US20110047849A1

US20110047849A1 - Trigger shrouding apparatus for firearms

Info

Publication number: US20110047849A1
Application number: US12/584,073
Authority: US
Inventors: Martin W. Brenner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-31
Filing date: 2009-08-31
Publication date: 2011-03-03

Abstract

A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a firearm component and a trigger shrouding structure attached to the firearm component. The firearm component is configured for being detachably attached to one of a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a firearm and a magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body. The trigger shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side wall that extends longitudinally away from the firearm component. The trigger shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding with respect to a longitudinal reference axis extending through the firearm operating structure such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to firearms and, more particularly, to structures and apparatuses mountable on a firearm and configured for limiting the potential for unintended actuation of a trigger of the firearm by an object other than a finger of a person carrying the firearm.

BACKGROUND

In many situations, it is necessary and/or desirable to carry a firearm with the safety in the fire position. For example, in certain law enforcement and military situations, there is the need and/or desire to perform certain duties with the safety of a firearm in the “fire” position as opposed to the “safe” position. The reason for this is that the time and attention it takes to move the safety from the safe position to the fire position, albeit typically fractions of a second, can sometimes be critical.
Even in the hands of the exceptionally well-trained professional, adverse situations can arise when carrying a firearm with the safety in the fire position. For example, it is common for a firearm such as an assault rifle to be held by a shooter across the shooter's chest. As such, objects carried by the shooter on or near the chest of the shooter can accidentally engage and actuate the trigger of the firearm thereby causing the firearm to be unintentionally fired. Similarly, in outdoor situations, an object such as a tree branch or the like can accidentally engage and actuate the trigger of the firearm thereby causing the firearm to be unintentionally fired.
Therefore, an apparatus mountable on a firearm and configured for limiting the potential for unintended actuation of a trigger of the firearm by an object other than a finger of a person carrying the firearm would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses configured for limiting the potential for unintended actuation of a trigger of a firearm by an object other than a finger of a person carrying the firearm. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are trigger shrouding apparatuses that shroud (i.e., protect) a trigger of a firearm from foreign objects while allowing immediate access to the trigger by a finger of a person carrying the firearm. Advantageously, a trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention includes no moving parts and is mounted on or integral with a component of the firearm (e.g., a pistol grip, butt stock grip, magazine well, trigger guard, etc).
In one embodiment of the present invention, a trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a firearm component and a trigger shrouding structure attached to the firearm component. The firearm component is configured for being detachably attached to a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a firearm or magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body. The trigger shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side wall that extends longitudinally away from the firearm component. The trigger shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding with respect to a longitudinal reference axis extending through the firearm operating structure such that an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side wall defines a finger receiving space.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a hand gripping structure (e.g., a pistol grip, butt stock grip, magazine well, trigger guard, etc) and a trigger shrouding structure attached to the hand gripping structure. The hand gripping structure has a receiver mounting portion configured for being mounted on a mating portion of a receiver body of a firearm. The trigger shrouding structure includes two opposing side walls that each extend forward of the hand gripping structure with respect to an orientation of the hand gripping structure when the hand gripping structure is mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A first one of the side walls includes a protruding portion that protrudes outwardly away from a second one of the side walls such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the first one of the side walls.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a firearm comprises a receiver body assembly, a hand gripping structure and a trigger shrouding structure. The receiver body assembly includes a receiver body, a magazine well structure and a trigger. The receiver body has a front portion and rear portions. The trigger extends from a lower edge portion of the receiver body between the front and rear portions of the receiver body. The magazine well structure is attached to the receiver body at a location between the trigger and the front portion of the receiver body. The hand gripping structure is attached to the receiver body at a location between the trigger and the rear portion of the receiver body such that a trigger accessing space is defined between the hand gripping structure and the magazine well structure. The trigger shrouding structure is attached to the hand gripping structure and/or the receiver assembly. The trigger shrouding structure includes a first side wall that extends over the trigger accessing space on a first side of the receiver body. The first side wall includes a protruding portion that protrudes outwardly away from the trigger accessing space such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the first side wall. The first side wall intersects a trigger access opening of the trigger shrouding structure adjacent the hand gripping structure such that a trigger actuating finger of a hand can extend into engagement with the trigger through the trigger access opening while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the hand gripping structure.
These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial fragmentary view showing a firearm having the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus of FIG. 1 in combination therewith.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial fragmentary view showing a firearm having the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus of FIG. 5 in combination therewith.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus with a selectively detachable trigger shrouding structure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a single-sided trigger shrouding apparatus that is configured for being detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger guard of the firearm.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a trigger shrouding apparatus having an integral trigger guard.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a dual-sided trigger shrouding apparatus that is configured for being detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger guard of the firearm.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the dual-sided trigger shrouding apparatus shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is shown. The pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 100 includes a pistol grip 102 and a trigger shrouding structure 104 attached to the pistol grip 102. The pistol grip 102 is one example of a hand gripping structure of a firearm to which a trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention can be attached. Furthermore, the pistol grip 102 (i.e., rear hand gripping structure) is one example of a firearm component to which a trigger shrouding structure configured in accordance with the present invention can be attached. Thus, the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is one example of a firearm component integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention.
The pistol grip 102 includes a receiver mounting portion 106 configured for being mounted on a mating portion of a receiver body of a firearm. A skilled person will appreciate approaches by which a hand gripping structure can be attached to a mating portion of a receiver body of an associated firearm. Accordingly, it will be understood from the disclosures herein that trigger shrouding apparatuses configured in accordance with present invention are not limited to any particular approach for being mounted on a grip mounting portion of a firearm.
The trigger shrouding structure 104 includes two opposing side walls (i.e., a first side wall 108 and a second side wall 110) that each extend forward of the pistol grip 102 with respect to an orientation of the pistol grip 102 when the pistol grip 102 is mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A trigger receiving space 111 is defined between the two opposing side walls 108, 110. In this manner, when the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is mounted on a mating firearm, a trigger of the firearm is positioned within the trigger receiving space 111.
The first side wall 108 includes a protruding portion 112 that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 110 such that a finger receiving space 114 is defined by an inwardly facing side 116 of the first side wall 108. The second side wall 110 includes a protruding portion 118 that protrudes outwardly away from the first side wall 108 such that a finger receiving space 120 is defined by an inwardly facing side 122 of the second side wall 110. The protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110 terminates at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 124 of the trigger shrouding structure 104. The trigger access opening serves as an entrance into the protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110. Preferably, a location of the trigger access opening 124 is positioned such that the entrance into the trigger access opening 124 faces in a direction toward the pistol grip 102. As shown, the trigger access opening 124 is jointly defined between the protruding portion and non-protruding portion (i.e., generally flat portion) of the second side wall 110. In other embodiments, the trigger access opening 124 can be defined solely within the protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110.
The trigger access opening 124 is adjacent the pistol grip 102 such that a trigger actuating finger can extend into engagement with a trigger positioned within the trigger receiving space 111 through the trigger access opening 124 of the protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110 while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the pistol grip. The finger receiving space 114 (i.e., swelled portion) of the first side wall 108 provides space for being occupied by a portion of the trigger actuating finger that extends beyond the trigger. In this manner, the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 100 limits the potential for unintended actuation of the trigger of the firearm by an object other than the trigger actuating finger of the person carrying the firearm.
Depending on specific needs and requirements, the trigger shrouding structure 104 and the pistol grip 102 can jointly define a one-piece structure. For example, the trigger shrouding structure 104 and the pistol grip 102 can be machined from a single piece of material, molded as a single piece of material or the like. Similarly, the trigger shrouding structure 104 is preferably a one-piece structure such that the trigger shrouding structure 104 is essentially immovable with respect to the pistol grip 102.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is shown mounted on a firearm 150. The firearm 150 includes a receiver body 152, a magazine well structure 154, a trigger 156 and a trigger guard 158. The receiver body 152, the magazine well structure 154, the trigger 156, and the trigger guard 158 jointly define a receiver body assembly. The receiver body 152 has a front portion 160 and rear portion 162. The trigger 156 extends from a lower edge portion 164 of the receiver body 152 between the front and rear portions 160, 162 of the receiver body 152. The magazine well structure 154 is integral with the receiver body 152 at a location between the trigger 156 and the front portion 160 of the receiver body 152. The pistol grip 102 of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is attached to the receiver body 152 at a location between the trigger 156 and the rear portion 162 of the receiver body 152 (i.e., pistol grip mounting portion of the receiver body 152) such that a trigger accessing space is defined between the pistol grip 102 and the magazine well structure 154. The trigger 156 is located within the trigger accessing space. The two opposing side walls 108, 110 of the trigger shrouding structure 104 extends over the trigger accessing space on opposing sides of the receiver body 152. The protruding portion of each one of the side walls 108, 110 protrude outwardly away from the trigger accessing space 111. As disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 1-3, access to the trigger 156 is provided through the trigger access opening 124.
A skilled person will be familiar with various types and configurations of firearms configured in a manner compatible with a pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Examples of such firearms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,019 to Schuetz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,775 to Schuetz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,198,066 to Stoner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,224 to Morris, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,534 to Lambie, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is shown. The magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 includes a magazine well 202 and a trigger shrouding structure 204 attached to the magazine well 202. The magazine well 202 is one example of a firearm component to which a trigger shrouding structure configured in accordance with the present invention can be attached. Thus, the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is one example of a firearm component integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention.
The magazine well 202 includes receiver mounting portions 206, 207 configured for being engaged with (i.e., mounted on) mating portions of a receiver body of a firearm. A skilled person will appreciate approaches by which a magazine well can be engaged with mating portions of a receiver body of an associated firearm. Accordingly, it will be understood from the disclosures herein that trigger shrouding apparatuses configured in accordance with present invention are not limited to any particular approach for being mounted on magazine well mounting portion of a firearm.
The trigger shrouding structure 204 includes two opposing side walls (i.e., a first side wall 208 and a second side wall 210) that each extend rearward of the magazine well 202 with respect to an orientation of the magazine well 202 when the magazine well 202 is mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A trigger receiving space 211 is defined between the two opposing side walls 208, 210. In this manner, when the trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is mounted on a mating firearm, a trigger of the firearm is positioned within the trigger receiving space 211.
The first side wall 208 includes a protruding portion 212 that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 210 such that a finger receiving space 214 is defined by an inwardly facing side 216 (FIG. 5) of the first side wall 208. The second side wall 210 includes a protruding portion 218 that protrudes outwardly away from the first side wall 208 such that a finger receiving space 220 is defined by an inwardly facing side 222 of the second side wall 210. The protruding portion 218 of the second side wall 210 terminates at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 224 of the trigger shrouding structure 204. The trigger access opening 224 serves as an entrance into the protruding portion 218 of the second side wall 210. As shown, the trigger access opening 224 is defined by a rear edge portion of the second side wall 210.
The trigger access opening 224 is configured such, when the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is mounted on an associated firearm, the trigger access opening 224 is adjacent a rear portion of a receiver body of the firearm. In this manner, a trigger actuating finger can extend into engagement with a trigger positioned within the trigger receiving space through the trigger access opening 224 of the protruding portion 218 of the second side wall 210 while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around a rear hand gripping structure of the firearm. The finger receiving space 214 (i.e., swelled portion) of the first side wall 208 provides space for being occupied by a portion of the trigger actuating finger that extends beyond the trigger. In this manner, the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 limits the potential for unintended actuation of the trigger of the firearm by an object other than the trigger actuating finger of the person carrying the firearm.
Depending on specific needs and requirements, the trigger shrouding structure 204 and the magazine well 202 can jointly define a one-piece structure. For example, the trigger shrouding structure 204 and the magazine well 202 can be machined from a single piece of material, molded as a single piece of material or the like. Similarly, the trigger shrouding structure 204 is preferably a one-piece structure such that the trigger shrouding structure 20 is essentially immovable with respect to the magazine well 202.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is shown mounted on a firearm 250. The firearm 250 includes a receiver body 252, a trigger 256 and a trigger guard 258. The receiver body 252, the trigger 256 and the trigger guard 258 jointly define a receiver body assembly. The receiver body 252 has a front portion 260 and rear portion 262. The trigger 256 extends from a lower edge portion 264 of the receiver body 252 between the front and rear portions 260, 262 of the receiver body 252. The receiver body 252 includes magazine well mounting portions 265 (e.g., mounting pins or the like). The magazine well 202 of the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is secured to the lower edge portion 264 of the receiver body 252 by the magazine well mounting portions 265 at a location between the front portion 260 of the receiver body 252 and the trigger 256. A trigger accessing space is defined between the magazine well 202 and the rear portion 262 of the receiver body 252. The trigger 256 is located within the trigger accessing space. The two opposing side walls 208, 210 of the trigger shrouding structure 204 extends over the trigger accessing space on opposing sides of the receiver body 252 and terminates at or near a rear hand gripping structure 267 (e.g., butt stick, pistol grip of the like) of the firearm 250. The protruding portions 212, 218 of the side walls 208, 210 protrude outwardly away from the trigger accessing space. As disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, access to the trigger 256 is provided through the trigger access opening 224.
A skilled person will be familiar with various types and configurations of firearms configured in a manner compatible with a magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Examples of such firearms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,228 to Hochstrate et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,708 to Kim et al., both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 300 having a pistol grip 302 and a trigger shrouding structure 304 detachably attached to the pistol grip 302. The trigger shrouding structure 304 includes a single side wall 308 having a plurality of interlock features 307 that engage mating interlock features 309 of the pistol grip 302 for detachably attaching the trigger shrouding structure 304 to the pistol grip 302. The trigger shrouding structure 304 also includes a trigger guard engaging member 313 (e.g., a trigger guard clip) configured for being detachably attached to a trigger guard of a firearm. Accordingly, the trigger shrouding structure 304 is secured to a firearm through the pistol grip 302 and through a trigger guard of the firearm.
The pistol grip 302 can be configured in substantially the same manner as that discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-4. The trigger shrouding structure 304 includes a protruding portion 312 that can be configured substantially the same as either protruding portion of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 (i.e., protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118). As shown, the protruding portion 312 of the trigger shrouding structure 304 is configured in a similar manner to the protruding portion 112 of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in. FIGS. 1-4.
Detachability of a side wall not having a trigger access opening is beneficial in that it allows the side wall to be removed so that the trigger can be readily actuated from either side of the firearm.
This is beneficial if a firearm for a person having opposite dexterity (e.g., left handed as opposed to right handed) of a primary user of a firearm has a need to use the firearm. For example, with respect to the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 300, the sidewall 310 can be detached from an attached firearm by applying sufficient force on the side wall 310 in a direction away from the trigger until the plurality of interlock features 307 disengage from the mating interlock features 309 of the pistol grip 302 and the trigger guard engaging member 313 disengages from the trigger guard. In one embodiment, such force can be applied to a release tab 315 of the side wall 310.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a single-sided trigger shrouding apparatus 400 that is configured for being detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding apparatus 400 includes a trigger shrouding structure 404 and a trigger guard engaging member 413 (e.g., a trigger guard clip) attached to the trigger shrouding structure 404. Preferably, but not necessarily, the trigger guard engaging member 413 is attached to a lower edge portion 417 of the trigger shrouding structure 404. The trigger guard engaging member 413 is configured for being detachably attached to a trigger guard of a firearm such that the trigger guard shrouding apparatus 400 can be secured to a firearm through only the trigger guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding structure 404 includes a protruding portion 412 that can be configured substantially the same as either protruding portion of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 (i.e., protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118). As shown, the protruding portion 412 of the trigger shrouding structure 404 is configured in a similar manner to the protruding portion 112 of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a trigger shrouding apparatus 500 having trigger shrouding structure 504 and a trigger guard 505 integrally attached to the trigger shrouding structure 504.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the trigger guard 505 is attached to a lower edge portion 517 of the trigger shrouding structure 504. The trigger guard can be configured in the same configured as a known prior art for trigger guard. The trigger shrouding structure 504 includes a protruding portion 512 that can be configured substantially the same as either protruding portion of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 (i.e., protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118).
As shown, the protruding portion 512 of the trigger shrouding structure 404 is configured in a similar manner to the protruding portion 112 of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show an embodiment of a dual-sided trigger shrouding apparatus 600 that is configured for being detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding apparatus 600 includes a trigger shrouding structure 604 and a trigger guard engaging member 613 (e.g., a trigger guard clip) attached to the trigger shrouding structure 604. The trigger shrouding structure 604 includes two opposing side walls (i.e., a first side wall 608 and a second side wall 610) and a bottom wall 617 extending between the side walls 608, 610. A trigger receiving space 611 is defined between the two opposing side walls 608, 610. In this manner, when the trigger shrouding apparatus 600 is mounted on a mating firearm, a trigger of the firearm is positioned within the trigger receiving space 611. The trigger guard engaging member 613 is attached to the bottom wall 617. The trigger guard engaging member 613 is configured for being detachably attached to a trigger guard of a firearm such that the trigger guard shrouding apparatus 600 can be secured to a firearm through only the trigger guard of the firearm.
The first side wall 608 includes a protruding portion 612 that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 610 such that a finger receiving space 614 is defined by an inwardly facing side 616 of the first side wall. The second side wall 610 includes a protruding portion 618 that protrudes outwardly away from the first side wall 108 such that a finger receiving space 620 is defined by an inwardly facing side 622 of the second side wall 610. The protruding portion 618 of the second side wall 610 terminates at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 624 of the trigger shrouding structure 604. The trigger access opening serves as an entrance into the protruding portion 618 of the second side wall 610. Preferably, a location of the trigger access opening 624 is positioned such that the entrance into the trigger access opening 624 faces in a direction toward a rear portion of a firearm on which the trigger shrouding apparatus 600 is mounted. As shown, the trigger access opening 624 is jointly defined between the protruding portion and non-protruding portion (i.e., generally flat portion) of the second side wall 610. In other embodiments, the trigger access opening 624 can be defined solely within the protruding portion 618 of the second side wall 610.
A skilled person will appreciate that various structural and/or functional aspects of one disclosed embodiment can be integrated and/or exchanged with another one of the embodiments. Examples of such structural and/or functional aspects include, but are not limited to, a protruding portion of a trigger shrouding side wall terminating at a trigger access opening, a trigger access opening facing in a direction toward a rear portion (e.g., rear hand gripping structure) of a firearm on which a trigger shrouding apparatus is mounted, a trigger shrouding side wall being essentially immovable with respect to a remaining portion of the trigger shrouding structure, a trigger shrouding Structure being one-piece structure, and a side wall of a trigger shrouding structure being detachably attached to firearm component. Accordingly, it is disclosed herein that embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein may incorporate features of another disclosed embodiment.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm, comprising:

a firearm component configured for being detachably attached to one of a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a firearm and a magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body; and

a trigger shrouding structure attached to the firearm component, wherein the trigger shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side wall that extends longitudinally away from the firearm component and wherein the trigger shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding with respect to a longitudinal reference axis extending through the firearm operating structure such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding'side wall.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall terminates at a trigger access opening of the trigger .shrouding structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the trigger access opening faces in a direction toward the firearm component.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall is essentially immovable with respect to firearm component.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the trigger shrouding structure is a one-piece structure.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding structure is a one-piece structure.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall is detachably attached to firearm component.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall is essentially immovable with respect firearm component.

9. A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm, comprising:

a hand gripping structure having a receiver mounting portion configured for being mounted on a mating portion of a receiver body of a firearm; and

a trigger shrouding structure attached to the hand gripping structure, wherein the trigger shrouding structure includes two opposing side walls that each extend forward of the hand gripping structure with respect to an orientation of the hand gripping structure when the hand gripping structure is mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body and wherein a first one of said side walls includes a protruding portion thereof that protrudes outwardly away from a second one of said side walls such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the protruding portion intersects a first trigger access opening of the trigger shrouding structure adjacent the hand gripping structure such that a trigger actuating finger of a hand can extend into engagement with the trigger through the trigger access opening while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the hand gripping structure

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trigger access opening faces in a direction toward the hand gripping structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the trigger shrouding structure and the hand gripping structure jointly define a one-piece structure.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the trigger shrouding structure, is a one-piece structure.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first one of said side walls is detachably attached to the hand gripping structure.

15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the trigger shrouding structure and the hand gripping structure jointly define a one-piece structure.

16. A firearm, comprising:

a receiver body assembly including a receiver body, a magazine well structure and a trigger, wherein the receiver body has a front portion and rear portion, wherein the trigger extends from a lower edge portion of the receiver body between the front and rear portions of the receiver body, and wherein the magazine well structure is attached to the receiver body at a location between the trigger and the front portion of the receiver body;

a hand gripping structure attached to the receiver body at a location between the trigger and the rear portion of the receiver body such that a trigger accessing space is defined between the hand gripping structure and the magazine well structure; and

a trigger shrouding structure attached to at least one of the hand gripping structure and the receiver assembly, wherein the trigger shrouding structure includes a first side wall that extends over the trigger accessing space on a first side of the receiver body, wherein the first side wall includes a protruding portion that protrudes outwardly away from the trigger accessing space such that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side wall, and wherein the first side wall defines a trigger access opening of the trigger shrouding structure adjacent the hand gripping structure such that a trigger actuating finger of a hand can extend into engagement with the trigger through the trigger access opening while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the hand gripping structure.

17. The firearm of claim 16 wherein the first side wall is essentially immovable with respect to the hand gripping structure.

18. The firearm of claim 16 wherein:

the receiver assembly further includes a trigger guard connected directly between the hand gripping structure and at least one of the magazine well structure and the receiver body;

the trigger shrouding structure is attached to at least' east one of the magazine well structure and the trigger guard.

19. The firearm of claim 18 wherein the trigger shrouding structure is at least one of a one-piece structure.

20. The firearm of claim 18 wherein the trigger access opening faces in a direction toward the rear portion of the receiver body.