BOLT ACTION FIREARM AND ITS METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

• US 20120030981A1
• Filed: 10/17/2011
• Published: 02/09/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corporation (Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corporation (Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.)
• Inventors: Constant, Robert L., Picard, Richard A., Pliska, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,782,939 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 42/16
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 21/482 using continuous threads on the barrel
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 3/12 Bolt action, i.e. the main breech opening movement being parallel to the barrel axis
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 3/22 the locking being effected by rotating the operating handle or lever transversely to the barrel axis
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 3/66 Breech housings or frames; Receivers
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 11/003 Mountings with a dove tail element, e.g. "Picatinny rail systems"
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

Several improvements to the components and assembly method of a bolt-action firearm are disclosed. An improved bolt includes two separate members, which makes the bolt less expensive to manufacture while having a stronger extension handle. An improved takedown system and buttonless stop provide two easy ways to remove a bolt from a receiver when desired without misplacing any parts. An improved scope mount has a base connected to a receiver with two ends that substantially cover the top surface of the receiver and a middle portion that is narrowed over an opening to the receiver to accommodate a cartridge. A method of assembling a firearm involves providing a barrel with a threaded portion, fitting a crush washer over the threaded portion, inserting the threaded portion into a corresponding threaded portion of a receiver, and adjusting the barrel about the crush washer until a proper headspace is achieved.

Claims

1. A takedown system for a bolt-action firearm, comprising:

a bolt having a circumference enclosed within a receiver of said firearm;

a rod operably mounted within said receiver and in substantial touching relationship with said bolt;

a pin mounted to said receiver and connected to said rod;

a spring attached to an end of said rod; and

wherein said rod contains a recessed area that matches the circumference of said bolt so that said bolt can be rearwardly removed from said receiver when said rod is depressed and remains in place when said spring is in a relaxed position.

2. The takedown system of claim 1, wherein said bolt is adapted to slide forward and rearward within said receiver.

3. The takedown system of claim 1, wherein a portion of said rod is exterior to said receiver.

4. A scope mount for a bolt-action firearm, said firearm having a receiver with a top surface adapted to receive said scope mount and an ejection port substantially on a side of said receiver, comprising:

a base having an attachment means for removably affixing to said receiver of said firearm, said base having two ends astride of said ejection port and a central region in substantial registration with said ejection port; and

wherein said central region has a geometry configured to allow a cartridge to be inserted into and ejected from said ejection port.

5. The scope mount of claim 4, wherein said attachment means includes nuts.

6. A bolt-action firearm, comprising:

a receiver adapted to be received by a firearm stock and having a threaded portion;

a barrel affixed at a forward end of said receiver and having a corresponding threaded portion;

a crush washer located between said barrel and said receiver; and

wherein said barrel is threadedly adjustable about said crush washer.

7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein said crush washer has a recoil lug.

8. A method of assembling a firearm, comprising the steps of:

providing a barrel with a threaded portion at one end and a barrel chamber capable of seating a cartridge;

fitting a crush washer over said threaded portion of said barrel;

inserting said threaded portion of said barrel into a corresponding threaded portion of a receiver, wherein a bolt with a face is enclosed within said receiver and is adapted to travel in an open and closed position within said receiver; and

adjusting said barrel about said crush washer until a desired headspace is achieved, wherein said headspace is the distance between said face of said bolt in said closed position and said barrel chamber on which said cartridge seats.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said crush washer has a recoil lug.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting step comprises tightening said barrel about said crush washer.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting step comprises loosening said barrel about said crush washer.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting step comprises adjusting said barrel about said crush washer without disassembling said firearm.

13. A bolt-action firearm, comprising:

a stock;

a receiver mounted in said stock;

a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver;

a barrel located at a forward end of said receiver;

a bolt with an outer surface enclosed within said receiver and adapted to travel forward and rearward within said receiver; and

wherein said bolt has a first channel section, a second channel section, and a third channel section on said outer surface of said bolt;

an upper portion of a sear of said firearm, said upper portion engaging said channel sections to guide the movement of said bolt; and

wherein said first channel section is generally perpendicular to a bolt axis of said firearm and terminates in a stop, said second channel section is connected to said first channel section and generally perpendicular to said first channel section, and said third channel section is connected to said second channel section, generally perpendicular to said second channel section, generally parallel to said first channel section, and does not have a stop.