension24 (as dictated by the positioning and orientation of the

openings

88,90, and92 and threaded inserts98).

As such, the fasteners100 (or stock stabilizing members) may be movable between (at least) two positions. In a first position, thefasteners100 do not extend into thereceiver extension cavity80 such that thereceiver extension24 may be freely inserted into and removed from thereceiver extension cavity80. In the second position, thefasteners100 extend into thereceiver extension cavity80 such that thereceiver extension24 is prevented from being freely inserted into and removed from thereceiver extension cavity80. More particularly, when thefasteners100 are moved/adjusted/manipulated into the second position after thereceiver extension24 has been inserted into thereceiver extension cavity80, thefasteners100 prevent thereceiver extension24 from coming out of thereceiver extension cavity80.

In the depicted embodiment, thefasteners100 are set screws, but in other embodiments, regular screws or bolts may be used. Further, in yet further embodiments, the stock stabilizing members may take for form of knobs or the like such that they may be manipulated by hand, as opposed to requiring a screw driver, allen key, or socket head driver.

In particular, in the depicted embodiment, thefastener100 inserted into opening88 presses against theangled surface50 of theridge structure48 on thereceiver extension24. Thefasteners100 inserted into

openings

90 and92 press against the vertical, side surfaces of thepositions detents54 of the ridge structure48 (e.g., surface56). Thus, in some embodiments, the width or diameter of thefasteners100 may be less than a width of thedepressed channel52. The overall effect of the pressing of thefasteners100 against the various portions of thereceiver extension24 is to apply opposing forces on thereceiver extension24 and thestock70. In particular, thereceiver extension24 is pressed (or pulled) away from thelower receiver16, while the stock is pressed into thelower receiver16.

It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the force applied to thereceiver extension24 by at least some of the fasteners may be in a direction that is substantially directly away from the lower receiver16 (and/or substantially parallel to thecentral axis96 of the receiver extension channel80). However, because thefasteners100 are pressing into thereceiver extension24 in a direction that is not perfectly parallel toaxis96 and/oraxis55, the actual direction in which this force is applied may be at angle, perhaps a small angle (e.g., less than 15 degrees), toaxis96 and/or55. In some embodiments, this angle may be the same as the angle(s) between thecentral axes94 of the

openings

88,90, and92 and thecentral axis96 of the receiver extension cavity80 (and/or thecentral axis55 of the receiver extension55), as described above. As described below, in at least some embodiments, this may be beneficial.

Referring now toFIG. 16, thefastener100 inserted through opening92 presses against the elongatedvertical surface56 of theposition detent54 nearest to theback end44 of thereceiver extension24. This vertical surface, along with the other vertical surfaces (i.e., inner sides) of the position detents54 provide surfaces suitable for applying a force to thereceiver extension24 substantially directly (i.e., but perhaps at a slight angle) away from thelower receiver16. As also shown inFIG. 16, thefasteners100 may include particular types of tips/ends102. InFIG. 16, theend102 of thefastener100 is rounded. However, other types ofends102 may be used, such as nylon tips (or tips made of other pliable materials), tapered ends, or conventionally-shaped (e.g., “squared” heads) as is discussed below. It should be noted that some types of ends (e.g., nylon) may help lock thefasteners100 into position against thereceiver extension24 and/or minimize any damage to (e.g., scratching) the receiver extension24 (i.e., nylon or rounded ends). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17 (e.g., thefastener100 through hole90), thefastener100 has a tapered tip.

Referring again toFIG. 15, the lateral positions of thefasteners100 relative to thereceiver extension24 should be noted. More particularly, it should be noted that both ends of each of thefasteners100 are laterally positioned between the

ends

42 and44 of the receiver extension24 (or the ends of the receiver extension cavity80) and/or that no portion of any of thefasteners100 extends beyond the back end44 (or the front end42) of the receiver extension24 (or the ends of the receiver extension cavity80). As such, thefasteners100 allow the overall length of thestock70 to remain as short as possible (i.e., given a particular length receiver extension).

Thus, the stock assembly (i.e., thereceiver extension24 and the stock70) may be installed without the need for an end plate or castle nut, using minimal tools (i.e., the only tool required may be that used to rotate/thread/adjust/tighten/manipulate thefasteners100 through the threaded inserts98). More specifically, the stock assembly may be installed without using any gunsmithing tools, such as a vise and a special wrench (as is typically needed to properly install castle nuts), while still utilizing a conventional carbine receiver extension on a Stoner-design rifle with a conventional lower receiver. However, in some embodiments, thestock70 may be configured to allow for the use of an end plate and/or castle nut (e.g., such as in the case when those components are already installed). In such embodiments, a portion of thestock70 near thefront end72 may be removable (e.g., a spacer or collar portion) to provide sufficient room for the end plate and/or castle nut.

Additionally, becausemultiple fasteners100 are used, at least in some embodiments, to pull thereceiver extension24 away from thelower receiver16 and/or push thestock70 into thelower receiver16, the stock assembly described above provides a level of redundancy not provided by conventional stock assemblies (i.e., collapsible or fixed). That is, in the event that one of thefasteners100 loosens, or otherwise fails, during use, the remainingfasteners100 will continue to hold thereceiver extension24 and/or thestock70 in a suitable position (i.e., the remainingfasteners100 will continue to exerted the force(s) described above and hold thereceiver extension24 and thestock70 firm in place). In contrast, conventional stock assemblies may fail (i.e., come loose) if the castle nut loosens (in collapsible stock assemblies) or if the rifle receiver extension loosens from the lower receiver (in rifle stock assemblies).

It should be noted that due to the tolerances typically used when manufacturingreceiver extensions24 andlower receivers16, this canting/tilting may be relatively minor (e.g., at most a few degrees). Thus, this canting/tilting will not adversely effect the operation of the rifle (e.g., because the bolt carrier of a Stoner-design rifle only extends into the receiver extension24 a few inches during cycling). As such, in at least some embodiments described herein, this canting/tilting may actually be considered to be beneficial, as it facilitates the “locking” between thereceiver extension24 and thelower receiver16.

In some embodiments, thestock70 is sized so that it may be utilized with different types of collapsible/carbine receiver extensions. An example of such an embodiment is shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. InFIG. 20, thestock70 is utilized with a conventional (e.g., mil-spec)receiver extension24. However, note that thereceiver extension24 shown inFIG. 20 has sixposition detents54, as opposed to four (which is the case with the receiver extension described above). As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, true “mil-spec” collapsible/carbine receiver extensions24 usually have fourposition detents54. However, some collapsible/carbine receiver extensions24 have sixposition detents54, but are still regarded as “mil-spec” (i.e., such receiver extensions typically have the same overall dimensions as true mil-spec receiver extensions).

Still referring toFIG. 20, note thegap104 between theend44 of thereceiver extension24 and the end of thereceiver extension cavity80 in thestock70. Also note inFIG. 20 that thefastener100 inserted intoopening88 has a nylon tip, while the others have tapered ends (i.e., in some embodiments, different types offasteners100 may be used in the

openings

88,90, and92).

Referring now toFIG. 21, thestock70 shown inFIG. 20 is being utilized with a slightly longer collapsible/carbine receiver extension24, as is evident due to the decreased size ofgap104. An example of such areceiver extension24 is the A5 receiver extension for the A5 buffer system/stock assembly available from Vltor Weapons Systems of Tucson, Ariz. In some embodiments, thestock70 is capable of utilizing both conventional collapsible/carbine receiver extensions and receiver extensions with different lengths (such as the A5) with no modifications whatsoever.

However, optionally, an additional opening106 (which may have a threaded structure therein similar to that described above) is provided in thestock70 as shown by the dashed lines inFIG. 21. As is evident from the position ofopening106, theopening106 may be used with thereceiver extension24 shown inFIG. 21 in a manner similar to that of opening92 when the receiver extension shown inFIG. 20 is utilized. As another option, in some embodiments, aspacer108 is provided as shown inFIG. 21, which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 22 and 23. It should be noted that both theadditional opening106 and thespacer108 are not required, at least in some embodiments, for thestock70 to accommodate such different types of collapsible/carbine receiver extensions.

Other embodiments may be designed to be compatible with rifles besides Stoner-design rifles (such as AK-47s and variants thereof and the SCAR series of rifles available from FNH USA of Mclean, Va.), which have been modified with a receiver extension similar to receiver extensions for Stoner-design rifles.

It should also be understood that other accessories may be integrated into the fixedstock70 described above. For example, the fixedstock70 may also include one or more mechanisms to attach a sling to thestock70, such as slots (for looping a sling therethrough) and “quick-detach” (QD) sling sockets compatible with QD sling swivels. Additionally, stock extensions and/or butt (or recoil) pads may be provided which can be attached to theback side74 of thestock70 to alter the overall length of thestock70 and/or make thestock70 more comfortable to use. Likewise, a mechanism may be provided on thestock70 to effectively make the stock “adjustable” in length (e.g., a slider mechanism in which a portion of thestock70 may be actuated relative to the main body of thestock70 to adjust the overall length of the70). However, in at least some embodiments, the main body of thestock70 would still remain in a fixed position relative to the receiver extension, in a manner similar to that described above.

Furthermore, the overall shape of thestock70 may be changed to provide a different overall “feel” to the user, such as providing more or less area on thetop side76 for a “cheek weld,” as is commonly understood.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fixed stock for Stoner-design rifles is provided. The fixed stock includes a stock body with a receiver extension cavity formed therein. The receiver extension cavity extends from a receiver extension opening at the front end of the stock body towards the back end of the stock body. The stock body also includes at least one stock stabilizing member movable between a first position and a second position. When the (at least one) stock stabilizing member is in the first position, the stock stabilizing member does not prevent a carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and removed from the receiver extension cavity. When the stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the stock stabilizing member prevents the carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and/or removed from the receiver extension cavity.

When a carbine receiver extension is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the stock stabilizing member is moved from the first position into the second position, the stock stabilizing member exerts (or applies) a force onto the receiver extension and/or the stock body. When a front end of the receiver extension is threaded into a lower receiver of a Stoner-design rifle, the front end of the stock body contacts the lower receiver, and the force exerted on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver while the force exerted on the stock body is in a direction towards the lower receiver, causing the stock body to press against the lower receiver.

In some embodiments, when the receiver extension is positioned with the receiver extension cavity and the stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the stock stabilizing member contacts a surface of the receiver extension that is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the receiver extension cavity (and/or the receiver extension).

In some embodiments, the stock body includes a plurality of stock stabilizing members. When the front end of the receiver extension is threaded into the lower receiver, the receiver extension is positioned with the receiver extension cavity, and each of the stock stabilizing members are in the second position, each of the stock stabilizing members exert a force on the receiver extension in a direction away from the lower receiver and a force on the stock body in a direction towards the lower receiver.

In some embodiments, the stock stabilizing members are fasteners (e.g., threaded members) inserted through stock stabilizing member openings extending from a side (e.g., bottom side) of the stock body into the receiver extension cavity. The stock body may also include a threaded structure (e.g., a threaded insert or helical insert) positioned adjacent to each of the stock stabilizing member openings such that each the fasteners is threaded through a respective one of the threaded structures.

In some embodiments, a fixed stock for Stoner-design rifles is provided. The fixed stock includes a stock body with a receiver extension cavity formed therein. The receiver extension cavity extends from a receiver extension opening at the front end of the stock body towards the back end of the stock body. At least one stock stabilizing member is coupled to the stock body and movable between a first position and a second position. When the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the first position, the stock stabilizing member does not prevent a carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and removed from the receiver extension cavity, and when the stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the stock stabilizing member prevents the carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and/or removed from the receiver extension cavity. When a carbine receiver extension, having a front end and a back end, is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is moved from the first position into the second position, the stock stabilizing member exerts a force onto the receiver extension and the stock body so that when the front end of the receiver extension is threaded into a lower receiver of a Stoner-design rifle, the front end of the stock body contacts the lower receiver, and the force exerted on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver while the force exerted on the stock body is in a direction towards the lower receiver, causing the stock body to press against the lower receiver. When the carbine receiver extension is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the second position, all of the at least one stock stabilizing member is laterally positioned between the front end of the receiver extension and the back end of the receiver extension.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. A fixed stock for Stoner-design rifles, the fixed stock comprising:

a stock body with a receiver extension cavity formed therein, the receiver extension cavity extending from a receiver extension opening at the front end of the stock body towards the back end of the stock body; and

at least one stock stabilizing member coupled to the stock body and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the first position, the stock stabilizing member does not prevent a carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and removed from the receiver extension cavity, and when the stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the stock stabilizing member prevents the carbine receiver extension from being inserted into and/or removed from the receiver extension cavity,

wherein when a carbine receiver extension, having a front end and a back end, is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is moved from the first position into the second position, the stock stabilizing member exerts a force onto the receiver extension and the stock body so that when the front end of the receiver extension is threaded into a lower receiver of a Stoner-design rifle, the front end of the stock body contacts the lower receiver, and the force exerted on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver while the force exerted on the stock body is in a direction towards the lower receiver, causing the stock body to press against the lower receiver, and

wherein when the carbine receiver extension is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the second position, all of the at least one stock stabilizing member is laterally positioned between the front end of the receiver extension and the back end of the receiver extension.

2. The fixed stock ofclaim 1, wherein the carbine receiver extension has a central axis, and where the force exerted on the carbine receiver extension is in a direction that is not parallel to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension.

3. The fixed stock ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one stock stabilizing member is coupled to the stock body such that the magnitude of the force exerted on the carbine receiver is adjustable.

4. The fixed stock ofclaim 3, wherein the when the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the at least one stock stabilizing member contacts a surface of the carbine receiver extension which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension.

5. The fixed stock ofclaim 4, wherein the surface of the carbine receiver extension which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension forms a side of a position detent on the carbine receiver extension.

6. The fixed stock ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one stock stabilizing member is coupled to the stock body such that rotation of the at least one stock stabilizing member causes the at least one stock stabilizing member to extend into the receiver extension cavity.

7. The fixed stock ofclaim 6, wherein an end of the at least one stock stabilizing member which contacts the surface of the carbine receiver extension is rounded or tapered.

8. The fixed stock ofclaim 6, wherein an end of the at least one stock stabilizing member which contacts the surface of the carbine receiver extension is made of nylon.

9. A fixed stock for Stoner-design rifles, the fixed stock comprising:

wherein when a carbine receiver extension, having a front end and a back end, is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is moved from the first position into the second position, the stock stabilizing member exerts a force onto the receiver extension and the stock body so that when the front end of the receiver extension is threaded into a lower receiver of a Stoner-design rifle, the front end of the stock body contacts the lower receiver, and the force exerted on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver while the force exerted on the stock body is in a direction towards the lower receiver, causing the stock body to press against the lower receiver,

wherein when the carbine receiver extension is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the second position, all of the at least one stock stabilizing member is laterally positioned between the front end of the receiver extension and the back end of the receiver extension, and

wherein the at least one stock stabilizing member is coupled to the stock body such that rotation of the at least one stock stabilizing member causes the magnitude of the force exerted on the carbine receiver to be adjusted.

10. The fixed stock ofclaim 9, wherein the carbine receiver extension has a central axis, and where the force exerted on the carbine receiver extension is in a direction that is not parallel to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension.

11. The fixed stock ofclaim 9, wherein when the at least one stock stabilizing member is in the second position, the at least one stock stabilizing member contacts a surface of the carbine receiver extension which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension.

12. The fixed stock ofclaim 11, wherein the surface of the carbine receiver extension which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the carbine receiver extension forms a side of a position detent on the carbine receiver extension.

13. The fixed stock ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one stock stabilizing member is coupled to the stock body such that rotation of the at least one stock stabilizing member causes the at least one stock stabilizing member to extend into the receiver extension cavity.

14. The fixed stock ofclaim 13, wherein an end of the at least one stock stabilizing member which contacts the surface of the carbine receiver extension is rounded or tapered.

15. The fixed stock ofclaim 14, wherein an end of the at least one stock stabilizing member which contacts the surface of the carbine receiver extension is made of nylon.

16. A fixed stock for Stoner-design rifles, the fixed stock comprising:

wherein when a carbine receiver extension, having a front end and a back end, is positioned within the receiver extension cavity and the at least one stock stabilizing member is moved from the first position into the second position, the stock stabilizing member exerts a force onto a surface of the receiver extension that is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the receiver extension and the stock body so that when the front end of the receiver extension is threaded into a lower receiver of a Stoner-design rifle, the front end of the stock body contacts the lower receiver, and the force exerted on the receiver extension is in a direction away from the lower receiver while the force exerted on the stock body is in a direction towards the lower receiver, causing the stock body to press against the lower receiver,