WO2008097308A2

WO2008097308A2 - Rifle stock with spare magazine storage enclosure and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008097308A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/061460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Da Keng
Original assignee: Da Keng
Priority date: 2006-02-01
Filing date: 2007-02-01
Publication date: 2008-08-14
Also published as: WO2008097308A3

Abstract

A rifle stock for use with a standard magazine-fed weapon, such as an AR-15 or M16, has a magazine well located within a butt stock body that is dimensioned to receive a spare magazine. The rifle stock may include a moveable cover hingedly attached to the proximal end of the butt stock body. The rifle stock preferably includes a transparent or translucent window in a sidewall of the butt stock body enabling a user to see whether a spare magazine is stored in the magazine well. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface or comb or the butt stock body includes a cheek piece extending a given distance beyond the upper surface.

Description

RIFLE STOCK WITH SPARE MAGAZINE STORAGE ENCLOSURE AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U. S. C. 1 19(e), of U.S.

Provisional application No. 60/763,897 filed February 1 , 2006, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention:

[002] The present invention relates to military service rifle stocks and to equipment for use with tactical rifles.

Discussion of the Prior Art:

[003] Military service or tactical rifles such as the AR-15, M16 or M40 are provided in standardized configurations designed to permit the ordinary soldier or marine to carry and use the rifle in harsh environments.

[004] Normally, the cavity in the M16 A2 or A1 stock carries cleaning supplies including a cleaning rod broken down into various sections along with various cleaning attachments. The butt stock's cavity is small, and so is not well suited to carrying anything else, and in an emergency, a soldier may exhaust his or her supply of ammunition, and at such times a full magazine will likely be more useful than a cleaning rod.

[005] Prior art methods for carrying spare magazines have included taping magazines together side-by-side or end-to-end or using removable "duplex" clamping members, but such arrangements tend to be clumsy and fragile. Others have found ways to hang or dangle spare magazines from straps or slings, but such carry methods have resulted in dropped or lost magazines.

[006] Another problem confronting marksmen using standard M16 style service rifles is that an auxiliary sighting system such as a telescopic sight is often mounted above the carry handle and so the scope's sight line is well above the comb of a mil-spec stock.

This problem forces the marksman to employ a posture and rifle-mounting position which contradicts the standard training's reliance on a consistent "cheek weld" as a method to ensure consistent and repeatable sight picture acquisition during aiming and firing of the rifle. A user may want to use iron and telescopic sights intermittently with a given rifle, and removable cushions or comb-raising pads cannot provide a rugged, repeatable buttstock shape permitting the marksman to make a consistent cheek weld when aiming.

[007] Another problem confronting soldiers and marines when in the field is accumulation of sand, grime and dirt in magazines carried on the person or in duplex- clip arrangements. Since only the magazine actually loaded in the rifle has its open upper end protected from the outside environment, the other magazines accumulate dirt and grit and may be more prone to causing jams or malfunctions, unless each one magazine is capped by a separate cover, which the user must remove before jamming the magazine into the rifle for firing.

[008] There is a need, therefore, for a method and apparatus for carrying a spare magazine that overcomes these difficulties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the above mentioned difficulties by providing several options for carrying a spare magazine in an improved rifle stock. The present invention is directed to a rifle stock having an enclosed, protective and yet visible magazine holding magazine well, along with a method for storing and then removing the spare magazine, when needed. The present invention includes these advantages individually and in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of these advantages to be combined. [010] In accordance with the present invention, a rifle stock for use with a standard magazine-fed weapon such as an AR-15 or M16 has a butt stock body having a comb, also referred to as an upper surface, and a bottom surface both extending from a proximal end to a distal end. Opposing sidewalls extend downwardly from the upper surface to the bottom surface defining an enclosed magazine well dimensioned to receive a magazine. In a preferred embodiment, the rifle stock includes a butt plate, also referred to as a cover, at its proximal end and a distal attachment and buffer spring assembly adapted for connection to the rifle's receiver at its distal end. The butt stock body has an upper comb surface with a selected cheek rest height, and the magazine well is dimensioned to receive a magazine, such as a twenty round magazine. The proximal end of the rifle stock may include a moveable cover hingedly attached to the butt stock body that is releasably latched into a closed position; and when unlatched, the cover can be opened to provide access to the magazine well. The rifle stock preferably includes a transparent or translucent window in a sidewall of the butt stock body, enabling a user to see whether a spare magazine is stored in the magazine well.

[011] The rifle stock is adapted for use with a service rifle, such as those configured as an AR-15, M16 or M40 rifle, and may include a covered magazine well dimensioned to receive a spare magazine. Although not limited to the examples provided herein, the rifle stock may come in five different embodiments or configurations. A conventional or pre-existing recoil buffer may be used and attached to the distal end of the rifle stock. As for other configurations, the rifle stock may be modified to include an elevated cheek piece extending a given distance beyond the upper surface of the butt stock body, for example, a 2" high cheek piece, 1 .5" high cheek piece or a 1 .35" high cheek piece, each with a forward facing lower curved or hook shaped segment permitting the shooter to grasp the stock with the off (e.g. left) hand. [012] Alternatively, a slim line or light weight rifle stock embodiment is configured with a straight comb, lacking a raised cheek piece and cup or hook-shaped segment in the rear for the shooter's off hand. If an armed service man were to use a rifle stock, the slim-line rifle stock (e.g., for the M16 A2) would likely be most generally applicable, since not everyone is a marksman and so may not require the hook- shaped contour. For service weapons, weight is a big issue and so the slim line or light weight rifle stock is pared down to the barest minimum, given a capability of carrying an extra or spare magazine.

[013] For each of the embodiments, the magazine well includes space within the butt stock body but below the buffer spring tube for storage, e.g., for storing a spare magazine such as a standard 20 round magazine. [014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end of the rifle stock includes an extension cap that acts as a hub for a cover that is hinged so that when one pulls on a release lever, the cover swings sideways or out in a counter-clockwise direction. The extension cap remains stationary, is substantially cylindrical and the outer surface may include stepped angular or ring surfaces providing a bearing surface for the aperture at the top of the cover, and so the cover essentially swings around extension cap cover hinge which is held in place by an attachment screw. When releasing the cover, a rearward facing release lever is grasped and pulled down. The release lever has left and right sides carrying inwardly projecting tabs that engage the two slots in a butt plate to secure the lever into place. [015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flat spring is carried in the magazine well and biases against and so puts tension on a spare magazine carried in the magazine well, to keep it from rattling, and when a user actuates the release lever, the flat spring helps to power the spare magazine's proximal end out a little bit, permitting the user to grasp the spare magazine rather than having to pry the magazine from the magazine well. [016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transparent or translucent window allows a user to see whether a spare magazine is stored within the magazine well. Colors may be used to make the interior surface of the magazine well more easily distinguished; the rifle stock is usually black (i.e., normal M16A2 stock color) but the interior surface of the magazine well may be a contrasting color such as bright orange or lemon yellow, enabling a user to take a quick peek, and if the orange or the yellow interior wall is seen, then before heading off a soldier can decide it might be a good idea to slap a full spare magazine in there. [017] The spare magazine may be held in place within the magazine well by a mechanism that mirrors the function of the magazine release actually in the rifle's magazine well. A magazine may be held by a lock biased by a spring, so that when a user shoves a spare magazine in the magazine well, the magazine is retained, and the lock clicks into engagement with the magazine and it is retained in the magazine well so that the user can then close the cover. To release and remove the spare magazine, the user may pull on the release lever, rotate the cover to the open position, and then depress the magazine release lock button compressing the spring that releases the magazine, whereupon it is kicked out by the spring so that it can be grasped by the user.

[018] A traditional M16 A2 sling loop optionally permits use of a traditional sling in the traditional position, on the rifle stock's bottom surface. Optional embedded sling loops are carried on either sidewall near the rear to permit use of the popular, pressure release type of sling attachment, allowing one to hang the rifle across one's body whether left handed or right handed. If preferred, one can push the sling loop's central button causing four internal ball bearings to fall into a groove, and enabling the loop to be pulled out; normally, when the button is not pushed, the ball bearings are in the expanded position and are retained within a groove that is milled inside the flush cap.

[019] The rifle stock of the present invention is manufactured to be extremely rugged and so is suited for the everyday military use. It is engineered to the same standard as conventional military buttstocks and so can be used to beat down doors or whatever one typically does with an M16 stock. The rifle stock is preferably made using a fiber reinforced resin such as a material commonly called "PA 66™." The cover may be made from this material as well, but the various screws and pins are preferably steel. The buffer tube is preferably made of aluminum and has a standard buffer spring inside. [020] The present invention is not limited to the above identified features and advantages and additional features and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of several specific embodiments thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[021 ] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [022] FIG. 1 A depicts the first preferred embodiment of the rifle stock with the release lever 14 closed, in accordance with the present invention;

[023] FIG. 1 B depicts the first preferred embodiment of the rifle stock from a left, front, bottom angle; [024] FIG. 2 depicts a first preferred embodiment of the rifle stock with the release lever 14 opened, in accordance with the present invention;

[025] FIG. 3 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the rifle stock with the cover 10 in the open position in accordance with the present invention;

[026] FIG.4 depicts five preferred configurations of a rifle stock, in accordance with the present invention;

[027] FIGs. 5 A-E shows various views of the rifle stock 1 in accordance with the present invention; FIG 5A (top view); FIG. 5B (right side view); FIG. 5C (bottom view); FIG. 5D (front view); FIG. 5E (back view); FIG. 5F (left side view); FIG. 5G (elevated right side view);

[028] FIG. 6 shows the rifle stock 1 in accordance with the present invention with an

M16 rifle;

[029] FIGs. 7A-B shows the first embodiment of the rifle stock 1 with the cover 10 removed; FIG. 7A (right, angled elevated view); FIG. 7B (left, angled bottom view);

[030] FIGs. 8A-E shows various views of a second rifle stock 2 with a 2" cheekpiece;

FIG 8A (right side view); FIG. 8B (front view); FIG. 8C (back view); FIG. 8D (left side view); FIG. 8E (elevated right side view);

[031] FIG. 9 shows a rifle fitted with the second rifle stock 2 with a 2" tall cheekpiece providing an elevated comb, in accordance with the present invention with an M16 rifle;

[032] FIGs. 10A-B shows the second embodiment of the rifle stock 2 including a 2" tall cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed; FIG. 10A (right, angled elevated view); FIG. 10B

(left, angled bottom view);

[033] FIGs. 1 1 A-E shows various views of a third rifle stock 25 with a 1 .5" tall cheekpiece; FIG 1 1 A (right side view); FIG. 1 1 B (front view); FIG. 1 1 C (backview); FIG.

91 1 (left side view); FIG. 1 1 E (elevated right side view);

[034] FIG. 12 shows the third rifle stock 25 with a 1 .5" tall cheekpiece in accordance with the present invention with an M16 rifle;

[035] FIGs. 13 A-B shows the third embodiment of the rifle stock 25 including a 1 .5" cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed; FIG. 13A (right, angled elevated view); FIG. 13B

(left, angled bottom view); [036] FIGs. 14 A-E shows various views of a fourth rifle stock 26 with a 1 .35" cheekpiece; FIG 14A (right side view); FIG. 14B (front view); FIG. 14C (back view); FIG.

14D (left side view); FIG. 14E (elevated right side view); [037] FIGs. 15 shows the fourth rifle stock 26 with a 1 .35" cheekpiece in accordance with the present invention with an M16 rifle;

[038] FIGs. 16 A-B shows the fourth embodiment of the rifle stock 26 including a 1 .35" cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed; FIG. 16A (right, angled elevated view); FIG. 16B

(left, angled bottom view); [039] FIGs. 17 A-E shows various views of a fifth slim, low weight rifle stock 27; FIG

17A (right side view); FIG. 17B (front view); FIG. 17C (back view); FIG. 17D (left side view); FIG. 17E (elevated right side view);

[040] FIG. 18 shows the fifth slim, low weight rifle stock 27 in accordance with the present invention with an M16 rifle; [041] FIGs. 19 A-B shows the fifth embodiment of the slim, low weight rifle stock 27 with the cover 10 removed; FIG. 19A (right, angled elevated view); FIG. 19B (left, angled bottom view).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [042] Turning now to the attached figures, the present invention is directed to a novel rifle stock for use with a magazine-fed weapon. As shown in FIGs. 1 -3, rifle stock 1 includes a butt stock body having a proximal end 31 adapted to receive a magazine and a distal end 33 including an attachment for connection to a firearm receiver, such as those used with a service rifle configured as an AR-15, M16 or M40 rifle. Opposing sidewalls 35 extend downwardly from an upper surface 37, also referred to as a comb, to a lower surface 38 to define, preferably, an enclosable interior volume providing a magazine well 39 dimensioned to receive a magazine, such as a twenty round M16 style mil-spec magazine.

[043] Rifle stock 1 may be a rifle stock adapted to be retrofitted to a standard service rifle or may be an OEM stock included with a newly manufactured rifle.

[044] The upper surface 37 may extend substantially linearly from the proximal end 31 to the distal end 33. The sidewalls 35 may be dimensioned to include a proximal stock body 40 separated from a neck portion 42 at a shoulder 44. The lower or bottom surface of the proximal body 40 may be substantially parallel to the upper surface 37 providing a sidewall having a proximal body depth. The bottom surface of the neck portion 42 may extend downwardly from the distal end 33 to the shoulder 44 providing a sidewall with a neck depth that is less than the proximal body depth. The neck portion 42 is used to provide a surface for the user to hold the rifle using his "off-hand" and is preferably extending rearwardly toward the proximal end 31 of the butt stock body. By way of example, the proximal body depth is preferably about 5 inches and the neck depth is preferably about 2 inches. [045] In the preferred embodiments shown in the attached figures, the magazine well is concealed by a hingedly attached cover 10 at the proximal end 31 of the rifle stock. This cover 10 preferably serves as a butt plate for the rifle stock. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the cover 10 is releasably latched into a closed position to contain the magazine and prevent debris from entering the magazine well. FIG. 1 B shows the rifle stock 1 from a left, front, bottom angle; as shown in FIG. 2, the magazine is retrieved by pulling on the release lever 14 and sliding the cover 10 in a counter-clockwise direction. FIG. 3 shows the rilfe stock with the cover 10 in the open position whereby the user may access the magazine in the magazine well 39. However, the present invention is not limited to rifle stocks that include a hingedly attached cover and it should be understood that the cover may be an optional component of the present invention. Furthermore, the cover does not need to be hingedly connected to the proximal end of the rifle stock. It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that other types of covers may be used to contain the magazine within the magazine well. [046] Another optional feature of the present invention included in the attached figures, is a transparent or translucent window 17 located in at least one of the sidewalls 35 of the rifle stock. The window 17 is used to provide an easy means for determining whether a magazine is within the magazine well of the rifle stock. It should be understood that the present invention includes other means for viewing the inside of the magazine well of the rifle stock. It is within the scope of the present invention to include a transparent window or viewing means located at different locations along the body of the rifle stock. Alternatively, the rifle stock may be provided without any viewing means or transparent window. [047] Window 17 provides a sealed transparent viewing port to allow a user to see whether a spare magazine is stored within the magazine well. Colors may be used to make the magazine well interior more easily distinguished; the stock is preferably black (i.e., normal M16A2 stock color) but the inside of the magazine well may be in a contrasting color such as bright orange or lemon yellow, enabling a user to take a quick peek, and if the orange or the yellow interior wall is seen, then, before heading off, one can decide whether to insert a spare magazine, e.g. full 20 rounder, or other selected item into the magazine well. As stated previously, other viewing means may be used to view the inside of the magazine well of the rifle stock. Also, the transparent window or viewing means may be placed at any appropriate location of the rifle stock. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention to include a rifle stock without a transparent window or a viewing means. [048] As previously stated, the rifle stock includes a magazine well within the butt stock body that may be below the buffer spring tube available for storage, e.g., for storing a spare magazine such as a standard 20 round magazine. The magazine well is preferably protected by a closeable cover 10 that seals out dirt and other contaminants that might soil the ammunition in a stored spare magazine. As shown in FIGs 1 -3, the proximal end of the rifle stock may include a receiver extension cap 5 where the stock cover 10 is hinged so that when one pulls down on the release lever 14 the cover 10 swings out in a counter clockwise direction while extension cap 5 remains stationary. Receiver extension cap 5 may be substantially cylindrical and the outer surface may include stepped angular or ring surfaces providing a bearing surface for an aperture at the top of cover 10, and so cover 10 rotates or swings around extension cap 5 which is held in place by the screw 6. The cover 10 may have other hinged connections that permit the cover to swing in another direction, e.g. clockwise, or the hinged connection may be similar to a regular door hinge where the cover is pulled toward the user opening from right-to-left, left-to-right, up- to-down, or down-to-up. Additionally, as previously stated, the cover 10 may be an optional feature of the present invention and a rifle stock may be made without a cover 10. Release lever 14 preferably has left and right sides carrying inwardly projecting tabs that releasably engage two slots to secure release lever 14 into place. However, it should be understood that other cover 10 and release lever 14 configurations are well within the scope of the present invention. [049] A detailed exploded view of all the parts used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4, along with four alternate rifle stock embodiments, which taken together, can be provided as an armorer's kit 100. The release lever 14 may be connected to a lever hinge pin 15. Additionally, the release lever 14 may be adapted to engage a shaft spring 12 which may be attached to a shaft 11 by a shaft pin 13 and biased against the release lever 14. The proximal end of the rifle stock may also include a lower swivel cap 7 attached thereto by a swivel screw 7.

[050] As shown in FIG. 4, the rifle stock may also include a flat spring 18 biases against and so puts tension on a spare magazine carried in the magazine well, to keep it from rattling, and when a user actuates or releases lever 14, flat spring 18 helps to power the spare magazine's proximal end out a little bit, permitting the user to grasp the spare magazine rather than having to pry the magazine from the magazine well. The flat spring 18 may be attached to the rifle stock by tapping screw 19. [051] FIG. 4 also shows a mechanism that mirrors the function of the rifle's standard push-button operated magazine release that may be used to hold the spare magazine in place within the magazine well. Push-button butt stock magazine lock 20 is biased by a magazine lock spring 23, so that when a user shoves a spare magazine in the magazine well, the magazine is retained, and magazine lock 20 clicks into engagement with the magazine, locking it in the magazine well so that the user can then close the cover 10. To release and remove the spare magazine, the user pulls on the release lever 14, rotates the cover 10 to the open position, and then depresses magazine lock button 22, compressing magazine lock spring 23 and that releases the magazine, where it is kicked out by flat spring 18 so that a clean, full spare magazine can be grasped by the user in a quick, certain and convenient motion. The magazine lock may be attached to the butt stock body using screw 24. Additionally, the magazine lock spring 23 is aligned using magazine lock shaft 21. It should be understood that other mechanisms for retaining the magazine within the magazine well are within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, a rifle stock that does not include a mechanism for retaining the magazine is within the scope of the present invention. [052] FIG. 4 shows a traditional M16 A2 sling loop 8 optionally provided near the proximal end of the rifle stock permitting use of a traditional sling in the traditional position, on the very bottom surface of the butt stock body. Optional embedded sling loops 28 on either sidewall of the butt stock body at the very rear permit use of the popular, pressure release type of attachment, allowing one to hang the rifle across one's body whether left handed or right handed. The embedded sling loops 28 may be fitted with a sling washer 16 between the sling loops 28 and the sidewall of the butt stock body. If preferred, one can push the sling loop's central button and four ball bearings fall into a groove enabling loop 28 to be pulled out; normally, when the button is not pushed, the ball bearings are in the expanded position and are retained within a groove that is milled inside the flush cap. Other types of sling loops may also be positioned on the body of the rifle stock in accordance with the present invention. Also, a rifle stock without any sling loops is within the scope of the present invention.

[053] FIG. 4 shows five different embodiments of the rifle stock 1 , 2, 25, 26 or 27 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that additional configuration are within the scope of the present invention. A first preferred rifle stock 1 depicted in FIG.4 shows a recoil buffer or extension 4 inserted at the distal end 33 of the rifle stock. The extension 4 may be connected to the distal end of the rifle stock using a spacer 3. A conventional or preexisting recoil buffer 4 may be used in this embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the rifle stock may be connected directly to the receiver without the use of the extension 4. FIGs. 5A-5G show various views of the rifle stock 1 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the rifles stock 1 used in connections with an M16 rifle. FIGs. 7A-B show various angles of the rifles stock 1 with the cover 10 removed. [054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface 37 of the body of the rifle stock includes a cheek piece 50. The cheek piece 50 is preferably used in situations where the marksmen is using a standard M16 style service rifle including an auxiliary sighting system such as a telescopic sight mounted above the carry handle and so the scope's sight line is well above the comb of a mil-spec stock. Since, this forces the marksman to employ a posture and rifle-mounting position which contradicts the standard training's reliance on a consistent "cheek weld" as a method to ensure consistent and repeatable sight picture acquisition during aiming and firing of the rifle, the cheek piece 50 of the present invention reduces or eliminates this previous problem. Cheek pieces 50 of differing shapes and sizes may be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, a second preferred rifle stock 2 includes an elevated two inch high cheek piece. FIGs. 8A-7E show various views of the rifles stock 2 with a 2" cheekpiece. FIG. 9 shows the rifle stock 2 with a 2" cheekpiece used in connection with an M16 rifle. FIGs. 10A-B show the rifles stock 2 including a 2" cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed. A third preferred rifle stock 25 has a 1 .5 inch high cheek piece. FIGs. 1 1 A-9E show various views of the rifles stock 25 with a 1 .5 inch high cheek piece. FIG. 12 shows the rifles stock 25 with a 1 .5" cheekpiece in connection with an M16 rifle. FIGs. 13A-B show the rifle stock 25 including a 1 .5" cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed. A fourth preferred rifle stock 26 has a 1 .35 inch high cheek piece. FIGs. 14A-1 1 E show various views of the rifle stock 26 with a 1 .35" high cheekpiece. FIG. 15 shows the rifles stock 26 with the 1 .35" cheekpiece in connection with an M16 rifle. FIGs. 16A-B show the rifle stock 26 including a 1 .35" cheekpiece with the cover 10 removed. The cheek piece 40 preferably includes a distal end having a forward facing lower curved or hook shaped segment permitting the shooter to grasp the stock with the off (e.g. left) hand.

[055] A fifth preferred rifle stock 27 is a slim line or light weight stock, lacking a raised cheek piece and forward facing cup or hook-shaped segment in the rear for the shooter's non-trigger hand. If an armed service man were to use a rifle stock, the fifth rifle stock 27 (e.g., for the M16 A2) would be appropriate, since not everyone is a marksman and so may not require that hook-shaped non-trigger hand grasping surface. For service weapons, weight is a big issue and so the fifth rifle stock 27 is pared down to the barest minimum, given a capability of carrying an extra or spare magazine. FIGs. 17A-E shows various views of the slim, low weight rifle stock 27. FIG. 18 shows the slim, low weight rifle stock 27 in connection with an M16 rifle. FIGs. 19A-B shows the slim, low weight rifle stock 27 with the cover 10 removed. [056] The rifle stock of the present invention is manufactured to be extremely rugged and so is suited for the everyday military use. It is engineered to the same standard as conventional military buttstocks and so can be used to beat down doors or whatever one typically does with an M16 stock. The rifle stock is preferably made using a fiber reinforced resin such as a nylon-like material commonly called "PA 66™." However, other suitable material may be used to make the rifles stock without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cover 10 can be made from this material as well, but the various screws and pins are preferably steel. The recoil buffer 4 is preferably made of aluminum and has a standard buffer spring inside.

[057] It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that the present invention makes available a magazine-fed rifle (e.g., 120, as shown in FIG 6) adapted to use detachable box magazines (e.g., 122) of a standard size, comprising a receiver 124 having a proximal connection 126 and a distal end 128 carrying a distally projecting barrel 130. Rifle stock 1 includes a body having a proximal end defining an aperture adapted to receive detachable box magazine 122 and the butt stock body also has a distal end adapted to engage the receiver's proximal connection 126. The butt stock body has an upper comb surface and a lower surface both extending from the butt stock body's proximal end to said butt stock body's distal end; and the butt stock body has opposing left and right sidewalls extending downwardly from the upper or comb surface to the lower surface defining an encloseable interior volume to provide a magazine well dimensioned to receive the detachable box magazine 122. [058] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved rifle stock, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rifle stock adapted for use with a magazine-fed weapon, comprising: a butt stock body having a proximal end adapted to receive a magazine and a distal end adapted for connection to a firearm receiver, said butt stock body having an upper surface and a lower surface both extending from said proximal end to said distal end; and said butt stock body having opposing left and right sidewalls extending downwardly from said upper surface to said lower surface defining an encloseable interior volume to provide a magazine well dimensioned to receive a magazine.

2. The rifle stock of claim 1 , further comprising a cover hingedly attached to said proximal end of said butt stock body, said cover adapted to be releasably latched in a closed position and unlatched in an open position to provide access to said magazine well.

3. The rifle stock of claim 2, further comprising: a window carried in at least one of said sidewalls enabling a user to see whether a spare magazine is stored in said magazine well.

4. The rifle stock of claim 3, wherein said window is a transparent window or a translucent window.

5. The rifle stock of claim 3, wherein said magazine well defines an interior surface visible through said window enabling the user to see whether a contrasting spare magazine is stored in said magazine well.

6. The rifle stock of claim 1 , wherein said upper surface includes an elevated cheek piece positioned on said upper surface to provide an elevated comb extending a selected height above said upper surface.

7. The rifle stock of claim 6, wherein the selected height of the cheek piece is at least two inches.

8. The rifle stock of claim 6, wherein the selected height of the cheek piece is less than two inches.

9. The rifle stock of claim 6, wherein the selected height of the cheek piece is approximately one and one half inches.

10. The rifle stock of claim 6, wherein the selected height of the cheek piece is less than one and one half inches.

1 1 . The rifle stock of claim 1 , further comprising: a biasing spring member adapted to press against and immobilize the magazine when stored in said magazine well.

12. The rifle stock of claim 1 1 , wherein said biasing spring member is strong enough to partially eject said magazine from said magazine well when said cover is in the open position.

13. The rifle stock of claim 1 , wherein said upper surface extends linearly from said proximal end to said distal end to define a substantially straight comb.

14. The rifle stock of claim 13, wherein said sidewalls are dimensioned to include a proximal stock body having a proximal body width separated by a shoulder from a neck portion having a neck width, said neck width is less than said proximal body width.

15. The rifle stock of claim 14, wherein a lower surface of said proximal body is substantially parallel to said upper surface.

16. The rifle stock of claim 15, wherein a lower surface of said neck extends downwardly from said distal end to said shoulder.

17. The rifle stock of claim 14, wherein said shoulder extends rearwardly toward the proximal end of said butt stock body.

18. The rifle stock of claim 1 , wherein said butt stock body is made from a fiber reinforced resin.

19. A magazine-fed rifle adapted to use detachable box magazines of a standard size, comprising: a receiver having a proximal connection and a distal end carrying a distally projecting barrel; a butt stock body having a proximal end defining an aperture adapted to receive a detachable box magazine, said butt stock body also having a distal end adapted to engage said receiver's proximal connection; said butt stock body having an upper comb surface and a lower surface both extending from the proximal end to the distal end of said butt stock body; and said butt stock body having opposing left and right sidewalls extending downwardly from said upper surface to said lower surface defining an encloseable interior volume to provide a magazine well dimensioned to receive the detachable box magazine.

20. The magazine-fed rifle of claim 19, wherein said butt stock body further comprises a cover hingedly attached to said proximal end of said butt stock body, wherein said cover is adapted to be releasably latched in a closed position and unlatched in an open position to provide access to said magazine well.