Interchangeable buttstock system for rifles

A modular buttstock system for firearms includes user replaceable and interchangeable buttstock modules. The modules include a comb portion and butt portion which may be provided in a variety of configurations, sizes, and materials. The modules and firearm buttstock each include complementary configured mounting portions and a mounting system designed to provide interchangeable and removable attachment of the modules to the buttstock. In some non-limiting embodiments, the buttstock and modules may be formed of synthetic materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to firearms, and more particularly to a highly configurable and customizable buttstock system for long guns including rifles and shotguns.

The gunstock or stock generally forms the part of a rifle or shotgun that a user holds and cradles when carrying, aiming, and discharging the firearm. The barrel, receiver, trigger-actuated firing mechanism, and other appurtenances are typically mounted to and supported by the stock. Types of stocks include one-piece stocks having a continuous unitary structure from the front portion or “fore-end” (also “forearm”) to the rear portion or “butt” (also “buttstock”), and two-piece stocks in which the fore-end and butt are comprised of separate components such as in break-open shotguns or some rifles.

Proper sizing and configuration of the buttstock are ergonomically important to some users for comfort, and can affect aiming and accuracy in shooting the firearm. When aiming a rifle or shotgun, the user's cheek will generally rest on or be placed near a top portion or “comb” of the buttstock. Other portions of the buttstock including the rear end or “butt” will be cradled against the user's shoulder and/or chest. User's have physical differences (e.g. stature, weight, etc.) and individual preferences for desired configuration and fit of the buttstock. Many buttstocks, however, are fixed in size and not configurable to a user's needs.

A configurable buttstock system is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A configurable modular buttstock system according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes user replaceable and interchangeable buttstock modules. The modules include a comb portion and butt portion which may be provided in a variety of configurations, heights, lengths, surface textures/finishes, colors, ornamentation, and materials to suit the needs, preferences, and comfort of a user. The modules and buttstock each include common complementary configured mounting portions and a mounting system designed to provide removable attachment of the modules to the buttstock.

In some embodiments, the buttstock and/or modules preferably may be formed of synthetic materials such as unreinforced or reinforced polymers, composite materials such as fiberglass, graphite, Kevlar, etc., and others materials. In one embodiment, the buttstock and/or modules are formed of a polymer by injection molding.

According to one embodiment, a modular buttstock system for a firearm includes a longitudinally-extending buttstock including a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a closed bottom connecting the right and left sidewalls, a front end, a rear end, and an internal rearwardly open cavity extending between the front and rear ends, and a buttstock module removably attached to the buttstock, the module including a longitudinally-extending upper comb portion positioned above the buttstock and a rear butt portion positioned at the rear end of the buttstock. The buttstock module further includes a forwardly projecting rear mounting flange inserted into the rearwardly open cavity of the buttstock. A fastening mechanism removably secures the buttstock module to the buttstock. The fastening mechanism may be a threaded fastener in some embodiments.

According to another embodiment, a modular buttstock system for a firearm, includes a longitudinally-extending buttstock including a front end having a rearwardly open socket, a rear end, and an upwardly open channel extending between the front and rear ends, and a buttstock module removably attached to the buttstock, the module including a longitudinally-extending upper comb portion positioned above the buttstock and a rear butt portion positioned at the rear end of the buttstock. The buttstock module further includes a downwardly projecting longitudinally-extending side mounting flange inserted into the open channel and a forwardly projecting front mounting flange inserted into the socket. The buttstock module encloses the buttstock when mounted on the firearm.

According to another embodiment, a modular buttstock system for a firearm includes a longitudinally-extending buttstock including a front end having rearwardly open socket and an open rear end, and a buttstock module removably attached to the buttstock, the buttstock module including a longitudinally extending upper comb portion positioned above the buttstock and a rear butt portion positioned at the rear end of the buttstock. The buttstock module further includes a forwardly projecting rear mounting flange inserted into the open rear end of the buttstock and a forwardly projecting front mounting flange inserted into the socket. The buttstock module encloses the buttstock when mounted on the firearm.

According to another embodiment, a modular buttstock system for a firearm includes a longitudinally-extending buttstock including a front end having rearwardly open socket, an open rear end, and an upwardly open channel extending between the front and rear ends, and a buttstock module removably attached to the buttstock, the buttstock module including a longitudinally extending upper comb portion positioned above the buttstock and a rear butt portion positioned at the rear end of the buttstock. The buttstock module further includes a forwardly projecting rear mounting flange inserted into the open rear end of the buttstock, a downwardly projecting side mounting flange inserted into the open channel, and a forwardly projecting front mounting flange inserted into the socket. The buttstock module encloses the buttstock when mounted on the firearm.

A method for assembling a buttstock module to a buttstock of a firearm is provided. The method includes: providing a longitudinally-extending buttstock including a front end and an open rear end; providing a buttstock module including a longitudinally-extending upper comb portion and a downwardly extending rear butt portion; and axially inserting a forwardly projecting rear mounting flange on the buttstock module into the open rear end of the buttstock; wherein the comb portion of the buttstock is positioned above the buttstock and the rear portion of the buttstock module is positioned at the rear end of the buttstock. The method may further include inserting a pair of downwardly projecting longitudinal side mounting flanges into an upwardly open channel formed in a top of the buttstock.

All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

An exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a configurable buttstock system including a plurality of interchangeable buttstock modules according to the present disclosure will now be described with initial reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1depicts a firearm in the form of a rifle20including a barrel30defining a longitudinal axis LA and having a front muzzle end32and an opposite rear breech end34defining a chamber36configured for holding a cartridge. Rifle20further includes a receiver40having an action with an axially movable breech bolt42which engages rear breech end34of barrel30for forming a closed breech for discharging the rifle and an open breech for extracting/ejecting spent cartridge casings and loading new cartridges into the chamber36. Rifle20further includes a trigger-actuated firing control mechanism46operable for retracting and releasing a firing pin or striker to strike a chambered cartridge and discharge the rifle. The rifle20shown is a bolt-action rifle having an action with a manually retractable breech bolt42operated via bolt handle44. Actions and firing control mechanisms for firearms and their components are well known to those skilled in the art without further elaboration.

Although the buttstock module system is being described in the present non-limiting embodiment with respect to a rifle, the buttstock module system may be used with any long gun including shotguns. Accordingly, the invention is not necessarily limited to any particular configuration of firearm in its applicability and benefits.

With continuing reference toFIG. 1, rifle20includes a gunstock or stock50including a forward fore-end52and a rearward opposing buttstock54. Buttstock54defines a rear facing butt56at a rear end180of the buttstock, a heel58at a top thereof, and a toe51at a bottom thereof. Buttstock54further includes a cheek60extending axially and longitudinally along a top portion of the buttstock from heel58of butt56for a distance forward towards the fore-end52and muzzle end22of rifle20. Stock50further defines a grip53disposed forward of toe51and rearward of trigger48. Grip53may have any suitable and desirable configuration including straight grip stocks, full grip stocks, semi-grip stocks, and enumerable other variations as are all well known to those skilled in the art.

It will be noted that stock50shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is a one-piece stock in which the fore-end52and buttstock54are formed of a single monolithic piece of material. In other embodiments, stock50may be a two-piece stock comprised of a separate fore-end52and buttstock54such as in the case of a break-open rifle or shotgun. Accordingly, the applicability and use of the interchangeable buttstock system and kit disclosed herein are not limited to any particular style of stock50.

Stock50may be formed of any suitable material including without limitation synthetic materials such as unreinforced or reinforced polymers, composite materials such as fiberglass, graphite, Kevlar, etc., and others materials. In one preferred embodiment, the buttstock and/or modules are formed of injection molded polymer providing economic manufacture, weather resistance, and a variety of possible configurations, dimensions, surface texture/finishes, colors, etc. In a certain embodiment, stock50is made of glass reinforced polypropylene. Buttstock modules70further described herein may be made of similar or different materials than stock50including buttstock54.

In certain embodiments, rifle20may included a shoulder sling55mounted to fore-end52and buttstock54of stock50via swivel stud screws140, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. One possible embodiment of screws140is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 4 and 9. Screws140includes a head144at one end and a shaft142having an opposite threaded end146configured to engage mating threaded surfaces provided in buttstock module70, as further described herein. Buttstock54includes a through hole57configured for receiving shaft142and a portion of head144of screw140, as shown inFIGS. 4,8, and9. Through hole57penetrates into internal cavity104of the buttstock54, and may have a diametrically enlarged entry in some embodiments for receiving a portion of head144. Head144of sling lug140may include an aperture148for rotatably mounting sling55thereto which may have a metal ring or clip at each end received through the aperture. Other suitable types of sling lugs and mounting arrangements may be provided.

Referring toFIG. 1, rifle20includes sights for aiming the rifle at a target including a front sight22and a rear sight24. Sights22,24may be considered on-board sights as they are closely coupled to barrel30being directly mounted on the barrel. In some embodiments, one or both sights22,24may be foldable sights. Sights22,24define a line of sight LS. When rifle20is aimed, the user's eye E is preferably axially aligned with the line of sight LS and directed downfield toward a target. A vertical distance D1is defined between the longitudinal axis LA of rifle20and line of sight LS.

FIG. 2depicts rifle20equipped instead with an elevated sight in the form of an optical scope26as are well known to those skilled in the art. Scope26defines a new line of sight LS different than the line of sight defined by sights22,24in the embodiment ofFIG. 1not using a scope. Line of sight LS associated with scope26is vertically higher than the line of sight LS defined by sights22,24inFIG. 1Avertical distance D2is defined between the longitudinal axis LA of rifle20(defined by barrel30and remaining constant regardless of which sighting system is used) and line of sight LS associated with scope26. As shown by comparingFIGS. 1 and 2, distance D2is greater than distance D1as scope26is spaced and elevated higher above barrel30in contrast to sights22,24.

The comb60functions to support a user's cheek at a proper height or elevation corresponding to the line of sight LS of the rifle depending on which of the foregoing sighting systems is used inFIG. 1or2. Ideally, the comb60should raise and locate the head of a user at a position when their cheek rests against the comb so that the eye E is axially aligned with the line of sight LS. As shown by comparingFIGS. 1 and 2, a taller comb60is desired when using a rifle20equipped with a scope26rather than when using sights22,24located more proximate to barrel30. Accordingly it is desirable for a user to be able have an interchangeable buttstock system to accommodate use of either type of sighting systems described and shown inFIGS. 1 and 2for proper positioning of the comb60.

It will be further appreciated that the length of the buttstock50should also preferably be able to accommodate differences in arm length of a user for comfort and proper positioning of the arms for supporting and aiming the rifle20. Accordingly, it is further desirable to have an interchangeable buttstock system to vary the length of the buttstock.

FIG. 3depicts a buttstock system having interchangeable buttstock modules that advantageously allows a user to custom fit both the height of the comb and length of the buttstock for ergonomic and rifle sighting reasons, as described herein. The buttstock system includes a plurality of user replaceable and switchable buttstock modules70each including an upper comb portion72and a rear butt portion74which may each be custom configured and dimensioned differently to accommodate both physical differences in users, personal preferences, and the type of sighting system being used at any given time.

Buttstock54is configured for detachable mounting of any one of a plurality of buttstock modules70all preferably sharing a common mounting mechanism and arrangement. Any suitable fastening mechanism may be used to releasably secure the buttstock modules70to buttstock54including but not limited to threaded fasteners as described herein.FIG. 4is a longitudinal cross-section buttstock54taken along line4-4inFIG. 3.FIG. 9is a rear perspective view of buttstock54and a buttstock module70shown in longitudinal cross-section.

Buttstock54and portions forming a mounting system for detachable coupling of any one of a plurality of buttstock modules70thereto will first be described in greater detail.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 9, buttstock54in one embodiment is a substantially hollow and axially elongated structure having an opposing right sidewall100and left sidewall102, a front end106terminating at grip53, an open rear end108, a closed bottom110, and open top112. Sidewalls100and102define a longitudinally and axially extending internal cavity104for reducing weight and which is configured for insertably receiving a portion of buttstock module70therein. In certain embodiments, sidewalls100and102may be disposed at an acute angle with respect to each other and define an internal cavity104that is generally V-shaped in transverse cross section as best shown inFIGS. 5-9.

Referring toFIGS. 4-9and11, a partition wall114extends longitudinally and laterally/transversely across cavity104between sidewalls100,102and lies in a substantially horizontal plane. In one embodiment, partition wall114is disposed proximate to open top112of buttstock54, and preferably recessed or spaced below longitudinally-extending top edges116bdefined by the top of sidewalls100and102thereby forming an axial channel103. Partition wall114closes cavity104on top and forms a recessed platform at the bottom of the channel103having a top surface configured and arranged to abuttingly engage corresponding downwardly extending side mounting flanges80formed on the bottom of buttstock modules70(see, e.g.FIGS. 5-9and11). Accordingly, in one embodiment, partition wall114is spaced vertically below top edges116bof sidewalls100and102thereby defining vertically short stub walls111on the upper portions of the sidewalls100,102that rise and extend vertically upwards above and from the top surface of partition wall114. Side mounting flanges80are insertable into the channel103. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 6, the outer lateral surfaces of side mounting flanges80have a width W1that is smaller than the width W2on sidewalls100and102adjacent stub walls111. Width W1is selected so that the side mounting flanges80may be inserted into channel103.

In one embodiment, partition wall114is substantially planar or flat to complement the shape of the bottom abutment surfaces on side mounting flanges80of the buttstock modules70. This provides smooth slideable axial insertion of the modules70into buttstock54as further described herein.

Partition wall114may further include a downwardly extending enlarged protrusion such as mounting block118configured for receiving a fastening element such as threaded mounting fastener130which may be used in one embodiment to secure buttstock module70to buttstock54(see, e.g.FIGS. 4-9). Mounting block118provides additional purchase and a physically robust structure for securing buttstock module70to the buttstock54with fastener130. Correspondingly, this favorably allows partition wall114to have a smaller lateral or transverse vertical thickness T1than the lateral or transverse vertical thickness T2of mounting block118to minimize the weight of buttstock54(thicknesses annotated inFIG. 6). In alternative embodiments where weight reduction is not a prime goal, partition wall114may instead be made vertically thicker (T1) for engaging fastener130and mounting block may be eliminated albeit with a concomitant increase in weight of buttstock54. Mounting block118may be centrally located in buttstock54approximately midway between right and left sidewalls100,102(see, e.g.FIGS. 5-8) and is accessible through the open rear end108of the buttstock.

To provide a threaded surface for engaging a mating threaded end136of mounting fastener130insertable through part of buttstock module70and buttstock54, a specially configured receptacle120is formed in partition wall114and mounting block118which receives a fastening element such as threaded hex nut122. Receptacle120has a transverse configuration which conforms at least in part to the hex shape of nut122. Accordingly, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 5-7, mounting block118may have a half-hexagonal cross-sectional shape. Receptacle120has a closed bottom to retain hex nut122and an open top that fully penetrates partition wall118allowing for insertion of the nut. The parallel sidewalls and bottom of receptacle120are mutually and complementary configured and dimensioned in transverse cross-section with hex nut122as best shown inFIG. 7to prevent rotation of the nut when fastener130is turned into the nut during the buttstock module mounting process. Accordingly, receptacle120is preferably sized relatively close to the transverse outer dimensions of hex nut122so that the nut frictionally engages the surfaces in buttstock54surrounding the receptacle when the nut is slid into the receptacle. Hex nut122is held in receptacle120by frictional resistance between the closely sized receptacle walls and nut to prevent the nut from falling out of buttstock54if inverted.

In some embodiments, an elongated axial bore or hole121as shown inFIGS. 4 and 9may be provided in mounting block118that opens rearward and communicates with receptacle120for inserting mounting fastener130therethrough. Hole121becomes a concentrically aligned and communicates with axial hole190in buttstock module70when the buttstock module is mounted in the buttstock54.

Mounting block118also extends axially parallel to longitudinal axis LA for a distance sufficient to receive and securely engage threaded end136of fastener130, as shown inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, mounting block118extends for a majority of the length of the buttstock54from grip53rearwards to or proximate to rear end108. In one embodiment, mounting block118is spaced axially forward of buttstock rear end108as best shown inFIGS. 4 and 9to provide space for a portion of buttstock module70to be axially inserted into cavity104and seated within the rear end of buttstock54.

It will be appreciated that the combination of hex nut122and receptacle120provides one economic manner of providing a threaded surface in buttstock54for engaging threaded mounting fastener130. In various other embodiments, the threaded mounting element in buttstock54may alternatively be formed in metallic inserts, bushings, or similar elements non-rotationally affixed to mounting block118and/or partition wall114. In yet other embodiments, non-threaded fastening elements may be used which function via releasable mechanically interlocking features (e.g. protrusions/grooves-recesses, spring clips and detents, latches, levers, etc.) to mount buttstock modules70to buttstock54. Accordingly, the invention is expressly not limited to the use of a hex nut or threaded fastening elements as a fastening mechanism for securing buttstock modules70to buttstock54. Numerous other types of fastening mechanisms for securing the buttstock modules70to buttstock54are therefore possible and may be used.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 9, buttstock54further includes an enlarged raised front portion113adjacent front end106that defines a rearwardly open socket115configured for insertably receiving a forwardly projecting mounting flange82on buttstock module70(see alsoFIG. 3). Socket115may have a generally inverted U-shaped opening in one embodiment as shown which is complementary in configuration to mating front flange82of buttstock module70(seeFIG. 13). Raised front portion113defines an inverted U-shaped front edge116awhich surrounds socket115near the front end106of buttstock54, and which is generally vertically oriented and may be slightly angled or sloping rearward with respect to the vertical plane and longitudinal axis LA.

Open rear end108of buttstock54defines a rear edge116cas shown inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, rear edge116c, longitudinally-extending top edges116b, and front edge116amay be contiguous in structure and are complementary configured to mate with contiguous front edge86, side edges181, and rear butt portion forward edge183of buttstock module70(seeFIG. 13) so that the buttstock module transitions smoothly and blends into the buttstock when assembled without any appreciable gaps, as shown for example inFIGS. 1-3.

Buttstock modules70will now be further described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3-12.FIG. 11is an exploded view ofFIG. 5(without fore-end52for clarity).FIG. 10is a transverse cross-sectional view of the buttstock module70alone shown inFIG. 8(without buttstock54) to more clearly show features of the buttstock module.

In one embodiment, the comb60and butt56of stock50are disposed on the removably mountable and interchangeable buttstock modules70which interlock with buttstock54. Accordingly, in this embodiment each buttstock module70includes a rear end180, a front end182, upper comb portion72extending longitudinally and horizontally between the rear and front ends, and rear butt portion74extending vertically between heel58and toe51. Upper comb portion72defines comb60and rear butt portion74defines butt56.

Buttstock module70includes two opposing and longitudinally-extending sidewalls186,187which in part define upper comb portion72and rear butt portion74. Sidewalk186,187have a reduced height in upper comb portion72as shown inFIGS. 3,4, and9, and in rear butt portion74these sidewalls extend from heel58to toe51(compareFIGS. 7 and 8). Sidewall186defines a right sidewall and sidewall187defines a left sidewall from the vantage point of a user looking forward from the rear towards muzzle end32of the rifle20.

Upper comb portion72further defines a top wall188connecting the sidewalls186,187together which collectively form a downwardly open cavity184. The vertical transverse cross-sectional height H (or thickness) of the upper comb portion72formed by top wall188can be varied in manufacture of buttstock module70to form combs60of different heights (compare, e.g.FIGS. 5 and 6). For example, a flat comb60may be provided as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6(having a straight top surface189extending longitudinally between rear end180and front end182along top wall188) or a raised comb60shown inFIGS. 2,4,5, and11(having a raised ridge with vertically elevated top surface189extending longitudinally between rear end180and front end182along top wall188). In certain embodiments of a raised comb60as shown, a stepped portion is formed at the front and rear of the raised ridge where the top surface189transitions down to the front end182and rear end180respectively. This advantageously allows the butt56to have a common height between heel58and toe51regardless of whether a straight or raised comb60buttstock module70is used. In addition, this ensures that the front end182having a portion insertable into socket115in buttstock54will consistently fall at the same position for mounting the buttstock module to the buttstock allowing to single buttstock module mounting arrangement to be used for either style of comb.

Referring toFIGS. 3,4,9, and12, the lower portions of sidewalls186,187define a pair of laterally spaced apart downwardly and longitudinally extending side mounting flanges80configured to slidably and frictionally engage stub walls111formed by the upper portions of the sidewalls100and102and partition wall114of buttstock54(see alsoFIGS. 5-7). Accordingly, stub walls111and partition wall114define an upwardly open and longitudinally-extending socket configured and dimensioned to receive at least part of the upper comb portion72of buttstock module70which includes side mounting flanges80therein. As best shown inFIGS. 5-7and11, side mounting flanges80are laterally inset from longitudinally extending side edges181and the outer surfaces of each sidewall186,187, thereby forming longitudinally-extending stepped recesses80a(seeFIG. 10) which slidably receive and frictionally engage stub walls111of buttstock54when axially mounting the buttstock modules70to the buttstock from the rear, as further described herein. Accordingly, in one configuration, side mounting flanges80have a smaller lateral transverse thickness than portions of sidewalls186,187above the flanges as shown (seeFIGS. 5-7). This also provides a substantially flush outer surface between the buttstock54and buttstock module70for user when the module is mounted on the buttstock.

In one embodiment, side mounting flanges80may be arranged in a converging relationship with respect to each other to complement a similar converging relationship between top edges116bof sidewalls100and102(including stub walls111) on buttstock54(see, e.g.FIG. 9). The flanges80and stub walls111gradually converge from butt56on rear end180of buttstock module70and come nearest to each other, but do not intersect near the front end106of the buttstock54. As buttstock module70is axially and slidably inserted into buttstock54from the rear, the converging relationship of each component's somewhat V-shaped mounting portions (i.e. side flanges80and stub walls111) produce a wedging action and frictional fit to tighten the engagement between the buttstock module and buttstock, thereby providing a secure and relatively snug mount.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 12, side mounting flanges80and front mounting flange82in one embodiment may form a contiguous lip-like structure extending across the from end182of buttstock module70and rearwards along both lateral sides186,187to rear butt portion74. Accordingly, in one embodiment, front mounting flange82may connect opposing side mounting flanges80across the front of the buttstock module70. In other possible embodiments contemplated, each side mounting flange80may be alternatively formed of intermittently and longitudinally spaced separate structures with gaps therebetween. Side mounting flanges80may terminate at partition wall117at the rear (seeFIG. 13).

Referring toFIGS. 3,4,9, and12, front end182of buttstock module70includes a front mounting flange82projecting forward from front end182which is configured and dimensioned for axial insertion into socket115in raised portion113of buttstock54. In the embodiment shown, front mounting flange82has a generally inverted U-shaped transverse cross section and socket115has a complementary configured opened to provide sliding frictional engagement with the flange. Front mounting flange82may have a vertical thickness that is less than front end182to allow for a relatively smooth transition between the top portion of buttstock module70and front end106of buttstock54as best shown inFIG. 4. The front mounting flange82is inset vertically below front edge86and top surface189at front end182of buttstock module70as shown inFIGS. 4 and 12, thereby forming a stepped recess82awhich slidably receives the rear end of buttstock socket115. Preferably, front mounting flange82is completely insertable into buttstock socket115so that the flange is not significantly visible when seated in raised portion113of the buttstock and a substantially flush joint and transition is formed between the front end182of buttstock module70and the buttstock.

Buttstock module70further includes a rear mounting flange84projecting forward from rear butt portion74, as shown inFIGS. 3,4,9, and12. Rear mounting flange84is also laterally inset from the outer surfaces of sidewalls100,102forming stepped recesses84aso that the flange is insertable into the rear end108and cavity104of buttstock54. Preferably, rear mounting flange84is completely insertable into buttstock54so that the flange is not significantly visible when seated in rear end108of the buttstock and a substantially flush joint and transition is formed between rear butt portion74and the buttstock. In the embodiment shown, rear mounting flange84has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section and rear end108of the buttstock54has a complementary configured opened to provide sliding frictional engagement with the flange.

Rear butt portion74of buttstock module70further defines a forwardly open cavity185at least in part for weight reduction (see, e.g.FIGS. 4,8,9, and13). For mounting purposes, rear butt portion74may further include an axially elongated bore190configured and dimensioned for insertion of shaft132of mounting fastener130therethrough. In one embodiment, axial bore190is formed in a horizontal partition wall117in rear butt portion74which abuts partition wall114of buttstock54(seeFIG. 4) when the buttstock module70is mounted to the buttstock. Partition wall115separates cavity185from cavity184in buttstock module70as shown in the foregoing figures.

Referring toFIGS. 4,8-10, and13, rear butt portion74further includes a vertical bore191configured and dimensioned for insertion of shaft142of swivel stud screw140there through (seeFIGS. 4,8, and9). Swivel stud screw140may also serve to mount and secure buttstock module70to buttstock54in addition to or instead of mounting fastener130. As best shown inFIG. 8, a lateral passageway192may be provided in buttstock module70which extends through one or both sidewalls186,187and which communicates with vertical bore191. Passageway192is configured and dimensioned to slidably and frictionally receive hex nut193therein. Hex nut193is threadably engageable with swivel stud screw140. One lateral side of passageway192may have a reduced height (e.g. right side shownFIG. 8) which is shorter than the height of hex nut193so that the nut can only be pushed and slid into passageway192from one side (e.g. left side shown inFIG. 8). Hex nut193may be pushed back out of passageway192to the left from the right reduced height section of the passageway using a probe or tool.

In addition to a customizable upper comb portion72, buttstock modules70can also advantageously be varied in length to provide a customizable rear butt portion74to fit a user's needs and preferences (see, e.g.FIG. 3). Referring toFIG. 12, rear butt portion74of buttstock module70has a nominal axial longitudinal length L1defined herein as being between the butt56and vertical forward edge183of rear butt portion74measured at approximately mid-height vertically along the butt. Length L1may be adjusted in length as shown in the various embodiments ofFIG. 3to provide a short or long buttstock. It should be noted that rear mounting flange84is inset laterally inwards from forward edge183of the buttstock rear butt portion74(e.g. into the page when viewed inFIG. 12and as shown inFIG. 13) and is completely inserted and nested inside the open rear end108of the buttstock54so that only the length L1of rear butt portion74affects the length of the buttstock module.

FIG. 3illustrates four possible non-limiting examples of buttstock modules70having different customized configurations and dimensions. Buttstock module70aincludes a raised high profile comb portion72aand short compact length rear butt portion74a. Buttstock module70bincludes a flat profile comb portion72band compact length rear butt portion74b. Buttstock module70cincludes flat profile comb portion72cand comparatively longer extended length rear butt portion74cthan buttstock modules70aand70b. Buttstock module70d(shown mounted on buttstock54) includes a raised high profile comb portion72dand extended length rear butt portion74d. All buttstock modules shown are removably interchangeable with single buttstock54. Other configurations of modules may be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, buttstock modules70are formed of a polymer by molding as a single unitary structural element including some or all of the foregoing features described herein. In some embodiments, the butt56of buttstock module70may include a soft resilient rubber recoil pad200(see, e.g.FIGS. 14-15and as further described herein) for recoil reduction which may be insert molded or overmolded with or separately attached to the buttstock module.

In addition to having different lengths and/or comb configurations, buttstock modules70described herein may further include unique ornamental design elements including different surface markings, patterns (e.g. camouflage), raised/recessed features (see, e.g. serrated design feature best shown inFIG. 12), colors, surface textures (e.g. checkering), and others. Accordingly, a kit of user replaceable buttstock modules70may be provided in some embodiments including a plurality of buttstock modules having at least one of different configurations, dimensions, and/or ornamental design elements for a user to select from. The kit may further include a buttstock54configured and arranged to detachably receive one of the plurality of buttstock modules70at a given time.

An exemplary method for mounting a buttstock module70to a buttstock buttstock54of stock50will now be described. In one embodiment in which a buttstock module kit may be provided as described above, the method may first include selecting a buttstock module70from a plurality of buttstock modules having at least one of different configurations, dimensions, and/or ornamental design elements. In some embodiments, this may include a first buttstock module70already mounted on the buttstock54of rifle20and one other second buttstock module interchangeable with the first buttstock module.

Assuming a buttstock module70is not already in buttstock54as inFIG. 9, the user generally positions the buttstock module at least partially to the rear of the buttstock somewhat similar to the position shown in this figure. Rear butt portion74and rear mounting flange84of buttstock module70are located and positioned axially behind open rear end108of buttstock54. In this pre-insertion position, the front end182and front mounting flange82of buttstock module70may also be aligned substantially axially along longitudinal axis LA with rearwardly open socket115in raised front portion113of buttstock54. Preferably, in one embodiment, the forward portions of side mounting flanges80may initially be lowered into contact with the top surface of the rear portion of partition wall114in the buttstock54and at least partially engaged with stub walls111on each lateral side of the buttstock. This will assist with next slidably guiding the buttstock module70forward for full insertion and mounting into buttstock54.

With continuing reference toFIG. 9, buttstock module70is next axially moved and slid forward into buttstock54with side mounting flanges80slidably moving along partition wall114towards open socket115of the buttstock54. Front mounting flange82is axially inserted into the rearwardly open socket115and front end87of rear mounting flange84is axially inserted into rearwardly open rear end108and cavity104of buttstock54. With additional reference toFIGS. 1,2,4, and12, the buttstock module70is fully seated in and mounted to buttstock54when front end182is proximate to or abuttingly contacts raised portion113of the buttstock and forward edge183on rear butt portion74of buttstock module70is proximate to or abuttingly engages rear end108of the buttstock.

When buttstock module70is fully seated in buttstock54, vertical bore191in the buttstock module become concentrically aligned with through hole57of the buttstock as shown inFIGS. 4 and 8. Hex nut193was previously pre-inserted and installed into lateral passageway192of buttstock module70prior to inserting the buttstock module into buttstock54. To secure the buttstock module70to the buttstock54, threaded end146of swivel stud screw140is slidably inserted vertically upwards through the through hole57and vertical bore191, and then rotated to threadably engage hex nut193until tightened. Buttstock module70is fully mounted and cannot be axially withdrawn from buttstock54without first removing the swivel stud screw.

In alternative embodiments using mounting fastener130in addition to or instead of swivel stud screw140, threaded end136of mounting fastener130is axially slidably inserted forward through concentrically aligned axial hole190in buttstock module70and axial hole121in mounting block115of buttstock54, and then rotated to threadably engage pre-installed hex nut22until tightened (seeFIGS. 4 and 7). Mounting fastener130may be used in addition to swivel stud screw140for securing buttstock module70to buttstock54for higher caliber centerfire ammunition cartridges which generate greater recoil forces upon discharging rifle20.

To remove buttstock module70for exchange with another buttstock module, the foregoing steps are simply reversed.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the buttstock module70and buttstock54may include certain mounting features described herein alone or in various combinations. These mounting features of the buttstock module70include the forwardly projecting front mounting flange82, the downwardly projecting pair of longitudinal side mounting flanges80, and the forwardly projecting rear mounting flange84(see, e.g.FIG. 12) in conjunction with each of these buttstock module mounting feature corresponding mounting portions of the buttstock54as already described herein.

FIGS. 14 and 15show an exemplary embodiment of a replaceable recoil pad assembly210including recoil pad200and associated mounting insert208. Recoil pad200may be made of a resilient elastomeric material with an elastic memory such as without limitation natural or synthetic (polymeric) rubbers. Mounting insert208is formed of a comparatively harder material and disposed on a forward portion of the pad200. Insert208is configured for mounting the recoil pad assembly210to the rear end of the buttstock54or a buttstock module70. The insert208may be formed of any suitable material including metal or preferably hard plastic having a greater hardness and stiffness than the pad200to provide structural support for the pad.

Recoil pad200may be attached to insert208in any suitable manner, including mechanical means (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, etc.) or via insert molding or overmolding. Mounting insert208may include one or more rear-extending molded studs222to help support and retain recoil pad200on the insert when molded thereto. In one embodiment, insert208defines a generally flat vertical oriented wall207and may include an axially forward protruding flange209which is at least partially received in and engages a rearward facing recessed shoulder211formed in rear end108of buttstock54.

Recoil pad200is vertically elongated in configuration and defines heel58and toe51of the buttstock54. To removably fasten recoil pad assembly210to buttstock54, an extended length version of swivel stud screw140may be provided which advantageously serves the dual function of both fastening the pad and providing an attachment location for a sling55via aperture148, thereby eliminating additional screws for mounting the pad assembly210to the buttstock. In other respects, stud screw140may be similar to that already described herein including a head144defining aperture148at one end of a shaft142and opposite threaded end146configured to engage hex nut201. In one embodiment, hex nut201may be an acorn or dome nut.

In one embodiment, mounting insert208of the recoil pad assembly210may include a generally rearwardly open socket212configured for receiving and holding nut201as shown inFIG. 15. Socket212may have a larger diameter rear opening for insertion of the nut201and a smaller diameter frontal opening for receiving shaft142of swivel stud screw140. Accordingly, socket212is axially aligned with an elongated passageway221formed in buttstock54for receiving swivel stud screw140.

In one embodiment, the nut201may be inserted and positioned into socket212prior to overmolding the recoil pad200onto the mounting insert208. In alternative embodiments, an elongated passageway220may be provided to access hex nut201which extends through the recoil pad200at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis LA and horizontal centerline HC of the buttstock. Passageway220may penetrate rear surface203of recoil pad200and allows the nut201to be inserted into socket212after overmolding the recoil pad200onto the insert208. In the present embodiment being described, passageway220is axially aligned with a corresponding elongated passageway221formed in buttstock54located proximate to a bottom surface110of the buttstock that receives swivel stud screw140. Socket212is therefore axially aligned with both passageway220in pad200and passageway221in buttstock54being disposed between these two passageways.

Socket212may be formed with interior walls which are configured to engage and prevent nut201from rotating relative to the mounting insert208when stud screw140is threaded into the nut during the recoil pad200mounting process. In one embodiment, the walls therefore may be hex shaped to complement the shape of hex nut201. Other possible embodiments contemplated may comprise using a four-sided flat nut (with square sides in top plan view) and a mating socket212having four complementary rectilinear walls configured to engage and prevent rotation of the nut. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to any particular shape of nut or socket. Numerous variations are possible.

To accommodate mounting swivel stud screw140, an angle-shaped cavity205may be formed in the bottom surface110of buttstock54. In one embodiment, cavity205may be generally V-shaped in side elevation view. Head144of stud screw140is at least partially received in cavity205, and in one embodiment a portion of the head may protrude outwards beyond the cavity. In other embodiments, head144may be substantially flush with bottom surface110of buttstock54. Cavity205includes a downward rear facing surface204and adjoining downward front facing seating surface206configured to engage the underside of stud screw head144as best shown inFIG. 15. Surface206may be substantially planar and oriented perpendicular to shaft142of stud screw140. Passageway221in buttstock54communicates with cavity205for receiving shaft142.

To mount the recoil pad200to buttstock54, the pad is positioned rearward and axially aligned with the buttstock. Flange209is axially inserted into the open rear end108of buttstock54and engaged with recessed shoulder211(referenceFIG. 15). The pad200and flange209are fully inserted until the flange is fully seated in should211thereby providing a relatively tight joint between the pad and buttock as shown. The threaded end146and shaft142of swivel stud screw140is then inserted through cavity205into passageway221until end146enters socket212in the recoil pad assembly210. The screw140may be inserted through passageway221without rotation until nut201is engaged (assuming nut201has already been mounted in socket212of the pad mounting insert208). Stud screw140is then rotated to threadably engage the nut201until the head144of the stud screw abuts seating surface206in the bottom surface110of the buttstock54. Rotating screw140draws the recoil pad200axially forward and into tightened secure engagement with buttstock54to complete the recoil pad mounting process. The completed recoil pad and buttstock assembly is shown inFIGS. 14 and 15.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing recoil pad assembly mounting process and pad assembly construction may be used regardless of whether the recoil pad is mounted directly to a buttstock of rifle or to a buttstock module70using the modular system described herein. In addition, it should be recognized that the recoil pad assembly200may have many different and customized configurations; the invention not being limited to the non-limiting examples shown and described herein.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the an will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents.