Patent Publication Number: US-11662175-B1

Title: Baseplate for a rifle recoil assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to firearms components and accessories. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a recoil baseplate and firearms assemblies including the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Contemporary small arms use combustion gases to cycle the action and ready the firearm for the next shot. In direct impingement systems and gas piston systems, both of which can be found on rifles based on the AR-15 platform, pressurized gases in the barrel are directed to a gas tube or piston to drive the bolt-carrier assembly rearward and cycle the action. In the case of a direct impingement system, gases travel through the barrel, into a gas block, and through a gas tube to push the bolt carrier group rearward with sufficient force to cycle the action. In the case of a gas piston system, the gas tube is replaced by a piston arranged so that pressurized gases enter a gas block from the barrel, and in turn actuate the piston to move the bolt rearward and cycle the action. 
     The recoil assembly includes one or more springs that counter the rearward forces from pressurized gases and return the bolt forward to chamber a round. One example is the buffer spring in an AR-type rifle. The buffer spring is housed in a buffer tube that extends rearward from the receiver and into the stock. As the bolt/carrier group travels rearward, the buffer spring compresses, providing the force to return the bolt and carrier forward, stripping a round from the top of the magazine, and chambering the round to ready the gun to fire again. Some short-barreled rifles and submachine guns do not have a buffer tube, and instead replace the buffer spring with a recoil spring or buffer piston oriented with one end at the rear portion of the receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a rear perspective view of a baseplate for a recoil assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a front perspective view of the baseplate of  FIG.  1 A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a side view of the baseplate of  FIG.  1 A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a top view of the baseplate of  FIG.  1 A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view showing portions of a recoil assembly and a lower receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of a baseplate and end portions of recoil spring guide rods, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom and front perspective view showing the baseplate and guide rods  160  of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom and rear perspective view showing the guide rods installed in the baseplate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view showing a baseplate positioned adjacent the upper, rear portion of a lower receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view showing the baseplate and upper, rear portion of a lower receiver with the baseplate in an installed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a front perspective view showing a charging handle in a latched condition with a baseplate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of the charging handle and baseplate of  FIG.  8   , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  10 - 11    are top and front perspective views showing a charging handle in an unlatched condition with latches disengaged from the baseplate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a front and side perspective view showing components of a recoil assembly and lower receiver, where the charging handle is in a latched condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a front and side perspective view of the recoil assembly and lower receiver of  FIG.  12    unlatched from the baseplate and with the charging handle and portions of the recoil assembly drawn rearwardly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a partially exploded, front perspective view showing components of a rifle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a rear perspective view of the rifle assembly of  FIG.  14    in an assembled condition. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a rear perspective view of an upper receiver that defines an aperture for a recoil baseplate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a close-up view of the upper receiver of  FIG.  16    with a recoil baseplate installed in the aperture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a rear perspective view showing a longitudinal section taken through an upper receiver assembly, where the section is taken along a central vertical plane, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of an upper receiver assembly that includes a baseplate received in an aperture defined in the upper receiver, a charging handle, and a bolt/carrier assembly, among other components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a side view of a rifle incorporating a recoil assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed is a baseplate for a rifle recoil assembly and a recoil assembly that includes the baseplate. In accordance with one embodiment, the baseplate houses and retains proximal ends of the recoil guide rods and recoil springs. The baseplate also supports the charging handle and provides a catch surface to retain the charging handle in the forward and latched position. The baseplate can be received in a recess defined in the upper receiver. In one example embodiment, the baseplate includes a baseplate body that defines openings to receive the recoil springs and guide rods. A latch plate on top of the body defines an opening to receive the charging handle body and defines a catch surface for the latch of the charging handle. For example, laterally spaced-apart walls extend up from the top surface of the baseplate and define a catch surface in an outside face of one or both walls. Between the walls is a channel that receives the charging handle body during reciprocating movement forward and backward. The recoil baseplate can be part of a rifle recoil assembly includes the baseplate, one or more recoil springs with corresponding spring guide rod(s), a bolt/carrier assembly, and a recoil connector that connects the recoil springs to the bolt/carrier assembly. The baseplate and recoil assembly can be part of a rifle upper receiver assembly or complete firearm, in accordance with some embodiments. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure. 
     General Overview 
     A traditional charging handle can be retained in the upper receiver by latching to a catch surface on the side of the upper receiver. This latch approach requires machining the side of the upper receiver to define a recess and catch surface for engagement with the latch hook of the charging handle. However, the sidewall of the upper receiver is typically made of aluminum of relatively small thickness. As such, the sidewall lacks sufficient material to define a robust catch surface and machining the catch surface is a non-trivial task. Thus, it would be desirable to have an alternative to latching to the side of the upper receiver. 
     In addition, existing recoil assemblies separate the functions of charging handle retention and control from the functions of retaining the recoil springs and guide rods. For example, a traditional charging handle is slidably received in the upper receiver and is retained by latching to the side of the upper receiver, as noted above. The recoil springs extend between bolt/carrier assembly and the upper, rear portion of the lower receiver, or to a buffer tube in the lower receiver. In one such design, the upper, rear end of the lower receiver is milled to receive an insert of the recoil assembly, such as a receptacle for the recoil springs. However, such a design has high machining costs, the corresponding insert utilizes a different latch mechanism that requires a compatible charging handle, and installing the recoil assembly in the receiver is less intuitive because components of the recoil assembly are distributed between the upper and lower receivers. Thus, a need exists for alternatives to existing approaches to a rifle recoil assembly. 
     A baseplate in accordance with the present disclosure can eliminate the need for fine or complicated receiver machining. It also can enable the charging handle and recoil assembly (e.g., bolt carrier, bolt, recoil spring assembly) to be assembled separately from the upper receiver and then dropped into the upper receiver as a single functional group, simplifying installation. For example, the baseplate is installed in the upper receiver in an opening located above the bolt aperture, with recoil springs extending from the baseplate to a recoil connector that is coupled to the bolt. A recoil baseplate and recoil assembly as variously described herein can be used with a variety of automatic and semiautomatic firearms, including but not limited to Sig Sauer&#39;s MCX, MPX, and M400 rifles, to name a few examples. 
     As discussed herein, terms referencing direction, such as upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, left, right, front, back, etc., are used for convenience to describe embodiments of a firearm, its components, or component groups when the firearm is oriented in a traditional firing position with the barrel extending horizontally from the user and the stock retained against the user&#39;s shoulder. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by these directional references and it is contemplated that a firearm and its components or component groups discussed in accordance with the present disclosure could be used in any orientation. 
     Also, it should be noted that, while generally referred to herein as a baseplate for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the disclosed baseplate is not limited to that specific terminology, and the baseplate alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a recoil spring receptacle, a base, or other term. Further, a baseplate as variously disclosed herein is generally configured to receive an end of one or more recoil spring guide rods and to stabilize the end of the guide rod(s) during use of the firearm, but is not limited to any particular structure or geometry. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure. 
     Example Embodiments 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 D  illustrate views of a baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  1 A  is a top and rear perspective view, and  FIG.  1 B  is a front perspective view,  FIG.  1 C  is a side view, and  FIG.  1 D  is a top view. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the baseplate  100  includes a body  110  that extends along a central axis  102  from a proximal end  112  to a distal end  114 . The body  110  generally has a cuboid geometry with a top  116 , a bottom  118 , and sides  120 . The body  110  is oriented so that the central axis  102  is substantially parallel to, an may be vertically over, the firearms bore axis. In this example embodiment, the top  116  has generally planar geometry of rectangular or square shape oriented normal to the central axis  102 . Each side  120  extends down from the top  116 . The sides  120  are shown as having a rounded upper portion, although this is not required. In some such embodiments, the top  116  of the baseplate  100  simulates being an extension of the lower receiver such that, in use, the top  116  is substantially flush with the top surface of the lower receiver (e.g., ±1 mm). 
     A latch plate  130  extends up from the top  116  and defines at least one catch surface  132  configured to engage the hook-like latch of a charging handle (e.g., shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   ). For example, the catch surface  132  can be defined by a lateral recess  134  into the latch plate  130  or equivalent structure. In one embodiment, the latch plate  130  includes a pair of walls  136 , each of which extends up from the top  116  and is oriented along the central axis  102  in a spaced-apart parallel orientation. One or both walls defines a lateral recess  134  and catch surface  132  in the outside lateral face. In the top view of  FIG.  1 D  the lateral recesses  134  and catch surfaces  132  are illustrated in broken lines. 
     In some embodiments, a brace  140  extends between and connects walls  136 . In one such embodiment, the brace  140  and walls  136  are arranged to generally define an H shape as viewed from above. The brace  140  can have a vertical height that is less than that of the walls  136 , such as being equal to or less than half of a vertical height of the walls  136 . The latch plate  130  defines a channel  144  between the walls  136 , the channel  144  sized to receive the elongated body of a charging handle. For example, the channel  144  has a lateral width of about 0.4 inch and a vertical height of about 0.2 inch. In embodiments that include the brace  140 , the bottom of the channel  144  can be defined by the brace  140 . In some embodiments, the channel  144  is sized and arranged so that the top of the charging handle body is slightly below (e.g., —1 mm) the top surface  136   a  of each wall  136 . For example, the charging handle body can reciprocate axially through the channel  144  defined on its sides by walls  136 , below by brace  140 , and above by part of the upper receiver that abuts the top surfaces  136   a  of the walls  136 . 
     In some embodiments, the latch plate  130  includes shelves  146  that extend laterally outward from each wall  136  along the top  116  of the body  110 . For example, each shelf  146  extends laterally over or beyond a side  120  of the body  110  so as to define a tongue  148  that overhangs the body  110 . When the baseplate  100  is installed in the upper receiver  300  (shown, e.g., in  FIG.  16   ), the tongue  148  can stabilize the baseplate  100  during use by being received in a corresponding groove, recess, or slot, or by engaging a surface of the upper receiver  300 , for example. As shown in the example of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D , the shelf  146  can function as a support and/or guide for the latch  256  of the charging handle  250 . Accordingly, the shelf  146  can define a chamfer  147  to guide the latch  256  into the lateral recess  134 . In other embodiments, the shelf  146  extends laterally from another portion of the wall  136 , such from the top  136   a  of the wall  136 . 
     The latch plate  103  can further define one or more protrusions  142  extending forward from each wall  136 . As shown in the example of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D , protrusions  142  have an arcuate outside face and a planar inside face that is continuous with an inside face of the corresponding wall  136 . In such embodiments, the inner face of the protrusions  142  define part of the channel  144 . The protrusions  142  can be received in a corresponding recess defined in the upper receiver  300 . In other embodiments, each protrusion  142  can be of other suitable geometries. 
     The body  110  defines a guide rod recess  150  for receiving an end of each spring guide rod  160  (shown, e.g., in  FIG.  3   ). In the example shown, the body  110  defines two guide rod recesses  150 , one for each spring guide rod on opposite sides of the central axis  102 . In this example, the body  110  defines a central aperture  151  positioned between the guide rod recesses  150 . The central aperture  151  can be sized to receive part of the recoil connector  170  when the bolt is drawn rearward, for example. In other embodiments, a single guide rod or more than two guide rods can be used, as deemed appropriate for a particular application. Each guide rod recess  150  can be generally cylindrical or can have some other suitable geometry for receiving an end of the spring guide rod  160 . 
     In some embodiments, each spring guide rod  160  can be retained in the guide rod recess  150  using a pin, fastener, catch, or other suitable mechanism. In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG.  1 A , each guide rod recess  150  has a region of reduced size  152 , such as a slot defined in the proximal end  112  of the baseplate  100 , such that a neck  162  on the end of the spring guide rod is received in the region of reduced size  152  to retain the spring guide rod. As also shown in  FIG.  1 A , each opening can include a counterbore  154  to receive a relatively larger end  164  of the spring guide rod  160 . In some such embodiments, the end  164  of the spring guide rod  160  is generally flush with the proximal end  112  of the baseplate  100  when the neck  162  is positioned in the region of reduced size  152  (e.g., slot). 
     Note in the side view of  FIG.  1 C  that the proximal end  112  of the body  110  includes a vertical face  112   a  configured to engage a corresponding vertical face of the lower receiver. Other geometries are acceptable. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a perspective view illustrates top, front, and sides of baseplate  100 , recoil springs on spring guide rods  169 , and a portion of the lower receiver  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, a portion of the recoil springs  166  and spring guide rods  160  are received in the guide rod recesses  150  of the baseplate  100 . The proximal end  112  of the body  110  abuts the forward face  206  of the lower receiver  200  with the top  116  of the body  110  substantially flush with the top surface  204  of the lower receiver  200 . As discussed above, the latch plate  130  defines channel  144  for reciprocating movement of the charging handle. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a front perspective view of a baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As noted above, the latch plate  130  includes walls  136 , each of which defines a lateral recess  134  and catch surface  132 . Each wall  136  also includes a shelf  146  extending laterally from the base of the wall  136  along the top  116  of the body  110  to define a tongue  148 . Protrusions  142  extend forward from each wall  136 .  FIG.  3    also shows end portions of spring guide rods  160  positioned for installation in guide rode recesses  150 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a front and bottom perspective view of spring guide rods  160  and baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each spring guide rod  160  has a neck  162  of reduced diameter adjacent its end  164 .  FIG.  4    also shows the regions of reduced size  152  at the proximal end of each guide rod recess  150 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom and rear perspective view of the baseplate  100  and recoil spring guide rods  160  of  FIG.  4    with the guide rods  160  received in the guide rod recesses  150  of the baseplate  100 . The neck  162  of each spring guide rod  160  is received in the region of reduced size  152 , which is configured as a slot in this example. The end  164  of each spring guide rod  160  is recessed into the corresponding counterbore  154  adjacent the region of reduced size  152 , and each end  164  is substantially flush with the proximal end  112  of the body  110 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a side and front perspective view of a baseplate  100  with spring guide rods  160  and an upper, rear portion  202  of the lower receiver  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For clarity of illustration, the recoil springs  166  are not shown. The recoil assembly is positioned for installation. Note that the baseplate  100  is spaced forward of the upper, rear portion  202  of the lower receiver  200 .  FIG.  7    shows the recoil assembly in an installed position with the lower receiver  200 . Note that the proximal end  112  of the baseplate abuts the forward face  206  of the upper, rear portion  202  of the lower receiver and the top  116  of the baseplate  100  is substantially flush with the top surface  204  of the lower receiver  200 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a top and front perspective view showing a charging handle  250  in a latched position with the baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging handle  250  includes a longitudinal body  254  with a handle  252  on its proximal end  254   a . Latches  256  on opposite lateral sides of the handle  252  extend forward and have a hook-like catch  258  that engages the catch surface  132  of each wall  136  of the latch plate  130 . Note that the body  254  of the charging handle  250  is received in the channel  144  defined between the walls  136  of the latch plate  130 .  FIG.  9    illustrates a top view of the charging handle  250  in a latched position with the baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment. The catch surfaces  132  are illustrated in broken lines in this example. 
       FIGS.  10  and  11    illustrate a top and front perspective view showing a charging handle  250  with one of the latches  256  in an unlatched position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Levers  259  of the right-side latch  256   a  and left-side latch  256   b  are in a rearward position with the respective catches  258  disengaged from the catch surfaces  132  on the latch plate  130 . Note that when charging handle  250  is configured for ambidextrous operation, levers  259  may be operatively coupled so that only one of levers  259  need be pulled to cause both levers to move rearward and disengage both catches  258 . In other embodiments, levers  259  (and respective catches  258 ) operate independently of one another. Note that levers  259  are guided towards lateral recess  134  and catch surface  132  by shelf  146 , a top surface of which can also provide support to the latch  256 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a front and side perspective view of a lower receiver  200  together with components of a recoil assembly  50 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the lower receiver  200  includes a body  201  that defines the trigger well  203  and magazine well  205 . The upper, rear portion  202  extends up from a rear portion of the body  201  and includes a top surface  204 . The recoil assembly  50  includes a baseplate  100 , charging handle  250 , recoil spring guide rods  160  with recoil springs  166 , a recoil connector  170 , and bolt/carrier group  172 . In this example, the recoil connector  170  couples the bolt/carrier group  172  to the recoil spring guide rods  160  and recoil springs  166 . The charging handle  250  engages the recoil connector  170  to enable the user to use the charging handle  250  to draw the bolt/carrier group  172  rearwardly, such as when charging the action. As shown, the spring guide rods  160  are vertically above the path of the bolt/carrier group  172  and the charging handle  250  is above the spring guide rods  160 . Numerous variations on the components of the recoil assembly  50  are contemplated. In  FIG.  12   , the charging handle  250  is in a latched position with respect to the baseplate  100 . 
       FIG.  13    shows the lower receiver  200  and recoil assembly  50  of  FIG.  12    in a partially retracted position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the charging handle  250  has been unlatched from the latch plate  130  of the baseplate  100  and drawn rearwardly over the top surface  204  of the lower receiver  200 . In doing so, the bolt/carrier group  172  is also drawn rearwardly against spring force of recoil springs  166  due to engagement between the charging handle  250  and the recoil connector  170 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a front perspective view showing components of a rifle assembly  70  that includes a lower receiver  200 , recoil assembly  50 , and upper receiver  300 . For clarity of illustration, not all components of the rifle assembly are shown, such as components of the fire control assembly, barrel, stock, grip, and handguard. The recoil assembly  50  includes the baseplate  100 , recoil spring guide rods  160  with recoil springs  166  (not shown), bolt/carrier group  172 , recoil connector  170 , and charging handle  250 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a rear perspective view of the rifle assembly of  FIG.  14    in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment. In this example, the charging handle  250  is in a latched position with part of the handle  252  received in the upper receiver  300  and the latches  256  engaging the latch plate  130  of the baseplate  100 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a rear perspective view of an upper receiver  300 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper receiver includes an upper receiver body  302  that defines a bolt aperture  310  therethrough along the central axis  102  (e.g., bore axis) from the proximal end  303  to its exit at the distal end  304  via a barrel extension  312 . The bolt aperture  310  generally has a circular cross-sectional shape. The bolt aperture  310  communicates with the lower receiver  200  below it (shown in  FIG.  15   ) through an open bottom  314  and communicates with a recoil aperture  320  above it. The recoil aperture  320  generally has an oval cross-sectional shape of greater width than height, and is positioned above the bolt aperture  310 . Above the recoil aperture  320  is a charging handle aperture  330  of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The bolt aperture  310 , recoil aperture  320 , and charging handle aperture  330  are regions of an open interior of the upper receiver  300 . The top  306  of the upper receiver  300  is closed and may define a mounting rail  308 . Adjacent the proximal end  303  of the charging handle aperture  330 , the upper receiver  300  is recessed axially to define space to receive the handle  252  of the changing handle  250  between the top  306  and the recoil baseplate  100  (shown in  FIG.  17   ). 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a rear perspective view of a recoil baseplate  100  installed in the upper receiver  300 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The body  110  of the baseplate  100  is received in the recoil aperture  320  and the latch plate  130  is between the recoil aperture  320  and the top  306  of the upper receiver  300 . As shown in this example, the top surfaces  136   a  of the walls  136  of the latch plate  130  abut the underside of the top  306  of the upper receiver  300 . The channel  144  between walls  136  of the latch plate  130  is aligned axially with the charging handle aperture  330  (visible in  FIG.  16   ). The tongue  148  on each shelf  146  of the latch plate  130  engages an upward-facing surface  322  of the upper receiver at the top of the recoil aperture  320 . The top surface  136   a  of the wall  136  of the latch plate  130  abuts or is closely adjacent the underside of the top  306  of the upper receiver  300 . 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a rear perspective view of a longitudinal section taken along the central plane of the upper receiver  300  and recoil baseplate  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As noted above with reference to  FIG.  18   , the baseplate  100  is received in the recoil aperture  320  with tongues  148  overlapping and/or engaging the upward-facing surfaces  322  of the upper receiver  300  at the top of the recoil aperture  320 . A recoil spring guide rod  160  is received in the baseplate  100 . The top surface  136   a  of the wall  136  is closely adjacent or in contact with the underside of the top  306  of the upper receiver  300 . A protrusion  142  on the front of the latch plate is received in corresponding protrusion recess defined in the upper receiver  300 . 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a side and rear perspective view of components of an upper receiver assembly  350 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper receiver assembly  350  includes the upper receiver  300  and recoil assembly  50 , which includes the baseplate  100 , recoil spring guide rods  160  with recoil springs  166  (shown, e.g., in  FIG.  2   ), bolt/carrier group  172 , recoil connector  170  (shown, e.g., in  FIG.  12   ), and charging handle  250 . Although not shown, the upper receiver assembly  350  includes a barrel with gas system and a handguard, in some embodiments. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates a side view of a rifle  400  that includes the baseplate  100  and recoil assembly  250  as variously disclosed herein. The rifle  400  includes a barrel assembly  402  secured to the distal end of the upper receiver  300 , the barrel assembly  402  including a barrel, gas block  414 , and an operational rod (not visible) operatively connected between the gas block  414  and the recoil connector  170 . The upper receiver  300  is removably attached to the lower receiver  200 , which includes a grip  410 , stock  404 , and components of the fire control assembly, as will be appreciated. 
     Further Example Embodiments 
     The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent. 
     Example 1 is a recoil assembly for a rifle, the recoil assembly comprising a baseplate body extending longitudinally along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the baseplate body defining an opening extending along the central axis and configured to receive an end portion of a recoil spring guide rod; and a latch plate extending up from a top of the baseplate body, the latch plate defining a charging handle opening and a catch surface. 
     Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the latch plate comprises laterally spaced-apart walls aligned along the central axis, the charging handle opening between the walls and the catch surface defined in a lateral face of one or both walls. 
     Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 2, wherein the laterally spaced-apart walls include a first wall on a first side of the central axis and a second wall on a second side of the central axis. 
     Example 4 includes the subject matter of Example 3, wherein the first wall is spaced from the second wall by a gap of 0.3 to 0.5 inch. 
     Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 3 or 4, comprising a lateral wall extending between and connecting lower portions of the first wall and the second wall, a vertical height of the lateral wall being less than a vertical height of the first wall and the second wall. 
     Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 3-5, wherein an outside face of the first wall defines a first catch surface and an outside face of the second wall defines a second catch surface. 
     Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-6, comprising a protrusion extending distally from the latch plate. 
     Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7 and comprises at least one guide rod extending axially from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, the proximal end portion received in the opening of the baseplate body; a recoil connector slidably mounted on the at least one guide rod; and a recoil spring on the at least one guide rod between the recoil connector and the baseplate body. 
     Example 9 includes the subject matter of Example 8, and further comprises a bolt/carrier assembly operatively coupled to the recoil connector, the bolt/carrier assembly including a bolt carrier and a bolt; and a charging handle having an elongated body, a handle on a proximal end portion of the elongated body, and a latch adjacent the handle, the elongated body configured to be slidably received through the charging handle opening, the latch configured to engage the catch surface on the latch plate, and the distal end portion of the elongated body is configured to engage the recoil connector. 
     Example 10 is an upper receiver assembly comprising a rifle upper receiver having a receiver body extending longitudinally along a bore axis from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, the receiver body having a top plate and an open bottom, the receiver body defining a bolt aperture along the bore axis, a recoil aperture above the bolt aperture, and a charging handle aperture between the recoil aperture and the top plate; and a recoil baseplate received in the recoil aperture, the recoil baseplate having a baseplate body sized and shaped to be received in the recoil aperture and defining an opening extending into the baseplate body along the bore axis, the recoil baseplate further including a latch plate extending up from a top of the baseplate body and defining a catch surface, wherein the latch plate defines a charging handle opening that is axially aligned with the charging handle aperture in the receiver body. 
     Example 11 includes the subject matter of Example 10, wherein the latch plate includes walls extending up from the top of the baseplate body, the walls aligned along the bore axis and having a laterally spaced-apart arrangement, an outer face of one or both of the walls defining the catch surface. 
     Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 10 or 11, and further comprises at least one guide rod extending axially from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, the proximal end portion received in the recoil baseplate; a recoil connector slidably mounted on the at least one guide rod; and a recoil spring on the at least one guide rod between the recoil connector and the baseplate body. 
     Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, and further comprises a bolt/carrier assembly operatively coupled to the recoil connector, the bolt/carrier assembly including a bolt carrier and a bolt; and a charging handle that includes an elongated body, a handle on a proximal end of the elongated body, and a latch adjacent the handle, the elongated body slidably received in the channel and the charging handle aperture, wherein the latch is configured to engage the catch surface on the latch plate. 
     Example 14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 10-13, and further comprises a barrel assembly secured to the distal end portion of the receiver body, the barrel assembly including a barrel with a gas block. 
     Example 15 includes the subject matter of Example 14, further comprising an operational rod operatively coupled to the gas block and to the recoil connector. 
     Example 16 is a firearm comprising the upper receiver assembly of any of Examples 10-15, the firearm is selected from a semiautomatic rifle and an automatic rifle. 
     Example 17 includes the subject matter of Example 16, and further comprises a lower receiver removably attached to the rifle upper receiver; and a barrel assembly secured to the distal end portion of the receiver body, the barrel assembly including a barrel and a gas block. 
     Example 18 is a firearm comprising a lower receiver oriented along a central axis, the lower receiver having a lower receiver body and a rear end portion extending upward from the lower receiver body; an upper receiver assembled with the lower receiver and extending along the central axis over the lower receiver, the upper receiver defining a bolt aperture, a recoil aperture above the bolt aperture, and a charging handle aperture above the recoil aperture; a barrel assembly connected to a distal end of the upper receiver, the barrel assembly including a barrel, a gas block on the barrel, and an operational rod extending proximally from the gas block; a recoil assembly including (i) a recoil baseplate having a baseplate body housed in the recoil aperture of the upper receiver, the baseplate body defining an opening, (ii) a latch plate extending up from the baseplate body and defining a catch surface and a charging handle opening aligned with the charging handle aperture in the upper receiver, (iii) one or more recoil spring guide rods having a proximal end portion received in the opening of the recoil baseplate, (iv) a recoil spring on the one or more recoil spring guide rods, (v) a recoil connector slidably mounted on the one or more recoil spring guide rods such that the recoil spring is between the recoil connector and the recoil baseplate, wherein the recoil connector is operably coupled to the operational rod, in use, and (vi) a bolt carrier and bolt operably coupled to the recoil connector; and a charging handle with an elongated body extending longitudinally along the central axis, the elongated body having a proximal end portion with a handle and a latch, and a distal end portion configured to engage the recoil connector, wherein the elongated body is slidably received in the charging handle opening of the latch plate and in the charging handle aperture in the upper receiver. 
     Example 19 includes the subject matter of Example 18, wherein the latch plate includes walls extending up from the top of the baseplate body, the walls aligned along the central axis and having a laterally spaced-apart arrangement, an outer face of one or both of the walls defining the catch surface, and a gap between the walls defining the charging handle opening. 
     Example 20 includes the subject matter of Example 18, wherein the recoil baseplate abuts a forward face of the rear end portion of the lower receiver in use. 
     The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.