GB2419658A - Firearm having multiple adjustable components - Google Patents

Abstract

A firearm is provided comprising multiple independently adjustable components, including a sling fixing / attachment loop 101, hand-stop 102, breech 103, palm-rest, grip 104, cheek-piece 105 at the head region, butt 106 at the shoulder region. Canting of the firearm is also possible by the rotation of breech 103 about barrel 109, thereby bring sights 107, 108 in to line with the user's aiming eye. The adjustable grip 104 comprises an integral adjustable electronic trigger 104 which may also have a tilt switch so as to ensure firearm safety. The breech clamping means (see fig 2A) includes bedding bolts (205) extending through short cylinders (206) of tube (202) and breech tube (201), so as to provide breech and barrel rotation (see fig 2B). The additional adjustable components are detailed in figs 3 to 8. Also disclosed is a method of combining adjustable components so as to provide a fully adjustable firearm.

Description

I

Improved Firearm The invention is a user adjustable firearm stock. The stock, for this invention, comprises all necessary attachments to the basic firearm components (a barrel and a breech). It does not include the sights which are attached to the barrel and the breech. These additional cornponflts (provided by this invention) are fully adjustable to enable the user of a mass produced firearm to personally adapt it for their own optimum performance. The invention is specifically applicable to single shot target firearms, although other types of firearm and uses may benefit from all or some aspects of the invention.

Background

Early firearms used wooden stocks of fixed dimensions, which provided no possibility ror adjustment to fit different users size or type of use. Gunsmiths would (and still will) tailor' stocks to suit an individual, thereby making each firearm unique, not only to a particular individual but often a specific use (e.g. use from a standing position as opposed to a prone position).

Relatively recently some user adjustments have been provided. More recently use of metal stocks, rather than wood, have been used. The additional strength (size for size) of metal compared to wood has enabled some further benefits. However the designs produced to date are still evolving, and none are known which completely meet the users needs.

This invention improves on the previous art by reassessing the users requirements, in the light of current wisdom, and then meeting all of these requirements with the aid of modern iaterials and technology. The invention offers a complete range of adjustments (as detailed below) and simplified adjustment processes.

In use a firearm has, at most, six points of contact with the user. This description as:umes a right handed user (for a left handed user replace right with left and left with right). Note this invention is readily adapted to right or left handed users. The following analysis is based upon a prone target user, other positions may not encompass all the points, e.g. standing does not normally use a sling. The six contact points are illustrated in figure 1 (a typical current fireami), and described below.

101 Sling, attachment loop. To increase stability of the firearm. Single point (one point of contact with firearm), attached to front end of firearm and left arm.

102 Left hand. A stop is provided to locate the hand.

103 Breech. The user must load and cock the firearm.

104 Right hand. A grip is provided to locate the hand. The trigger must also he localed within reach of this hand.

Head. A cheekpiece is provided to locate and support the head.

106 Shoulder. A butt is provided to locate the firearm in the shoulder.

Further it is usually necessary to cant the firearm (rotation about the barrel 109). This is required to bring the sights (107 and 108) into line with the aiming eye, whilst maintaining an Upright head position. Common wisdom dictates that the head should be held upright when using a firearm. This is generally only possible by canting the firearm, which leads to a rangc of problems, all of which are overcome with this invention.

The current limitations of prior art, stem principally from provision of adjustment in two dimensions rather than three, often with a limited adjustment range, and some use fixed adjustment steps rather than a continuous adjustment. This results in the use often compromising their position to fit to the firearm. For competitive target shooting it is very important that the firearm fits to the user as comfortably as possible. The new in1'pro\ed approach described below (and shown in the drawings) provides the details of ho all Ihe identified users requirements may be fully met.

Drawings Figure 1 Typical Traditional Firearm Figure 2 Stock Frame Figure 2A Breech Clamping Details Figure 2B Breech and Barrel Rotation Details Figure 2C Rear Stock Details Figure 2D Alternative Stock Details Figure 3 Sling Attachment Figure 4 Handstop Figure 5 Palm Rest Figure 5A Rotational Details for Palm Rest Figure 5B Additional Details for Palm Rest Figure 6 Pistol Grip Mounting Figure 6A Alternative Pistol Grip Mounting Figure 6B Pistol Grip Figure 6C Trigger Figure 7A Cheekpiece Mounting Figure 7B Cheekpiece Components Figure 8A Butt Mounting Figure 8B Butt Plate Detailed Features The invention, provides for a complete range of adjustment of each of the above poinis ol user contact in a simple way. In order to locate a three dimensional object in any position in space it needs to be able to move along the three co-ordinate axis (X, Y and Z; each one at righ' angles to the others) and rotate about each of these axis. In the following description the X axis will be taken as the centreline for the barrel, the Y axis vertical to the X axis and the Z axis as horizontal to the X axis. For this invention the adjustment on all 3 axes is mainly achieved by sliding/rotating one circular tube over another, and then locking it in the desired posilion. All adjustable components should have scales against which a precise setting can be routinely achieved.

Two additional key benefits arise from providing complete adjustment of all six p0 irits of contact: I. The basic firearm (barrel and breech) can be rotated in the stock so that with the users chosen cant the basic firearm is kept in an upright position. This is useful since it enables Ihe sights which are normally attached to the breech and barrel to be operated more simply. II' the sights are canted then the user must allow for this in adjusting them. Special (more complex) sights are now made to correct for this cant, with this invention these are not required.

2. The user may vary the cant to any degree whilst still maintaining the optimum position for each of the six points of contact. There are no known products available which can do this.

US4242826 proposes a rotatable foreend (limited rotation), however it does not allow for independent rotation of the sling mounting and the handstop, it makes no provision for a palm rest, nor a fully floating barrel.

The further benefits from this invention are described for each of the key contact areas, arLd how they improve on prior art. For each of these contact points a description related to the figures show how this can be achieved/manufactured.

Figure 2 shows the main stock frame onto which the components are attached.

\Vith reference to figure 2, a key feature is the location of the breech/barrel (103 and E09) inside the main tube (201), although the barrel itself could serve if it has a uniform circular section along the full length. Note using the barrel as part of the main stock frame does not accord with current good practice of having a fully floating barrel (only in contact with the stock through the breech). An earlier approach GB-A-655125 did propose fitting the barrel inside a section. l)Ut this was primarily to stiffen the barrel, an idea which does not accord with current wisdom.

Similarly 1JS4430822 also proposed a means for stiffening the barrel, and proposed niean. br limited adjustment of some of the six points of contact. This invention provides full adjustment for each of the six points of contact independently and maintains a fully floating barrel.

Figure 2 shows an additional tube 202 which links the forward facing tube 201 with the rear facing tube 203. This is for reasons of functionality, and will depend upon the type of breech/barrel to be fitted inside tube 201, as well as the amount of adjustment required tbr the user's head position. Although in some applications it could be omitted.

Figure 2a and 2b show how the breech is clamped by bedding bolts 205 passing through short cylinders 206 located in tube 202. Two are shown in figure 2a, but more may be used, although all bedding bolts must have an extended centreline passing through the barrel's centreti ie axis.

It is desirable to provide a thin layer of (initially) compressible bedding material 204 between the manufacturers breech and tube 201; this deals with any imperfections in manufacture and ensures the best contact between the breech and the stock. Slots cut in tube 202 enable ilie rotational movement of the breech/barrel within the stock.

The breech clamping system above also locks tube 201 and 202 together. Tube 203 is locked to tube 202 in a similar way as shown in figure 2c: two bolts 208 pass through short cylinders 209 inside tube 203 and screw into two more short cylinders 207 inside tube 202. For the same reasons of functionality described above, the clamping of the three tubes could also incorporate spacing blocks 210 and 211 as shown in figure 2d. This framework of tubes (201, 202 and 203) now provides the basis upon which all the remaining fittings are independently attached. They also would have the markings for longitudinal adjustment reference. It also allows the rotation of the barrel (figure 2b) whose benefits were described above.

Figure 3 shows the components for a fully adjustable sling fixing. The main fixing to the stock 201 is through a split cylinder 301. This incorporates an offcentre hole to allow fi)r a I1aitLmed section on which further fittings are attached and to provide for a clamping bolt. I)iffèreni; styles of clamping bolt are possible: a socket cap screw which will recess into the unit - suitable for use when a position has been established which will not require frequent adjustment uti Ii sing an Allen key, a T nut screw which can be tightened with the fingers suitable for occasional adjustment, or an adjustable clamp lever suitable for frequent adjustment. Further piece 301 incorporates a flange to allow for rotational markings. Piece 302 is a short cylinder with an offcentre fixing hole through which a fixing bolt will secure it to piece 301. A further olicentre hole allows a rod 303 to be fixed to piece 302. Because the holes are offset a horizontal offset for the rod 303 can be achieved, by rotating 302 before securing it. Piece 304 is another short cylinder similar to piece 302 with two offset holes through it. One has a split 306 into one hole enabling a securing screw 307 to clamp piece 304 to rod 303. The other hole in piece 304 is to take piece 305. Piece 305 must rotate in the hole in piece 304, and may either be fixed in position so it cannot be removed or temporarily held in place with a spring loaded ball l,earing.

Piece 305 is a simple slotted ball socket allowing insertion of a standard ball ended sling attachment loop 308.

This ball and socket arrangement has been standard practice and provides (as the socket piece 305 can rotate in its mounting 304) the rotational movement on all three axes for the sling loop.

Some recent designs have omitted the X axis rotation, which is an oversight. No designs are known of where the sling attachment can be moved translationally along the Z axis or to sufficient extent in translation along the Y axis. Similarly no designs are known where the sling attachment can be moved independently of the handstop. The importance of the adjustment of the sling attachment is due to the increase in pain in the users left hand andlor arm if it is not correctly located. This partly arises from the stiffness of modern non-stretch slings, which need to lie flat against the arm/wrist and cannot if the sling 1oop has limited rotational rnovemenis.

Incorrect positioning along the Z axis will lead to unnecessary pressure, from the sling, on the left arm/wrist and can also deform the wrist from a natural position. Whilst incorrect positioning of the sling ioop along the Y axis can lead to unnecessary pressure on the hack of the left hand. This invention not only offers the full range of necessary adjustment, but also could be easily adapted for use on more traditional firearms fitted with an accessories guide rail.

This is achieved by fitting piece 302 onto a special T nut fitting for the guide rail.

Figure 4 shows the components for a fully adjustable handstop. The main fixing to he stock 201 is through a split cylinder 401. This incorporates an offcentre hole to allow fur a ilattLmed section on which further fittings are attached and to provide for a clamping bolt. Diffrerit styles of clamping bolt are possible: a socket cap screw which will recess into the unit - suitable for use when a position has been established which will not require frequent adjustment utilising an Allen key, a T nut screw which can be tightened with the fingers - suitable for occasional adjustment, or an adjustable clamp lever - suitable for frequent adjustment. Further pieCe 401 incorporates a flange to allow for rotational markings. The main body of the handstop 402 is a cylinder largely cut down to leave an upright centrepiece to push one's hand into. This cylinder 402 has a central hole to allow a bolt fixing into piece 401, and so that it may be rotated on piece 401. l'his hole may be offset to allow for translational movement on the Z ads. Two further pieces 403 and 404 complete the handstop and provide rotational ability around Lhei r fixing bolts through holes 405 and 406. These fixing bolts screw into piece 402.

The handstop is intended to provide a comfortable reference point so that the user always "u" shape between the thumb and forefinger. Similarly the support for the hand should allow it to adopt a natural position, which is slightly curved. All known prior art provides a f xed dimension handstop which can be positioned centrally under the firearm, some have the ability for limited translational movement on the Z axis with limited rotation on the Y ais, if one places ones hand naturally around a cylindrical object it can be seen that the u" (between thumb and forefinger) does not lie under the cylinder but is rotated slightly up the side. There is no known art which presently allows for this optimal location or even to adjust the size of this handstop. Not only does this invention allow the user to correctly locate the handstop, it aLso allows the shape to be adjusted by both varying the position of the "wings" 403.. 404 and rotating them on their base unit 402. Through these adjustments the user can ensure the optimal position and shape for this handstop. In a similar way to the sling fixing above, the handsiop piece 402 may be attached to an existing firearms guiderail. This would limit the benefits achievable to merely changing the shape of the handstop to best fit the users' hand.

Compatibility with existing market products (combined handstop and sling swivel units) is possible by fitting a standard guide rail to piece 401, instead of the adjustable unit 402. 403, 404 described above. Once again this would reduce the full range of benefits from this invention.

However, the optimum position for the left hand is not just related to the handstop location, ii is also related to the position and shape the hand takes. If one picks up a long cylindrical object (e.g. a broom handle) and holds it out in front of oneself (as if it were a firearm) it will be appreciated that the X axis for the object does not pass through ones' shoulder. In order for this to happen one must twist the wrist out of its' natural position. Therefore this invention incorporates a palm rest which may be adjusted to match the hands more natural position. No known prior art deals with this aspect. Prior art utilises the main stock section. e.g. 20 I for this invention, whilst this is more efficient (fewer components) it forces the user to fit to ihe firearm and not vice versa.

Figure 5 and 5A, show details for such a palm rest, which must be set up in conjunction with the handstop described above in order to completely optimise the location for the left hand. Ti'e main fixing to the stock 201 is through a split cylinder 501. This incorporates an ofkentre hole to allow for a flattened section on which the palm rest fittings are attached and to provide for a clamping bolt. Different styles of clamping bolt are possible: a socket cap screw which will recess into the unit - suitable for use when a position has been established which will iot recluire frequent adjustment utilising an Allen key, a T nut screw which can be tightened with ihe fingers - suitable for occasional adjustment, or an adjustable clamp lever - suitable for frequent adjustment. Further piece 501 incorporates a flange at each end to allow for rotational markings.

Whilst piece 501 allows both movements on the X axis, due to the semicylindrical Shape of piece 505 a limited translational movement on the Y and Z axis is also possible by rotating 501.

Although this limited movement is not considered desirable. Current wisdom has the kfi hand located under the centre of the barrel and as close to it as possible. The left hand should be located vertically under the centre of gravity of the firearm (to avoid unnecessary twistin,g forces on the hand), and it is most likely for this reason alone that the closer to the barrel isdom exists. With cant on the firearm, then the deeper the stock the greater the twisting force on the left hand. Prior art which has neither allowed for this cant or permitted the closest possible position of the left hand to the barrel has probably led to these conclusions. Now vith this invention, this part of which enables the left hand to be correctly and naturally located, current wisdom for the proximity of the hand to the barrel is no longer applicable. In fact the reverse is true, since the further from the barrel the left hand lies the further along the barrel the hand will be and so the stability of the firearm will increase. Rotation on the Y axis is achieved, by the rotation of pieces 502 and 503 (which are held together, they could be a single piece, hut two are easier to manufacture) about a bolt 506 which secures these two pieces to 501. En order to clamp this movement a bolt 507 which passes through a slot in 503 (and into 501) is tghte]ieCl.

Rotation on the Z axis is achieved by piece 505 hinging on the front of piece 502 (a doel p irL is probably the simplest type of hinge although other methods would be possible). In order to clamp the Z axis rotation two screws 508 which can slide in slots on opposite sides of 505 are tightened into piece 504. Piece 504 slides in a channel formed in 502. If this channel ard piece 504 are manufactured to very tight tolerances then piece 502 and 504 are efléctively locled together when the screws 508 are tightened. En the event of such manufacturing tolerances not being used then an additional locking screw is required through piece 504 locking against piece 502 and accessible through a slot in piece 505. There is no known art for such an adjustable palm rest, to be used predominantly in prone and kneeling positions. For standing it is usual to have the palm rest a considerable distance from the barrel, competition rules typically allow up to 200mm (from the barrel centreline), and various different products are available. Whilst these could be fitted to this invention, it is simpler to use the pieces already on the invention. Figure SB shows how this may be achieved. The 2 screws 508 are removed (for later use) sc that piece 505 may be pivoted at right angles to the barrel. 505 is now locked in position by clamping piece 510 onto 504 with two screws 509 (on opposite sides) and clamping 510 onto 505 with the two screws 508 which were taken out earlier. Piece 511 is a split cylinder with ar off centre hole so that it will slide up and down as well as rotate on 508 and 510. It is similar to the piece 501 and clamps in the same way. At the bottom of 511 is a socket for ball joint 512, which in turn connects to the standing palm rest 513. 513 may be a copy of 505, or some other suitable anatomical shape.

Adjustment of the breech position is not possible on existing firearms, although one different proposal is known of (US4430822) and covered earlier. However, it is simply achie'ed with this invention. This is due to the fact that all of the points of contact are attached to the nnaifl stock frame (tubes 201, 202, 203) via slideable collars. So with each of the other five points of contact set up and a desire to move the breech, one simply moves all five by an equal amount.

To this end it is useful if each of the tubes has a longitudinal (X axis) marking at the same scale.

Equally each of these "collars" needs to be moved maintaining its' rotational position as well.

Each collar has a flange with markings on it to facilitate the same rotational position. In addition it should be noted that the rear sight would need to be adjusted by this same amount, to en sure the same eye relief is maintained. This is a significant benefit to the user, many of whom have to stretch to load existing firearms. With single shot firearms the user must access and operate the breech for each shot. This is the one part of the operational cycle where the user needs to make significant movement. Current wisdom dictates that the user should raise the right arm (elbow lifted from ground in the prone position) and stretch forward to access the breech, as existing art invariably locates the pistol grip (where the right hand is located to tire the weapon) behind the breech. This stems from the mechanical linkages between the trigger and ihe firing mechanism. This invention doing away with such linkages, through an electrical circuit, enabks this movement to be minimised. In any firing position (prone, standing or kneeling ete-) the user will have their trigger hand below the firearm. To load the minimum movement can he achie'ed by rotating their forearm from the elbow. As the arm rises the wrist will move backwards. hence the ideal location for the breech is above and behind the trigger and pistol grip. This invention enables the user to set up an optimum position, for which no known prior art exists.

Figure 6 shows details of the pistol grip mounting. This is similar to the mountings (301, 401, 501) described earlier. The main fixing to the stock 201 is through a split cylinder 601. 11. should be noted that a variation is needed if stock tube 202 is used, this is shown in figure 6A aS 610.

Since this is made in the same way as piece 601 and merely has the top sliced off, the Ril lowing description applies equally to both 601 and 610. The split cylinder incorporates an offcentre hole to allow for a flattened section onto which a block 602 is attached and also to provide for a clamping bolt. Different styles of clamping bolt are possible: a socket cap screw which will recess into the unit - suitable for use when a position has been established which will iot require frequent adjustment utilising an Allen key, a T nut screw which can be tightened with the fingers - suitable for occasional adjustment, or an adjustable clamp lever - suitable fur [reqi.ient adjustment. Further piece 601 incorporates a flange to allow for rotational markings. The blcck 602 both rotates and is clamped by a stud and nut through hole 603. The pistol grip itself' rrtay be a moulding from any suitable material, or a traditional wooden carving but ideally would he from a suitable material moulded to the users own hand. The actual grip is then tilted over a rectangular section, 630 in figure 6B. Piece 630 mounts onto 602 via a bolt through two tiarge plates 631 and 632, around which it can both rotate and be clamped by. Pieces 631 and 632 could he slotted to allow piece 630 to have translational movement on the Y axis. To ensure a secure clamping the trigger guard 634 and 635 can be clamped together. Piece 634 is either attached to 602 or 602 is made as a single piece to include 634. Piece 635 is attached to 630, or alternatively onto 631 and 632. 634 and 635 must have complimentary radii as measured from the bolt passing through 631 and 632. Piece 630 is a rectangular section in order that Ihe mechanical part of the trigger mechanism may more easily fit inside 630. The mechanical part of the trigger mechanism is simply a spring loaded bar pivoted on bearings. The spring may be adjusted to vary the actual trigger weight. One end of this bar can break an infrared beam to signal to an electronic circuit that the trigger has been operated. From the bearings a bar 633 protrudes beyond the section 630 in order to mount the trigger to. A fully adjustable trigger is shown in figure 6C piece 640 slides along bar 633 and can rotate around it. Piece 641 s ides into 640 and can also rotate. While piece 642 slides into piece 641 and can also rotate. Onto piece 642 a conventional trigger can be mounted. Alternatively different styles of trigger may be used e.g. a sphere or even a washer may be mounted onto the end of 642. Different trigger st'leE; are necessary to enable no perceived creep with different trigger weights. The above describes a "single stage trigger", i.e. one movement to release the trigger. One can easily increase the number of parts inside 630 to provide a "two stage trigger".

Traditionally triggers have always been "single stage", where one squeeze releases the firing pin sear. More recently "two stage triggers" have been developed, where a first squeeze reaches a defined resistance and then a second further squeeze releases the sear. The mechanics of a trigger rely on the overlap between sears to hold a cocked firing pin. The user, particularly of a target firearm, perceives the movement of these sears as "creep" while the trigger is squeezed. A good trigger has no perceived creep, and certainly not a variable amount of creep A certain amount of creep is necessary, with mechanical triggers, for reasons of safety. When ihe overlap is set to a small amount, typically 0. 5mm, the firearm is safe from accidental knocks. If it is tess, then a knock will cause the sears to disengage and the firearm is fired without actually operating the trigger. A first such knock will occur, when the firearm is loaded, by closing the breech mechanism. "Two stage triggers" can reduce the perceived creep, since the first squeeze redi,tces the amount of sear overlap. There should be no knocks occurring once this first stage is laken up so the final (second) stage can have a reduced overlap, typically 0.2mm. A problem can ocur with this system when it becomes dirty or wear takes place since the reduction in overlap from the "first stage" can vary. This invention still uses a sear overlap to hold the cocked firing pin, but the trigger is not mechanically linked to releasing the sears. So the sear overlap which is now released electronically, is independent of the amount of perceived creep which can be set to the lowest value possible (theoretically almost zero), using a single stage trigger. A two stage trigger can also be used, with this invention, for those users who have become accustome1 to them, although it will not suffer from any variation in perceived creep. Typically the user will perceive creep one or two orders of magnitude lower with this invention. In practice this is too small to notice and, if the user desires it, can be easily adjusted to a higher level with an adjustment screw 636. Another main benefit from using an electronic trigger in this in'erttion is to mount the trigger on the pistol grip itself, again no known prior art exists for full adjustment of the pistol grip with trigger attached to it.

Figure 7A and 7B show details for a fully adjustable "cheekpiece", this enables Ihe user to locate their head consistently in the correct place. This invention provides for any pos.ib1e position of the cheekpiece, through only three locking adjustments. The main fixing to the si:cck 203 is through a split cylinder 701 with tapered ends, which fits onto piece 801 which in turn fits to 203. This incorporates an offcentre hole to allow for a wider section through which piece 710 is attached and to provide for clamping bolts. Piece 710 slides and rotates in hole 702 and is clamped by a bolt through hole 703, while 701 is clamped to 801 by a bolt through hole 704.

Different styles of' clamping bolt are possible: a socket cap screw which will recess into te unit - suitable for use when a position has been established which will not require l'reqi.ient adjustment utilising an Allen key, a T nut screw which can be tightened with the fingers -suitable for occasional adjustment, or an adjustable clamp lever suitable for frequent adjustment. Further piece 701 allows for rotational markings. Piece 710 is a cylindrical section of two different diameters; the longer length has a smaller diameter so it may fit in:o 701, the short length of larger diameter has another hole through it 711 to allow piece 720 to [it into it and a split through which a clamping bolt 712 is inserted. Piece 720 is similar io 710 but without a split. A bolt passes through hole 721 to clamp 730 onto 720. Piece 730 is a cylinder with a flat section along the length so that a block of wood 731 may be attached. The block of wood may be shaped to better fit to the users cheek.

The complete range of adjustment is provided by; X axis - sliding and rotating piece 701 along 801, also further rotation on the X axis is achieved by rotating piece 730 on the c1ampng bolt passing through 721, piece 710 will slide and rotate in piece 701 to cover the Y axis, and piece 720 will slide and rotate through 710 to ensure the Z axis movements.

Traditional firearms shaped the rear part of the stock for the head to rest on, so no adjustment was possible. More recently some adjustments have been provided for, usually only in translation on the Y axis and sometimes also a limited translation on the Z axis. A simple test consists of taking a small block of wood (any rectangular object approximately the size ol a cigarette packet will do) and holding it against ones cheek. This shows it will angle downwards (Z axis rotation) and inwards (Y axis rotation) as well as twisting (X axis rotation) to give an even pressure (most comfortable) on the cheek. There is no known prior art to provide ihis full range of adjustment, which this invention provides. So the user can not only correctly upr ight head) and consistently position their head, they will be able to do it in the most corrifDrtable way.

Figure 8A and 8B shows details of the adjustable butt. This supports the firearm in the shoulder.

Current wisdom dictates that this is optimally located on the axis of the barrel, to best absorb the recoil with minimum disturbance to the position of the firearm. The main fixing to the siock is piece 801, a hollow cylinder which fits over 203. This is secured to 203 with T nlut screws which can be tightened with the fingers - suitable for occasional adjustment, or v"it]i ruh screws if the position has been established which will not require frequent adjustment utilising an Allen key. An alternative clamping system similar to 301 (described earlier) is possible but more complex to manufacture. A "T section" piece 802 is bolted to the back of 801. A U section" piece 803 is screwed to 802, using a regular hole spacing. Onto 803 a rod, with full length flats ground off it, is also attached with regular spaced screws. This rod enables a butt plate, and or hook, to be attached. Adjustment on the X axis is achieved with piece 801 sliding and rotating on 203. The butt plate can slide and rotate on the Y axis upon piece 804.

Movement on the Z axis could be provided with an additional slotted piece fitted between 801 and 802. The butt plate itself uses a modem flexible non-stretch material which can mould ii sell' to the users shoulder. The butt plate for this invention is mounted on to rod 804 with a split rectangular block 810, which has a single clamping screw 811 in the middle. Two part threaded rods (socket cap screws) 812 and 813 screw into 810 to provide adjustable height and rotational mounting for two further rectangular blocks 814 and 815. These are symmetrical top and bottom mountings for adjustable wings, and only the top one (bottom ref. numbers are shown in brackets) is described here. Block 815 (814) is another split rectangular block which provides the mounting for two identical side pieces 816 (819). A clamping bolt locates these side pieces to block 815 (814) and also locks the block 815 (814) onto the rod 812 (813). Theses side pieces are slotted to locate and allow to slide another shaped block 817 (820) to which one eid ot the butt plate material 822 is affixed. In order to adjust and secure the block 817 (820). an adjustment screw passes through a short spacer cylinder 818 (821). The butt plate mate:i al 822 is secured at each end as described above, and also centrally onto block 810. In USC it iS envisaged that the lower wing will be set and locked in position, with the upper wing left free to move. This enables the butt to mould and clamp itself to the users shoulder, ensuring the best possible fit. There is no known prior art which enables this.

Claims (16)

1. What is claimed: Claims 1. A method of combining adjustable components to

   make a firearm (barrel and breech)

   fully adjustable.
2. 2. With adjustable components such as those herein described, a standard manuftcturcd firearm (barrel and breech) may be set up by the user to achieve their opt imurn performance with it.
3. 3. Each component is independently adjustable.
4. 4. These adjustments permit the components to be correctly located whilst varying the cant of the firearm.
5. 5. The barrel and breech may be rotated within the stock.
6. 6. The breech may be located independently of the other components.
7. 7. The adjustments necessary for claim I are achieved in a simple and efficient manner As described above.
8. 8. The components, of claim 2, have reference scales, so that any given solutior rria' be noted and routinely set when required.
9. 9. A fully adjustable sling fixing is necessary for claim 1, an example is described abo've.
10. 10. A fully adjustable handstop is necessary for claim 1, an example is described above.
11. 11. A fully adjustable palmrest is necessary for claim I, an example is described above.
12. 12. A fully adjustable pistol grip, with integral adjustable electronic trigger, is necessary for claim 1, an example is described above.
13. 13. A fully adjustable cheekpiece, is necessary for claim I, an example is described above.
14. 14. An adjustable butt is necessary for claim 1, an example is described above.
15. 15. Claims 2 to 14 inclusive are necessary for claim 1.
16. 16. Provision of a deadman and a tilt switch on the trigger electronics ensure a very sate firearm.