GB2332039A - Firearm accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

A firearm (1) comprises a body and other components namely a cheek-piece (21) and butt-plate (22) adjustably mounted on a metal butt-stock sub-frame (2). The sub-frame and components are provided with interlocking grooves and channels, and through-slots. A wing-bolt secures and releases each component at its desired setting. A recoil stop 22g is included in the mounting of the butt-plate. Also provided are tools (201, 214) for field replacement of the barrel (7), which can be performed without dismantling the firearm, or even disturbing the telescopic sight. A bubble level (9, figure 1, not shown) is provided on the barrel. The butt-plate may include a retractable ground engaging spike (figure 6, not shown).

Description

1 1 FIREARM AND ACCESSORIES 2332039 The present invention relates to a

firearm, for example a rifle, and in particular a firearm and a system of accessories for use with said firearm.

A number of problems have been identified in the provision of adaptable firearms, especially where high- accuracy is to be maintained. For example, it is often desired to provide adjustable components such as cheek pieces and buttplates, but the known clamping mechanisms are unreliable, particularly after use in dirty environments. There is also room for improvement in the speed of attaching and interchanging the barrel itself, for different firing situations. Ideally, a different barrel might be used for different weights of bullet, and for silencer/non- silencer applications. There are not known any f ieldinterchangeable barrel systems which retain high accuracy, while permitting the telescopic sight to remain undisturbed.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a firearm comprising a body and at least one other component of the firearm which can be adjustably attached to the body, wherein the body is provided with a series of grooves or channels which are sized to inter-mesh with corresponding grooves or channels provided on the component, the body and/or component being further 2 provided with one or more through-slots, or a series of through-bores along the length of the channels or transverse to them, such that a fixing device inserted through the component and the through-slots or through-bore will secure the component in a selected one of plural possible positions with regard to the body.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a firearm comprising a body and at least one other component of the firearm which can be adjustably attached to the body, wherein the body is provided with a first and second series of parallel grooves or channels, the first and second series being substantially at right angles to one another and being sized to inter-mesh with corresponding grooves or channels provided on the component, the body and/or component being further provided with one or more through-slots, or a series of through-bores along the length of the channels or transverse to them, such that a fixing device inserted through the component and the through- slots or through-bore will secure the component in a selected one of plural possible positions with regard to the body. The arrangement of the grooves and channels on the body/buttstock provides 2- D adjustment for the component.

In one arrangement of the present invention the grooves or channels are provided on a butt-stock that forms part of the body.

i i 1-1 3 The firearm may include a butt-stock, a fore-stock, an action and a barrel, wherein the butt-stock has a metal or alloy member which forms the major load bearing component of the butt-stock and to which other components of the firearm can 5 be readily and, where appropriate, adjustably attached.

It is envisaged that the butt-stock can be removably attached to the action of the firearm, for example in accordance with the means for so doing described and claimed in our co-pending patent application GB-A-230S716, the content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference. GB-A-2305716 also discloses one example of an action suitable for incorporation in embodiments of the invention in all its aspects.

In one embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a metal or alloy member which includes a plate-like sub-frame or chassis member which can be attached to the action of a firearm at one end thereof, extending along the length of the butt-stock transversely thereof across the major width of the butt-stock. The basic shape and dimensions, as would be viewed from the side of a conventional firearm, can be imparted by the plate-like member, while the body and handling characteristics of the butt-stock can be provided by components attached to the plate-like member.

The metal or alloy member can be made from any suitable metal based material, such as aluminium or titanium or alloys 4 thereof, with the choice of the material being made according to the criteria, such as weight or strength as well as cost, by the design of the firearm. In one particular example of the present invention the metal or alloy member is formed from aluminium.

Facia panels of wood and/or synthetic material may be attached to the butt-stock in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the firearm. These facia panels can be used in order to provide body to the appearance of the butt-stock as well as hide and protect from dirt the mountings of these and other equipment or components attached to the butt-stock.

The components may include a tongue whereon the corresponding grooves or channels are provided and the tongue may also be provided with a throughbore or through-slot for the insertion of the bolt.

With this type of arrangement the grooves provided in the body may be over a greater width than the width of the tongue of the component and thereby the adjustability of the component tailored to a wide range of needs. It will be appreciated that this adjustability will be in steps imposed by the pitch of the grooves.

The enmeshing of the complementary grooves or channels provides a more reliable fixing at a desired position than known mechanisms which rely on clamping forces alone, 1 1 particularly in dirty environments. The interlocking grooves and channels can have sufficient tolerance to allow for water and debris ingress and still function.

In addition, the use of a series of through-bores or a through-slot along the length of the groove in the butt-stock enables the position of the component to be adjusted in one direction, while adjustment at right angles may be provided by a through-slot or series of through-bores in the tongue.

The tongue may form part of a generally T-shaped member, having also a mounting plate for attachment of a cheek-piece, butt-plate or other accessory.

A pad of wood or synthetic material, forming the main part of the cheek-piece or butt-plate, may be attached to the mounting plate of the T-shaped member. The pad may be made detachable or interchangeable in use, for example by being coupled to the mounting plate by a dovetail rail and matching recess. The position of the pad on the rail may also be adjustable.

The tongue or T-shaped member may be made from the same metal or alloy as the metal or alloy member in the butt- stock.

6 A cheek-piece may be fitted to the butt-stock on the upper surface thereof in this fashion, and may lie flush with the wood or synthetic cladding when in a retracted position.

A similar arrangement may be used to effect the attachment of a butt-plate to the butt-stock. In this case, the arrangement can further be provided with a recoil stop on the tongue, and in particular the means to enable attachment of the component to the butt-stock may be adapted so that the butt-stock includes cross-grooves or cross-channels at right angles to the grooves, for engagement with the recoil stop.

With this type of arrangement for the means to enable the mounting to the butt-stock the grooves and the cross-grooves -form a sort of cross-hatch pattern which is provided with one or more through-slots running along the length of the cross grooves or through-bores at strategic points therein for the insertion of the bolt and so enable the location of the buttplate at distinct positions on the butt-stock.

In one embodiment of the invention the butt-plate is provided with a retractable ground spike that is housed in a recess formed in the mounting plate of the butt-plate.

This aspect of the invention also provide independently a component such as a cheek-piece or a butt-plate for adjustable mounting on a firearm, the component and firearm being provided with complementary grooves or channels so as 1 1 7 to prevent slipping between them in at least one direction, once they are held together.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a device for use with a firearm which device comprises means to enable the replacement of a barrel of a firearm and which device includes a tubular member having a key for engagement with a key-way provided on the barrel of the firearm, such that the barrel of the firearm is inserted into the tubular member and the key engaged with the key-way and force is applied to undo the barrel from the action of the f irearm to which it is f itted. In principle, the key could alternatively be provided on the barrel and the key-way on the tool, or some other engaging surfaces provided for transmission of torque.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, barrels are fitted to firearms in a number of different ways in order to fulfil different design criteria and objectives. However, where the basic criterion particularly towards the limit of the range of screw fitting of the barrel to the action still best method. Such fittings do however tend to make it difficult to enable fitting of a new barrel without dismantling of the firearm completely, not least because the relevant parts are generally contained within the forestock. Field fitting of a new barrel is therefore impractical.

is accuracy, the firearm nrovides the 8 Prior proposals for f ieldreplaceable barrels tend to sacrifice the accuracy provided by the screw mounting, in favour of some other form of mounting. The use of the device in this aspect of the invention provides means by which the barrel of the firearm can be readily undone and thereby easily replaced even in the field.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is provided with two pivotally mounted feet at or towards one end of the tubular member. With this type of device the feet may be deployed so that they may be stood upon and thereby extra pressure applied to the barrel in a controlled fashion and so enable the barrel to be unfastened from the action safely without chance of damage like cross- threading to the barrel and/action of the rifle.

In a second arrangement, instead of the pivotally mounted feet, a metal bar is f itted transversely through an aperture at or near one end of the tubular member. In one embodiment, when not in use, the bar may be removed and slipped into the tubular member for housing and storage.

The key-way formed in the barrel of the rifle to enable the use of the device may be formed towards the upper end of the barrel near to the attachment to the action. This is preferred so that the application of the force to the barrel to facilitate removal of the barrel is close to the area in which the force will be acting and thereby reduce the effect 1 111-, 9 of any twisting that may be applied to the barrel and/or action by the use of the device. The barrel will also generally be of thicker construction in this region.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a device or tool for engaging and turning the action of a bolt-action or similar firearm, the device tool comprising a section adapted for entry into the receiver of the action in place of the bolt or equivalent part, and a further section for handling the tool so as to apply torque about the axis of the firearm. This tool can be used in conjunction with the device of the second aspect, or independently.

The receiver may itself have a non-circular crosssection for at least part of its length, in which case the tool may have a complementary crosssection so as to key it to the receiver sufficiently to apply the required torque to the action.

Alternatively, or in addition, the tool may be formed with projections for engaging neighbouring surfaces of the action, in order to permit torque to be applied. A separate piece may be provided which can be mounted to the tool in the ejector opening, after the tool is inserted into the receiver of the action, so as to apply torque at the edges of the ejector opening.

1_------1 The section for handling may for example provide a standard socket for connection to a torque wrench or a simple ratchet arm.

In combination the various aspects of the presen invention provide a complete weapons system which i versatile and relatively easy to maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

S The invention will now be illustrated by way of description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rifle; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a buttstock of the rifle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a part of the butt-stock shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a part of the butt-stock shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an alternative form of butt-plate; i 11 Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the butt plate of the butt- stock shown in Figure 3; Figures 7, 8 & 9 show schematic representations of a first tool for use in replacing the barrel of the rifle shown in Figure 1; and Figures 10, 11a, 11b and 12 show schematic representations of a second tool for use in replacing the barrel of the rifle shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a firearm, in this case a rifle 1, made in accordance with the present invention which has been constructed about an alloy sub-frame (not shown). The rifle 1 comprises a butt-stock 2, a fore-stock 3, an action 4 including the firing mechanisms of the rifle and means 6 for mounting a telescopic sight, and a barrel 7.

A bubble level 9 is provided on the action 4 of the firearm, at a point which corresponds to the eyepiece of a telescopic sight mounted directly, or indirectly to the firearm.

0 12 The provision of the bubble level 9 helps the marksman to prevent sideways canting which can lead to inaccuracy in long-range shooting. In conventional arrangements, where the bubble level is provided on the top of the sight, it is impossible check the level without moving one's head and disturbing the "stock weld", and hence the aim. The stock weld is the position of the firer's face and hand in relation to the sight and the cheek-piece. With the bubble level positioned on the top of the action as shown, only eye movement is necessary to check the level.

The action in this example is of the bolt action type, for example as described in our co-pending application GB-A2305716, mentioned above. The butt-stock 2, the fore-stock 3 and the action 5 may be fixed with regard to one another using the means described for the purpose in GB-A-2305716.

Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings show the buttstock 2 in greater detail. The butt-stock 2 comprises a centrally disposed plate or sub-frame of metal or alloy, in this case aluminium, having a first end 2a for attaching to the fore-stock 3 and/or action 5 of the rifle 1, and a second end 2b. Various components such as a cheek-piece 21 and a butt-plate 22 can be mounted to the rifle by means of the sub-frame and a number of facia panels of wood and/or synthetic material may be disposed about the sub-frame to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the rifle 1.

1" 13 The cheek-piece 21 and the butt-plate 22 have the same basic construction and comprise a T-shaped member formed from alloy such as aluminium having a mounting plate 21a, 22a and a tongue 21b, 22b.

Specifically the cheek-piece 21 comprises a pad 21c of wood and/or synthetic material mounted to the mounting plate 21a, a downwardly extending tongue 21b having a slot 21d extending therethrough and a longitudinal groove 21e, and a wing bolt 21f. In order to enable the cheek-piece to be mounted to the butt-stock 2 the butt-stock, or more particularly the sub-frame, is provided with a series of complementary channels 2c which are located in the frame to enable the correct positioning of the cheek-piece 21 for the user. A slot 2d in the butt-stock extends transversely across the channels 2c, to enable the wing bolt 21f to pass through the butt-stock.

In effect, the groove 21e and the complementary channels 2c form a series of teeth having a depth of approximately 1.5 mm, which inter-mesh and thereby serve to lock the cheek piece 21 in place in longitudinal position on the rifle by the engagement these teeth. The pitch of the teeth dictates the degree of movement and adjustability in the position of the cheek-piece 21 longitudinally on the butt-stock.

In mounting the cheek-piece 21 to the rifle 1 the groove 21e and the complementary channels 2c are correctly inter- 1-1 1 1 1 14 aligned and the wing bolt 21f is inserted through the slot 2d and the slot 21d, and tightened so that the teeth mesh fully, thereby firmly locating the cheek-piece 21 on the rifle. Movement of the cheek-piece 21 in and out of the butt-stock is enabled by the movement of the loosened wing bolt 21f in the slot 21d, with longitudinal movement by movement of the wing bolt 21f along the slot 2d.

A spring 21g is provided which acts between the mounting plate 21a and the butt-stock 2 of the firearm. A leaf spring or coil spring may be used. The spring 21g forces the cheekpiece 21 upwardly from the stock, which allows it to move under tension when the wing bolt 21f is loosened. This enables the firer to aim the firearm so that his face will push the cheek-piece 21 down until he has the correct "stock weld". The wing bolt 21f can then be tightened to lock the cheek-piece 21 in the correct firing position.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows the butt- plate 22 in greater detail. Specifically the butt-plate 22 comprises a pad 22c of wood and/or synthetic material mounted to the mounting plate 22a, a downwardly extending tongue 22b having a slot 22d extending therethrough and a longitudinal groove 22e, and a wing bolt 22f. A recoil stop 22g is provided along the base of the tongue 22b closing the groove 22e.

i U In order to enable the butt-plate 22 to be mounted to the butt-stock 2 the butt-stock, or more particularly the sub-frame, is provided with two series of complementary channels 2e, 2f at right angles to each other are formed in the sub-frame and form a sort of checker board pattern. The channels 2e extend longitudinally into the butt-stock 2 and the channels 2f extend parallel to the end of the butt-stock. A slot 2g which runs along the length of the channels 2f is provided in the sub-frame of the butt-stock.

As with the cheek-piece, the groove 22e and the complementary channels 2e form a series of teeth having a depth of approximately 1.5 mm which intermesh and thereby serve to lock the butt-plate 22 in place in vertical position on the rifle by the engagement these teeth. The pitch of the teeth dictates the degree of movement and adjustability in the position of the butt-plate 22 on the butt-stock. In addition, however, the channels 2f engage with the recoil stop 22g to lock the butt-plate in position with regard to its longitudinal displacement into the butt-stock.

In mounting the butt-plate 22 to the sub-frame the buttplate is located on the sub-frame so that the groove 22e and the recoil stop 22g are correctly aligned with regard to the complimentary channels 2e, 2f respectively on the sub-frame, the wing bolt 22f is inserted through one the slot 2g in the sub-frame and the slot 22d in the butt-plate, and tightened so that the groove 22e, recoil stop 22g and the complementary 11------/ 16 channels 2e, 2f mesh together and the butt-plate 22 is secured rigidly in position with regard to the butt-stock 2. In order to alter the position of the butt-plate 22 on the sub-frame a new position on the checker board like pattern needs to be selected and the butt-plate 22 physically moved to that position.

The grooves 21e, 22e in the tongue of the cheek-piece and the butt-plate 22 and the grooves 2c, 2e and channels 2f in the butt-stock are sized to provide sufficient tolerance so as to allow for water and debris ingress while still allowing the system to work accurately and efficiently. Further, this system is quick and easy to operate and adjust, even with gloves on or cold hands, and will not slip or move once set.

In the embodiment of the rif le 1 being described it is envisaged that the two wing bolts 21f, 22f are butterfly type bolts which extend through the butt-stock 2 of the rifle as well as any facia panels fitted to the butt-stock. The ends of the bolts being housed below the general level of the facia panels in recesses (not shown). It will be appreciated that any suitable form of compression type fixing device can be used instead of threaded wing bolts, to hold the tongue of each fitted component against the sub-frame.

Referring to Figure 5, in one arrangement, the mounting plates 21a, 22a of both the cheek-piece and the butt-plate 1 \ 17 are provided with longitudinally extending rails 26 for mounting of the pads 21c and 22c respectively. The pads 21c, 22c may be locked into place on the mounting plate 21a, 22a by means of respective locking screw and nut.

With this particular arrangement, the pads 21c, 22c can be removed and replaced. Further, butt-plate pad 22c may be slid along the rail 26 and locked in a higher position. This is useful when firing in acute angle positions, that is uphill, where the butt of the firearm has a tendency to slip under the armpit.

In all other respects this arrangement for the cheekpiece and butt-plate is the same as that previously described, and like numerals have been used for like components.

Now referring to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a retractable ground spike 23 which may be provided as an additional feature of the butt-plate 22. The ground spike is located in a recess 24 provided in the buttplate 22.

The retractable ground spike 23 comprises a tubular body section 23a, one end of which is positively held and located in the recess 24 having a lip 24a by a locking catch (not shown). A series of notches 23b are provided down the length n 18 thereof, and at the end of the body section remote from the recess 24 a threaded spike 23c is provided.

The spike is also provided with a foot member 23d that is rotatable thereabouts to alter the position thereof on the spike.

The body section 23a of the spike when it is normally disposed and the lip 24a are biased together so encouraging the notches 23b to engage the lip 24a. The shaping of the notches is such that the movement of the body section out of the recess is not hindered, however the notches 23b engage the lip 24a and are thus locked against inward movement of _the body section 23a with regard to the recess 24.

Normally the ground spike is housed in the recess 24 so that no part thereof is protruding. When the spike is to be deployed the body section 23a of the retractable ground spike 23 is pulled from the recess 24 in the buttplate 22 of the butt-stock 2. When the spike has been extracted to the required amount the action of the biasing acts to force one of the notches 23b on the body section to engage the lip 24a and so lock the body section 23a in position with regard to the rifle. Any fine adjustment of the spike 23 can be carried out by rotating the foot member 23d about the threaded spike 23c.

I 1 11 19 In order to retract the spike into the recess 24 the locking catch is disengaged and the spike pushed back out of engagement with the lip 24a and the spike simply pushed back into the recess. The locking catch may be disengaged by means of a handle provided for that purpose.

Figures 7 and 8 (plan view) of the accompanying drawings show a barrel replacement tool 200 suitable for use with the rif le 1. The tool basically provides means to enable the replacement of the barrel 7 of a rifle 1 whilst in the field.

The replacement of the barrel 7 can be desired with changes in application for the rifle and to enable the use of the tool with a particular rifle the barrel 7 of the rifle 1 is provided with a key-way slot 8 towards the upper reaches of the barrel 7 at a point near where the barrel joins the rifle action 4.

The tool 200 comprises a central tubular member 201 which at one end thereof is provided with two foot members 202 that are pivotally mounted to the tubular member. The tubular member 201 is also provided with a key 203 towards its end remote from the pivotal foot members. The key 203 is designed to engage in the key-way 8 provided on the barrel of the rifle.

The barrel of a rifle can be fitted to the action in a number of ways. However a screw threaded mounting ofthe /1, 1 barrel into the action still provides the most accurate way of correctly locating and fixing the barrel to the rifle. This type of fixing however does make it difficult to facilitate the replacement of a screw threaded barrel without 5 requiring the complete dismantling of the rifle.

This device is designed to enable the replacement of barrels, particularly screw threaded barrel mounting employed to locate the barrel in the rifle. In order to use the device to replace the barrel of a rifle the barrel is inserted into the tubular member 201 so that the key 203 engages in the key-way provided on the barrel. once this has been achieved it is a simple matter of rotating the action 4 of the rifle so that the barrel unscrews therefrom. if necessary, the foot members 202 provided may be stood upon to increase the purchase and thereby the force which may be applied to enable removal of the barrel. The elevation of Figure 7 shows the foot members 202 deployed, while in the plan view of Figure 8 they are folded away.

Figure 9 shows an alternative arrangement for the tool 200, in which the pivoted feet 202 are replaced by a plain bar or tube 204. This passes through an aperture at the lower end of the tubular member 201, and projects out at either side to be stood upon. The bar 204 is sized so as to be stored neatly inside the tubular member 205 when not in use.

1 21 Figures 10, lia and lib show a second tool 214 which allows torque to be applied safely to the action 4 of the rifle 1, for unscrewing it from the barrel, and in particular without the need to dismantle the action 4 from the forestock 3 in order to get a suitable grip on the action. The tool 214 can be used most effectively in conjunction with the device of Figures 7 and 8 or 9.

The tool 214 provides at one end a square socket 215 for application of a standard torque wrench or ratchet handle. At the other end of the tool 214 is provided a head 216 which, in the example of a bolt-action rifle, replicates substantially the form of the rifle bolt, and fits into the receiver of the action 4 in place of the bolt. The socket 215 and head 216 are connected by a shaft 217, which can incorporate a -dog-leg, as shown, for clearance of the buttstock, cheek- piece 21 and other parts of the firearm. In the present embodiment, the entire tool 214 is 60 cm long, and the head is approximately 10 cm long.

Figures lla and lib show cross-sections of the head 216 (along line X-X Figure 10) in two versions of the tool, suitable for different actions. As mentioned above, the head replicates the bolt, to provide solid guidance for the application of torque sufficient to unscrew the barrel 7 from the action 4.

22 In the example of Figure Ila, the bolt and receiver are already D-section, so that the corresponding flat 218 along the length of head 216 provides the keying necessary for the application of torque. In firearms generally, however, the receiver may simply be of circular section. For this case, the example of Figure lib can be used, in which case a separate block 219 can be fitted to head 216 after insertion into the receiver, via the ejector opening where spent cartridges are normally discharged. The block 219 can be shaped to conform with the edges of the ejector opening, and engage with them to transmit the torque. Other arrangements will suggest themselves, according to the form of each action.

Figure 12 shows an alternative form 2141 of the tool 214. Whereas the shaft 217 in Figure 10 has a "dog-leg", the shaft 217' of tool 2141 isstraight. The dog-leg is provided to avoid interference with the cheek-piece, in the present embodiment. Where the cheek-piece pad is readily detachable (as in Figure 5, for example), the dog-leg is unnecessary.

The rifle 1 described above and the accessories described for use therewith can be provided either singularly or as a group up to the totality of all those described above. It will be appreciated that the embodiments presented are intended as examples only, and many variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

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Claims (12)

Claims

1. A firearm comprising a body and at least one other component of the firearm which can be adjustably attached to the body, wherein the body is provided with a series of grooves or channels which are sized to inter-mesh with corresponding grooves or channels provided on the component; wherein the body and/or component being further provided with one or more through-slots, or a series of through-bores along the length of the channels or transverse to them, such that a fixing device inserted through the component and the through-slots or through-bore will secure the component in a selected one of plural possible positions with regard to the body.

2. A f irearm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component forms a checkpiece of the firearm.

3. A f irearm as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or another component comprises a butt-plate of the firearm.

4. A firearm as claimed in claim 3, wherein a recoil stop is provided by inter-engaging projections on the body and the component, when secured by the fixing device.

5. A f irearm as claimed in claim 4, wherein said recoil stop includes a projection on the component and a mating recess in the body.

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6. A f irearm as claimed in claim 5, wherein said recess comprises a channel transverse to the first mentioned channels or grooves.

7. A f irearm as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said butt-plate with recoil stop can be secured at a selected positions in one of plural both longitudinally and transverse directions relative to the f iring axis of the 10 firearm.

8. A f irearm as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the component to be attached to the body includes a tongue whereon the corresponding grooves or channels are provided and the tongue can also be provided with a through-bore or through-slot for the insertion of the fixing device.

9. A f irearm as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tongue forms part of a generally T-shaped member having a mounting 20 plate for attachment of a component body to the tongue.

10. A f irearm as claimed in claim 9, wherein the component body comprises a pad of wood or synthetic material is attached to the mounting plate of the T-shaped member.

11. A f irearm as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the tongue or Tshaped member is made from a metal or metal alloy.

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12. A firearm with adjustable butt-plate and/or check piece substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.