LOWER RECEIVER CHASSIS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a firearm. More specifically, the present application relates to a firearm that has a handguard that is coupled to a lower receiver chassis of the firearm.

BACKGROUND

In various circumstances, firearms may include a handguard for a user of a firearm to hold, to attach a bipod to the firearm, or to otherwise support at least a portion of the weight of the firearm. When shooting the firearm, such as with the bipod attached, the user may exert a downward force on the stock, such as with his or her cheek to look through the optics or sights.

Handguards of some existing technologies may be structurally connected to the barrel, such as directly coupled to the barrel or indirectly coupled to the barrel via a barrel nut, which couples the barrel of the firearm to the upper receiver. When a downward force is exerted on the stock and/or an upward force is exerted on the handguard, the barrel may move relative to the handguard and/or upper receiver, which may reduce the accuracy of the firearm and cause inconsistent operation.

The inventors have identified these and numerous other deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include systems and apparatuses to provide for improved firearms. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include a firearm, a lower receiver chassis, and a method of assembling the firearm.

In various aspects, a firearm assembly comprises an upper receiver, a trigger, a barrel, and a lower receiver chassis configured to be positioned at least partially below the upper receiver. The lower receiver chassis may comprise a body defining a magazine well that is configured to receive a magazine, the magazine well configured to be disposed forward of the trigger, and a lower handguard portion that is forward of the magazine well. The magazine well may be configured to be disposed between the trigger and the lower handguard portion.

In various examples, the upper receiver defines an upper receiver fastener hole and the lower receiver chassis defines a lower receiver chassis fastener hole that is positioned forward of the magazine well. The firearm assembly may comprise a fastener that extends through the upper receiver fastener hole of the upper receiver and the lower receiver chassis fastener hole of the lower receiver chassis to couple the upper receiver with the lower receiver chassis.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The upper handguard portion may be coupled to the lower handguard portion of the lower receiver chassis. The upper handguard portion may include a barrel nut that couples the barrel to the upper receiver. The upper handguard portion may extend at least partially around the barrel nut.

In various examples, the upper receiver comprises a trunnion having clamping members, and at least one fastener that extends through the clamping members of the trunnion. The at least one fastener may be configured to clamp the trunnion onto the barrel when tightened.

In various example, the upper receiver comprises an upper handguard portion that is positioned upward from the lower handguard portion.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The upper handguard portion may be coupled to the lower receiver chassis. In various examples, neither the upper handguard portion nor the lower receiver chassis are configured to contact the barrel.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. A forward end of the upper receiver may include an engagement feature and an aft end of the upper handguard portion may include a corresponding engagement feature that is configured to engage with the engagement feature of the upper receiver.

In various examples, the engagement feature comprises a depression or a tab and the corresponding engagement feature comprises the other of the depression or the tab. The tab may be configured to be positioned within the depression.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The upper handguard portion may define a plurality of first fastener holes, the lower receiver chassis may define a plurality of second fastener holes that are aligned with the plurality of first fastener holes of the upper handguard portion, the firearm assembly may comprise a plurality of fasteners, and each fastener of the plurality of fasteners may be positioned within a respective first fastener hole and a respective second fastener hole to couple the upper handguard portion to the lower receiver chassis.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The body of the lower receiver chassis may define a lower handguard fastener hole forward of the magazine well, the upper handguard portion may define an upper handguard fastener hole that is aligned with the lower handguard fastener hole, and the firearm assembly may comprise a handguard fastener that is positioned within the lower handguard fastener hole and the upper handguard fastener hole.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. One of the lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a notch, the other of the lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a protrusion, and the protrusion may be longitudinally aligned with and positioned within the notch.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a raceway that extends longitudinally, the other of the lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a slide that extends longitudinally and is positioned within the raceway, the slide may be positioned within the raceway, and the slide may be configured to allow the upper handguard portion to translate longitudinally relative to the lower receiver chassis while preventing the upper handguard portion from moving vertically.

In various examples, the firearm assembly comprises an upper handguard portion positioned forward of the upper receiver. The lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a slot, the other of the lower receiver chassis or the upper handguard portion may define a latch, and the latch may be longitudinally aligned with and positioned within the slot.

In various aspects, a lower receiver chassis comprises a body that is configured to receive an upper receiver. The body may define a magazine well that is configured to receive a magazine, and a lower handguard portion that is forward of the magazine well.

In various examples, the lower handguard portion of the lower receiver chassis defines a plurality of fastener holes that extend vertically at least partially through the lower handguard portion.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis comprises an extension portion that is positioned between the magazine well and the lower handguard portion. The extension portion may define a lower handguard fastener hole that extends laterally and is configured to receive a handguard fastener.

In various examples, a forward-facing surface of the lower handguard portion defines a notch that is configured to receive a protrusion of an upper handguard portion.

In various examples, the lower handguard portion defines a raceway that extends longitudinally that is configured to receive a slide of an upper handguard portion.

In various examples, the lower handguard portion defines a slot that is configured to be coupled to a latch of an upper handguard portion.

In various aspects, a method of assembling a firearm includes coupling a barrel with an upper receiver and coupling the upper receiver to a lower receiver chassis. The lower receiver chassis may include a body defining a magazine well and a lower handguard portion.

In various examples, the method comprises coupling an upper handguard portion to the lower handguard portion of the lower receiver chassis by positioning a protrusion of the lower handguard portion or the upper handguard portion within a notch of the other of the lower handguard portion or the upper handguard portion, positioning a handguard fastener within a lower handguard fastener hole defined by an extension portion of the lower receiver chassis, and positioning the handguard fastener within an upper handguard fastener hole defined by the upper handguard portion.

In various examples, the method comprises coupling an upper handguard portion to the lower handguard portion of the lower receiver chassis by positioning a slide of the lower handguard portion or the upper handguard portion within a raceway of the other of the lower handguard portion or the upper handguard portion, sliding the slide within the raceway, and coupling the upper handguard portion to the lower handguard portion with a latch.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2A provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2B provides a close-up view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3A provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3B provides a close-up view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5A provides a side view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B provides a cross-sectional front view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6A provides an isometric view of a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6B provides a side view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8A provides a side view of the firearm of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8B provides a cross-sectional front view of the firearm of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 provides an exploded, isometric view of a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10A provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 9, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10B provides an isometric view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 9, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10C provides an isometric view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 9, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 9, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 provides an isometric view of a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 provides an isometric view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 12, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 provides an isometric view of the firearm of FIG. 12, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 provides a flowchart of a method of assembling a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, terms of approximation may refer to being withing a five percent margin of error.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5B, views of at least a portion of a firearm 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The firearm 100 may be configured as a rifle, non-rifled shotgun, pistol, or the like. For example, some embodiments of the firearm 100 may be, at least in part, an AR-15 platform rifle, AR-10 platform rifle, or other similar rifle. In some embodiments, the firearm 100 may be configured to fire in single-shot, bolt-action, semi-automatic action, and/or fully-automatic modes of operation. The firearm 100 may be configured to use any caliber or type of cartridge.

The firearm 100 may define a longitudinal direction X, a vertical direction Z that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, and a lateral direction Y that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z. The firearm 100 may define a linear projectile path LP that extends in the longitudinal direction X and through the barrel 102. The firearm 100 may define a forward direction F and an aft direction A that extend in the longitudinal direction X and are relative to a shooting orientation of the firearm 100. The firearm 100 may define an upward direction U and a downward direction D that extend in the vertical direction Z and are relative to a shooting orientation of the firearm 100.

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 200. The upper receiver 200 may include an upper receiver rail 202 that is configured to allow one or more firearm 100 accessories to be coupled to the upper receiver 200. For example, the upper receiver rail 202 may be configured to allow optics (e.g., magnified optics, red dot sights) to be coupled to the upper receiver rail 202. The upper receiver rail 202 may be configured as a picatinny-type rail. A barrel 102 may be coupled to the upper receiver 200. For example, a barrel 102 may be coupled to a forward end of the upper receiver 200. The barrel 102 may be coupled to the forward end of the upper receiver 200 with a barrel nut 104. In various examples, and as will be explained further in reference to FIGS. 12-14, the barrel 102 may be coupled to the upper receiver 200 by clamping a portion of the upper receiver 200 to the barrel 102. For example, the upper receiver 200 may include a trunnion 600 (FIG. 13) that has clamping members 605 positioned on opposite sides of a slot 610 to facilitate clamping of the upper receiver 200 to the barrel 102 or a barrel assembly 101 that includes the barrel 102. At least one threaded fastener 650 may be extended through the clamping members 605, coupled to a clamping nut, and tightened to clamp the trunnion 600 to the barrel 102. In various examples, the barrel 102 may be coupled to the upper receiver 200 with at least one fastener. For example, at least one fastener may extend through a hole defined in the upper receiver 200 and into a hole defined in a portion of the barrel or a barrel assembly 101 that includes the barrel 102. The barrel 102 may be configured to allow a projectile, such as a bullet or a slug, to travel through the barrel 102 and along the linear projectile path LP when the firearm 100 is fired.

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes a lower receiver chassis 300. The upper receiver 200 may be removably coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300. For example, the upper receiver 200 may be removably coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300 and positioned upward from the lower receiver chassis 300.

In various examples, the upper receiver 200 may define an aft takedown fastener hole 206 and the lower receiver chassis 300 may define a corresponding aft takedown fastener hole 316 that a first takedown fastener 116, such as a pin or a bolt, may be positioned within to removably couple the upper receiver 200 to the lower receiver chassis 300. The upper receiver 200 may define an upper receiver fastener hole 204 and the lower receiver chassis 300 may define a corresponding lower receiver chassis fastener hole 314 that a second takedown fastener 114, such as a pin or a bolt, may be positioned within to removably couple the upper receiver 200 to the lower receiver chassis 300. The fastener holes 204, 314 may be positioned forward of the aft takedown fastener holes 206, 316. The aft takedown fastener holes 206, 316 may be positioned proximate to aft ends of the upper receiver 200 and the lower receiver chassis 300. The upper receiver fastener hole 204 of the upper receiver 200 may be positioned proximate to a forward end of the upper receiver 200. The lower receiver chassis fastener hole 314 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be positioned forward of a magazine well 312 of a base 310 of the lower receiver chassis 300, which will be discussed in more detail. The lower receiver chassis fastener hole 314 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be positioned aft of an extension portion 350 and/or a lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300, which will be discussed in more detail.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 may define a body, such as a monolithic body or an assembled body, which may include a base 310 and a lower handguard portion 330. The lower handguard portion 330 may connect with the base 310. The base 310 may be monolithic with or coupled with the lower handguard portion 330. In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 may include an extension portion 350 that is positioned between and connects the lower handguard portion 330 and the base 310. The extension portion 350 may be positioned downward from the barrel. The extension portion 350 may be positioned downward from the barrel nut 104. In various examples, and as will be explained further, the lower receiver chassis 300 may not define a monolithic body and may be an assembled body that is an assembly comprised of various components that are fastened together. For example, at least one of the base 310, a trigger guard area, the magazine well 312, the extension portion 350 and/or the lower handguard portion 330 may be a separate component from, but fastened to, an adjacent component of the lower receiver chassis 300.

In various examples, the extension portion 350, when included, extends from the base 310 and to a position that is forward of the upper receiver 200. The extension portion 350 may extend from the base 310 to a position that is forward of the barrel nut 104, when the barrel nut 104 is included. For example, the extension portion 350 may extend from a position aft of the barrel nut 104 to a position that is forward of the barrel nut 104. A downward-facing surface 334 of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may extend substantially linearly in the longitudinal direction X and the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may extend downward from the downward-facing surface 334 of the lower handguard portion 330 and aft towards the base 310, collectively defining a hockey-stick shape that extends from a forward end of the lower handguard portion 330 to a midportion of the extension. The magazine well 312 may have a downward-facing surface 313 and the extension portion 350 may have a downward-facing surface 354. The downward-facing surfaces 313, 354 of the magazine well 312 and the extension portion 350 may each define a slope having an angle that extends downward and aft relative to the vertical direction Z. The angle of the slope of the downward-facing surfaces 313, 354 of the magazine well 312 and the extension portion 350 may be substantially similar (e.g., within 5 degrees, such as within 2 degrees, such as within 1 degree). The downward-facing surface 354 of the extension portion 350 may connect with a forward-facing surface 355, which may partially define the hockey-stick shape that extends from the forward end of the lower handguard portion 330 to the midpoint of the extension.

The base 310 may be monolithic with both the lower handguard portion 330 and the extension portion 350 as part of the monolithic body of the lower receiver chassis. As used herein, the term “monolithic” refers to a first component or referenced feature being formed as a single piece with a second component/feature. For example, a first component that is monolithic with a second component can be formed as a single piece with an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing), a welding or brazing process, or a subtractive manufacturing process (e.g., machining from a solid piece of material, such as a forging or a casting). The additive manufacturing process may be a direct energy deposition process (e.g., powder direct energy deposition or wire direct energy deposition), a powder bed fusion process (e.g., selective laser melting or electron beam melting), a binder jetting process, or a bound powder extrusion process. The monolithic body of the lower receiver chassis may be manufactured from, comprise, and/or consist of a metal, such as aluminum, titanium, or steel. The monolithic body of the lower receiver chassis may be manufactured from, comprise, and/or consist of a polymer, such as a nylon polymer.

The body, such as a monolithic body or an assembled body, of the lower receiver chassis 300 may include a magazine well 312. The magazine well 312 may be configured to receive a magazine 118 configured to hold one or more cartridge. Each cartridge may include a projectile, a propellant (e.g., gunpowder or cordite), and primer to ignite the propellant.

The firearm 100 may include a trigger group 110 that is housed, at least partially, within the lower receiver chassis 300, such as within the base 310 of the lower receiver chassis 300. The trigger group 110 may be configured to initiate the firing of the firearm 100, which may cause the projectile to travel through the barrel 102 that is coupled to the upper receiver 200. The trigger group 110 may include a trigger 111. The body of the lower receiver chassis 300 may define a cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the trigger group 110. The cavity may be an open cavity that opens in the upward direction U. The body of the lower receiver chassis 300 may define an opening that is downward from and connects with the cavity. The opening may allow the trigger 111 of the trigger group 110 to protrude into a trigger guard area defined by a trigger guard of the body of the lower receiver chassis 300. The trigger 111 may be positioned aft of the magazine well 312. The trigger guard of the body of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be positioned aft of the magazine well. In various examples, the firearm 100 includes a gas tube 106 that may return a portion of high-pressure gas from the barrel 102 via a gas block 108 to a bolt carrier group (not visible) that is housed at least partially within the upper receiver 200.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 may be an assembled body, which may be an assembly comprised of various components that are fastened together. For example, the base 310 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may comprise a trigger guard area that is fastened together with the magazine well 312. The extension portion 350, when included, may be fastened together with the magazine well 312. The lower handguard portion 330 may be fastened together with the extension portion 350, when included, or fastened together with the magazine well 312.

In various examples, various components of the firearm 100 may be configured as standard components, such as standard bolt action, semi-automatic, and/or fully automatic components, for various types of rifle platforms. As used herein the term “standard” refers to a component that is manufactured according to or otherwise compliant with and/or compatible with a specification associated with the rifle platform, such as a technical data package (“TDP”) associated with the firearm platform, a military specification (“MIL-SPEC”), a voluntary specification (e.g., a Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) standard), an industry specification, and/or a manufacturer specification associated with the firearm platform (e.g., AR platform, SCAR platform, LMT platform, or PWS platform). Components manufactured to be structurally compatible with the standard components of the respective platform with or without themselves being manufactured according to the corresponding TDP or specification may be considered “compatible” with the respective platform.

In various examples, various components of the firearm 100 may be configured as standard AR-style components. In other embodiments, the firearm 100 may be based on any other firearm platform or type. As used herein the term “AR-style” refers to a component that is configured to be used on, in, or compatible with an AR platform rifle, such as a standard AR-10 style rifle or a standard AR-15 style rifle, or with an M-16 rifle. For example, “AR-style” components may be manufactured according to or are otherwise compliant with at least one standard or specification, such as a MIL-SPEC standard (e.g., a M-16 MIL-SPEC, such as MIL-R-45587, MIL-R-63997, and/or MIL-R-71135) and/or otherwise be a general AR-15/AR-10 pattern rifle, which is currently in common use and may include engagement features configured to engage corresponding features of a firearm or portions thereof. AR-style components may, but are not required to be, aesthetically styled similar to an AR platform rifle. Components manufactured to be structurally compatible with AR-style components with or without themselves being manufactured according to the corresponding specification or standard may be considered “AR-compatible”. For example, the bolt carrier group may be configured as an AR-style bolt carrier group according to an AR-15/AR-10 specification or standard. The bolt carrier group may include a gas-operated, rotating bolt. The bolt carrier group may be configured to be received by a standard AR-style rifle. The trigger group 110 may be configured as an AR-style trigger group. For example, the trigger group 110 may be configured to be received by a standard AR-style rifle.

In various examples, the upper receiver 200 may be configured as a standard upper receiver for the applicable firearm platform, such as a standard AR-style upper receiver. For example, the upper receiver 200 may be configured to house, mate with, or couple to standard components for the applicable firearm platform. The upper receiver 200 may be configured to house, mate with, or couple to a standard bolt carrier group that is configured to engage with various other standard components, such as a standard trigger group, a standard stock, a standard barrel, etc. for the applicable firearm platform (e.g., AR platform, SCAR platform, LMT platform, or PWS platform). The upper receiver 200 may be configured to receive a standard lower receiver of the same firearm platform. For example, a bottom portion of the upper receiver 200 may have a shape that corresponds to a top portion of a standard lower receiver of the applicable firearm platform. For example, when the upper receiver 200 is configured as an AR-style upper receiver, the bottom portion of the upper receiver 200 may have a shape that corresponds to a top portion of a standard AR-style lower receiver. In various examples, the upper receiver 200 may be configured as another type of standard upper receiver. The bottom portion of the upper receiver 200 may define an aft takedown fastener hole 206 that is configured to align with a takedown fastener hole that is defined by a top portion of an AR-style lower receiver so that a first takedown fastener 116, such as a takedown pin or a bolt, can be positioned within the takedown fastener holes of the upper receiver 200 and the AR-style lower receiver. The bottom portion of the upper receiver 200 may define an upper receiver fastener hole 204 that is configured to align with a fastener hole that is defined by a top portion of an AR-style lower receiver so that a second takedown fastener 114, such as a pivot pin or a bolt, can be positioned within the pivot fastener holes. The upper receiver 200 may be configured to receive a standard buffer tube, such as a standard AR-style buffer tube and/or a standard stock, such as a standard AR-style stock. For example, an aft portion of the upper receiver 200 may define a hole for a standard buffer tube of the applicable firearm platform and may be configured to couple to a standard stock of the applicable firearm platform.

In various examples, the upper receiver 200 may optionally be configured to house, mate with, or couple to AR-style components that are configured to utilize AR-style caliber cartridges, such as AR-15 platform cartridges (e.g., 5.56×45 mm or 0.223 REMINGTON caliber cartridges). For example, the upper receiver 200 may be configured to couple to an AR-style barrel that is configured to receive an AR-style caliber bullet. The magazine well 312 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be configured to receive an AR-style magazine configured to hold a plurality of AR-style caliber cartridges. Each AR-style caliber cartridge may include an AR-style bullet (e.g., a 5.56×45 mm or 0.223 REMINGTON caliber bullet).

The lower receiver chassis 300 may at least partially surround the barrel 102 in a circumferential direction or is otherwise disposed along at least a portion of the barrel 102. For example, the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may partially surround the barrel 102 in a circumferential direction or is otherwise disposed along at least a portion of the barrel 102. The lower handguard portion 330 may have an elongated body 331. The elongated body 331 may have a generally partial cylindrical shape or at least partially polygonal prism shape that extends in the longitudinal direction X. The elongated body 331 may partially surround the barrel 102 and extend along at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40% of a longitudinal length of the barrel 102. For example, a forward end of the lower handguard portion 330 may extend to a position that is proximate to (e.g., within 2 inches) or forward of a longitudinal midpoint of the barrel 102. The lower receiver chassis 300, such as the elongated body 331 of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300, may include a plurality of accessory attachment areas and/or features to attach accessories. For example, the elongated body 331 of the lower handguard portion 330 may include at least one attachment feature 333 (e.g., an opening, or any other attachment point) that is configured to allow accessories, such as a bipod, a sling, or a foregrip, to attach thereto. In various examples, each attachment feature 333 is configured as an M-LOK mounting point.

In various examples, the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be monolithic with or fastened to a portion of the base 310 that defines the magazine well 312. The extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may form a rigid connection between the base 310 and the lower handguard portion 330. As will be discussed further, in various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 (e.g., when the barrel nut 104 is included) through the upper receiver 200. For example, the lower handguard portion 330 of the body of the lower receiver chassis is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 through the base 310 (e.g., in some embodiments, the lower handguard portion 330 does not directly apply force to the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104). For example, in various examples, the lower handguard portion 330 is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104 through the extension portion 350, if included, the base 310, and the upper receiver 200 (e.g., the upper receiver via the lower receiver). As such, any load applied to the lower handguard portion 330 does not directly affect the barrel nut 104 (when included) or the barrel 102. Instead, the load path of any load applied to the lower handguard portion 330 goes from the lower handguard portion 330, through the extension portion 350, if included, and to the base 310. As will be appreciated in view of the present disclosure, applying a load to the barrel nut 104, such as torque, may negatively affect the accuracy of the firearm 100 because any torque applied to the barrel nut 104 may be transmitted to the barrel 102 and cause the barrel 102 to pivot relative to the upper receiver 200, which may include optics or sights for aiming the firearm 100. Similarly, a handguard load applied directly to the barrel 102 or to the upper receiver 200 at the barrel interface may cause deflection of the barrel 102 and thus may negatively affect the accuracy and precision of the firearm.

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes an upper handguard portion 400. In various examples, and as depicted in FIGS. 12-14, the upper receiver 200 may include the upper handguard portion 400. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may be monolithic with a main body of the upper receiver 200.

In various examples, the upper handguard portion 400 may be removably coupled to the upper receiver 200. The upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned proximate to the upper receiver 200. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned so that an aft end of the upper handguard portion 400 is longitudinally aligned with and/or contacts (e.g., abuts) a forward end of the upper receiver 200. The upper handguard portion 400 may not be coupled directly to the upper receiver 200. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may only be coupled to the upper receiver 200 through the lower receiver chassis 300. Stated differently, the upper handguard portion 400 may be coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300 and may only be associated with the upper receiver 200 by, for example, being placed on or adjacent to a portion of the upper receiver 200, such as on a depression 208 of the upper receiver 200, which will be discussed further. In various examples, the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned such that the upper handguard portion 400 does not abut or contact the upper receiver 200 and is not directly coupled to the upper receiver 200 (e.g., defining a gap between an aft end of the upper handguard portion 400 and a forward-facing surface of the upper receiver 200).

In various examples, the upper receiver 200 is engaged with the upper handguard portion 400. For example, the upper receiver 200 may include an engagement feature, and the upper handguard portion 400 may include a corresponding engagement feature. The corresponding engagement feature of the upper handguard portion 400 may be configured to engage with the engagement feature of the upper receiver 200. For example, the upper receiver 200 or the upper handguard portion 400 may include a depression 208 and the other of the upper receiver 200 or the upper handguard portion 400 may include a tab 430. The tab 430 may be configured to be positioned within the depression 208. The tab 430 and the depression 208 may be configured to prevent the upper handguard portion 400 from moving in the lateral direction Y and/or in the downward direction D. For example, and with reference to FIG. 2B, the depression 208 may define a floor that the tab 430 may rest on to prevent the tab 430 from moving in the downward direction D when the tab 430 is within the depression 208. The floor may extend generally in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y. The floor may be positioned upward from the gas tube 106.

In various examples, the depression 208 defines walls that the tab 430 may be positioned between (e.g., straddled between) to prevent the tab 430 from moving in the lateral direction Y when the tab 430 is within the depression 208. For example, the walls may extend generally in the vertical direction Z. The tab 430 and the depression 208 may have any shape and may include a floor that deviates from extending generally in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y and/or walls that deviate from extending generally in the vertical direction Z. For example, the floor could be tilted relative to a horizontal plane and/or the walls could be tilted relative to a vertical plane. The tab 430 and the depression 208 may have corresponding shapes such that the depression 208 fits snugly within the tab 430. For example, a lateral width dimension of the tab 430 and a lateral width dimension of the depression 208 (e.g., a distance between the walls) may deviate by less than 20 mil (i.e., 20 thousandths of an inch), such as by less than 10 mil, such as by less than 5 mil. so that lateral movement of the upper handguard portion 400 is minimized.

In various examples, the upper handguard portion 400 may comprise an upper handguard rail 402 that is configured to allow one or more firearm 100 accessories to be coupled to the upper handguard portion 400. In various examples, the upper handguard rail 402 is configured as a picatinny type rail. In the depicted embodiments, the upper handguard rail 402 of the upper handguard portion 400 and the upper receiver rail 202 of the upper receiver 200 are longitudinally aligned. The upper handguard portion 400 may include a plurality of accessory attachment areas and/or features to attach accessories. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may include at least one attachment feature 404 (e.g., an opening, or any other attachment point) that is configured to allow accessories, such as a bipod, to attach thereto. In various examples, each attachment feature 404 is configured as an M-LOK mounting point.

In various examples, a portion of the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned forward of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 assembly. For example, and with reference to FIG. 5A, an aft-facing surface 408 of the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned proximate to and face a forward-facing surface 335 of the lower handguard portion 330. The aft-facing surface 408 of the upper handguard portion 400 may make contact with the forward-facing surface 335 of the lower handguard portion 330. The portion of the upper handguard portion 400 that is forward of the lower handguard portion 330 may have a cross-sectional shape that extends at least partially around, such as fully around, the barrel 102 of the firearm 100. Neither the upper handguard portion 400 nor the lower handguard portion 330 may make contact with the barrel 102 of the firearm 100.

In various examples, the upper handguard portion 400 and the body of the lower receiver chassis 300 may have corresponding shapes to mate with each other. For example, the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 and the upper handguard portion 400 may have corresponding shapes to mate with each other and collectively define a handguard 120 of the firearm 100. The upper handguard portion 400 and the lower receiver chassis 300, such as the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis, may be coupled together to form a handguard 120 of the firearm 100. For example, and as depicted in FIG. 3A, the upper handguard portion 400 can define fastener holes 406 that align with fastener holes 332 defined by the lower handguard portion 330. Each fastener hole 332, 406 may be configured to receive a fastener 122, such as a screw, a bolt, a pin, a rivet, etc. Each fastener 122 may extend completely through a corresponding fastener hole 406 of the upper handguard portion 400 and at least partially through a corresponding fastener hole 332 of the lower handguard portion 330. The fastener holes 332, 406 may extend generally in the vertical direction Z. At least some of the fastener holes 332, 406 may be positioned between adjacent attachment features 333, 404 of the lower handguard portion 330 and/or the upper handguard portion 400.

In various examples, the downward-facing surface 334 of the lower handguard portion 330 that extends generally in the longitudinal direction X may be longitudinally aligned with a downward-facing surface 409 of the upper handguard portion 400 that extends generally in the longitudinal direction X. The downward-facing surfaces 334, 409 collectively may extend a distance that is at least fifty percent of a length of the barrel 102 of the firearm 100. The downward-facing surface 334 of the lower handguard portion 330 may extend a distance that is greater than a distance that the downward-facing surface 409 of the upper handguard portion 400 extends. For example, the downward-facing surface 334 of the lower handguard portion 330 may extend a distance that is at least ten percent, such as at least twenty percent greater than a distance that the downward-facing surface 409 of the upper handguard portion 400 extends.

In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 5B, the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned such that the upper handguard portion 400 at least partially surrounds the barrel nut 104. For example, the barrel nut 104 may be positioned within a cavity 410 of the upper handguard portion 400. The cavity 410 may be open, and the opening of the cavity 410 may face downward.

In various examples, and as discussed, the upper handguard portion 400 does not contact the barrel nut 104. A gap G may be defined between the upper handguard portion 400 and the barrel nut 104. The gap G may extend in a radial direction relative to the linear projectile path LP. The gap G may extend circumferentially around the barrel nut 104 partially or fully. The gap G may extend partially or fully along the length of the barrel nut 104. The gap G may be a minimum radial distance between the barrel nut 104 and the upper handguard portion 400, which may be at least 0.005 inch, such as at least 0.01 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch, such as at least 0.03 inch, such as at least 0.04 inch. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, providing the gap G between the barrel nut 104 and the upper handguard portion 400 may allow the upper handguard portion 400 to move relative to the barrel nut 104 without causing the barrel nut 104 to move relative to the upper receiver 200. Moving the barrel nut 104 relative to the upper receiver 200 may negatively affect the accuracy of the firearm 100 because the barrel 102 of the firearm 100 may move with the barrel nut 104, as previously discussed.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300, such as the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300, may be positioned such that it does not contact the barrel nut 104. A minimum distance between the lower receiver chassis 300 and the barrel nut 104 may be at least 0.01 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch, such as at least 0.03 inch, such as at least 0.04 inch.

In various examples, and with continued reference to FIG. 5B, the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may be substantially hollow. For example, and as depicted, the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may have a cross-sectional “H” shape. The extension portion 350 may have a downward-facing opening and an upward-facing opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 8B, views of at least a portion of a firearm 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The firearm 100 of FIGS. 6A through 8B can be configured similarly as the firearm 100 of FIGS. 1-5B.

In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 6B, the lower receiver chassis 300 may be configured to engage with the upper handguard portion 400. The engagement between the lower receiver chassis 300 and the upper handguard portion 400 may prevent the upper handguard portion 400 from becoming misaligned with the lower receiver chassis 300 (e.g., becoming misaligned with the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300). For example, lower receiver chassis 300, such as the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300, can include an engagement feature that is configured to engage with an engagement feature of the upper handguard portion 400. The engagement feature on either the lower handguard portion 330 or the upper handguard portion 400 may be a notch 336 and the engagement feature of the other of the lower handguard portion 330 or the upper handguard portion 400 may be a protrusion 422. The protrusion 422 may be positioned within the notch 336 to engage with the notch 336. The protrusion 422 may be longitudinally aligned with the notch 336. In various examples, the protrusion 422 is monolithic with the main body of the upper handguard portion 400 and protrudes from the main body in the aft direction A. In various examples, the protrusion 422 is monolithic with the main body of the lower receiver chassis 300 and extends from the main body in the forward direction F.

In various examples, and as depicted, the upper handguard portion 400 includes a protrusion assembly 420 that includes the protrusion 422. The protrusion assembly 420 can be coupled to the main body of the upper handguard portion 400. In various examples, the protrusion assembly 420 can be coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300. The protrusion assembly 420 may include a base 424 that is monolithic with the protrusion 422. The protrusion 422 may extend from the base 424 and at least a portion, such as a distal portion, of the protrusion 422 may extend in the aft direction A. The protrusion assembly 420 may include a nut plate 426 and at least one screw 428. Each screw 428 may extend through the base 424 and at least partially through the nut plate 426 to couple the protrusion assembly 420 to the upper handguard portion 400. For example, the base 424 may include at least one flange 425. The upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned between at least one flange 425 of the base 424 and the nut plate 426. Each screw 428 may be tightened to couple the protrusion assembly 420 to the upper handguard portion 400.

In various examples, the protrusion assembly 420 may be configured to have an adjustable position relative to the upper handguard portion 400. For example, at least a portion of the protrusion assembly 420 may be configured to be positioned within an attachment feature 404 that is defined on a downward-facing surface 409 of the upper handguard portion 400. The attachment feature 404 may have a longitudinal width that is greater than a longitudinal width of the portion of the protrusion assembly 420 that is longitudinally aligned with the attachment feature 404. As such, the protrusion assembly 420 may be allowed to move in the longitudinal direction X to adjust the position of the protrusion assembly 420 relative to the upper handguard portion 400. The protrusion assembly 420 may subsequently be clamped to the upper handguard portion 400, via the at least one screw 428, to maintain a position of the protrusion assembly 420 relative to the upper handguard portion 400.

In various examples, the protrusion 422 may have a cylindrical body and a distal end of the protrusion 422 may be dome-shaped (e.g., hemisphere-shaped). The notch 336 may have a corresponding shape. The notch 336 may have a shape that has a cross-sectional “V” shape, as depicted. The shape of the protrusion 422 in conjunction with the shape of the notch 336 may prevent the upper handguard portion 400 from becoming misaligned with the lower receiver chassis 300.

In various examples, and with reference to FIG. 6A, the lower receiver chassis 300 (e.g., the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300) may include at least one handguard fastener hole 356 and the upper handguard portion 400 may include at least one handguard fastener hole 440. The handguard fastener holes 356, 440 may be configured to be aligned such that a handguard fastener 117 can be positioned within the handguard fastener holes 356, 440. The handguard fastener 117, when positioned within corresponding handguard fastener holes 356, 440, may prevent an aft end of the upper handguard portion 400 from moving relative to the lower receiver chassis 300.

In various examples, the handguard fastener 117 and/or the engagement features at the forward-facing surface 335 of the lower receiver chassis 300 and an aft-facing surface 408 of the upper handguard portion 400 (e.g., the protrusion 422 and the notch 336) may rigidly couple the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300. Like the firearm 100 of FIGS. 1-5B, the firearm 100 of FIGS. 6A-8B may be configured such that neither the upper handguard portion 400 nor the lower receiver chassis 300 makes contact with the barrel nut 104 of the firearm 100. With reference to FIG. 8B, a gap G may be defined between the upper handguard portion 400 and the barrel nut 104. The gap G may extend in a radial direction relative to the linear projectile path LP. The gap G may be a minimum radial distance between the barrel nut 104 and the upper handguard portion 400, which may be at least 0.005 inch, such as at least 0.01 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch, such as at least 0.03 inch, such as at least 0.04 inch. The lower receiver chassis 300, such as the extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis 300, may be positioned such that it does not contact the barrel nut 104. A minimum distance between the lower receiver chassis 300 and the barrel nut 104 may be at least 0.01 inch, such as at least 0.02 inch, such as at least 0.03 inch, such as at least 0.04 inch.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 11, views of at least a portion of a firearm 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The firearm 100 of FIGS. 9 through 11 can be configured similarly as the firearm 100 of FIGS. 1-5 and/or the firearm 100 of FIGS. 6A through 8B.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 defines at least one raceway 338. For example, the lower receiver chassis 300 may include two raceways 338, each being positioned on opposing lateral sides. The raceway 338 may be a groove that extends in the longitudinal direction X that is defined on an inward-facing surface of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300. The upper handguard portion 400 may include at least one slide 450. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may include two slides 450, each being positioned on opposing lateral sides. The slide 450 may be a protrusion 422 that extends in the longitudinal direction X from an outward-facing surface of the upper handguard portion 400. In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 includes a slide 450 and the upper handguard portion 400 defines a raceway 338.

In various examples, the slide 450 and the raceway 338 each have a constant cross-sectional shape that extends along the longitudinal length of the slide 450 and the raceway 338. The slide 450 and the raceway 338 may have similar cross-sectional shapes. The slide 450 may be configured to fit snugly within the raceway 338. For example, a width dimension of the slide 450 and a width dimension of the raceway 338 may deviate by less than 20 mil, such as by less than 10 mil, such as by less than 5 mil. so that vertical movement of the upper handguard portion 400 is minimized. The slide 450 may be configured to allow the upper handguard portion 400 to translate longitudinally relative to the lower handguard portion 330 while preventing the upper handguard portion 400 from moving vertically and/or laterally relative to the lower handguard portion 330 when the slide 450 is positioned within the raceway 338.

In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 defines a slot 337. For example, a forward end of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 may define a slot 337. The upper handguard portion 400 may include a latch 462. The latch 462 may be monolithic with the main body of the upper handguard portion 400. In various examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 includes the latch 462 and the upper handguard portion 400 defines the slot 337.

In various examples, the upper handguard portion 400 may include a latch assembly 460 that includes the latch 462. The latch assembly 460 can be coupled to the main body of the upper handguard portion 400, as depicted. The latch assembly 460 may include a base 464 that is monolithic with the latch 462. The latch 462 may extend from the base 464 and at least a portion, such as a distal portion, of the latch 462 may extend in the aft direction A. The latch assembly 460 may include a nut plate 466 and at least one screw 468. Each screw 468 may extend through the base 464 and at least partially through the nut plate 466 to couple the latch assembly 460 to the upper handguard portion 400. For example, the base 464 may include at least one flange 465. The upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned between at least one flange 465 of the base 464 and the nut plant. Each screw 468 may be tightened to couple the latch assembly 460 to the upper handguard portion 400.

In various examples, the slot 337 and the latch 462 may be configured to mate to couple the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300. For example, at least a portion of the latch 462 may be configured to bend when enough force is exerted onto it in by, for example, a tool 124, such as a punch. A distal end of the latch 462 may comprise a hook portion. The hook portion may extend from a longitudinally-extending portion of the latch 462 and may extend from the longitudinally-extending portion in the downward direction D. The hook portion may have a forward-facing wall that is configured to engage with an aft-facing surface of the lower receiver chassis 300 that at least partially defines the slot 337. Engaging the forward-facing wall of the hook portion of the latch 462 with the aft-facing surface of the lower receiver chassis 300 that at least partially defines the slot 337 may couple the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 and prevent the upper handguard portion 400 from moving in the forward direction F relative to the lower receiver chassis 300. When the upper handguard portion 400 is coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300, at least a portion of the latch 462 (e.g., the hook portion) may be positioned aft of at least a portion of the lower receiver chassis 300 (e.g., the forward-facing surface 335 of the lower handguard portion 330). When the upper handguard portion 400 is coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300, at least a portion of the latch assembly 460 (e.g., the base 464) may be positioned forward of the lower receiver chassis 300 (e.g., the forward-facing surface 335 of the lower handguard portion 330).

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, views of at least a portion of a firearm are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The firearm 100 of FIGS. 12-14 can be configured similarly as the firearm of FIGS. 1-5, the firearm 100 of FIGS. 6A through 8B, and/or the firearm 100 of FIGS. 9-11.

In various examples, the barrel 102 may be coupled to the upper receiver 200 by clamping a portion of the upper receiver 200 to the barrel 102. For example, the upper receiver 200 may include a trunnion 600 that is positioned within a main body of the upper receiver 200. The trunnion 600 may be monolithic with or coupled to the main body of the upper receiver 200. The trunnion 600 may define a bore that is configured to receive the barrel 102 or a barrel assembly 101 that includes the barrel 102. The barrel assembly 101 or barrel 102 may include a cylindrical portion that is sized to fit within the bore of the trunnion 600 and a shoulder 103 that is positioned forward of the cylindrical portion. The shoulder 103 may have a circumference that is greater than a circumference of the cylindrical portion.

In various examples, the trunnion 600 has a slot 610 and clamping members 605 positioned on opposite sides of the slot 610. The slot 610 may extend in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction. The slot 610 may extend the longitudinal length of the trunnion 600 and extend radially from the bore and through a thickness of the trunnion 600.

In various examples, the trunnion 600 has at least one hole to receive a threaded fastener 650. Each hole may extend through the clamping members 605 of the trunnion 600. Each threaded fastener 650 may be positioned within a respective hole and extended through the clamping members 605. A clamping nut may be threaded onto each threaded fastener 650. Tightening each clamping nut on the respected threaded fastener 650 may move the clamping members 605 towards each other to clamp the trunnion 600 onto the barrel 102 or the barrel assembly 101 that includes the barrel 102. In various example, the upper receiver fastener hole 204 may extend through the trunnion 600 or the trunnion 600 may be proximate to the upper receiver fastener hole 204. The second takedown fastener 114 may be positioned within the upper receiver fastener hole 204 and the lower receiver chassis fastener hole 314 to couple the upper receiver 200 with the lower receiver chassis 300. When the upper receiver 200 includes the upper handguard portion 400, the upper receiver 200 and the upper handguard portion 400 may be coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300 via the second takedown fastener 114. The upper handguard portion 400 may be coupled to the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 with any means, such as those means described in reference to FIGS. 1-11.

The firearm 100 of the present disclosure has various benefits. For example, in various examples, the handguard 120 (e.g., the upper handguard portion 400 and the lower handguard portion 330) is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 through the lower receiver chassis 300 and does not make contact with the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104. In various other examples, the lower receiver chassis 300 may bear some or all of a load applied to the handguard 120 regardless of contact between the handguard 120 and the upper receiver 200. As such, any movement of the handguard 120 may not influence and/or move the barrel nut 104 and/or barrel 102 relative to the upper receiver 200. Influencing and/or moving the barrel nut 104 may move the barrel 102 relative to the upper receiver 200, which may reduce the accuracy of the firearm 100, which is avoided by not directly coupling the handguard 102 with the barrel nut 104.

In various circumstances, a user of a firearm 100 may desire to attach a bipod to a handguard 120. When shooting the firearm 100 with the bipod attached, the user may place their cheek on the stock 112 of the firearm 100 to look through optics that may be positioned on the upper receiver rail 202 of the upper receiver 200 or through sights that are positioned on the upper receiver rail 202 and the upper handguard rail 402. The user may exert a downward force on the stock 112 with his cheek to look through the optics or sights. If the handguard were directly attached to the barrel nut, as is the case with existing AR-style rifle configurations, the barrel nut may act like a pivot point and the downward force exerted on the stock may cause an aft end of the handguard to move downward slightly relative to a forward end of the handguard that remains stationary due to the bipod. If the handguard were directly attached to the barrel nut, the slight pivot of the handguard may also cause a slight pivot of the barrel nut and barrel relative to the upper receiver that has optics attached. Pivoting the barrel relative to the upper receiver may pivot the barrel relative to the optics or sights on the upper receiver, which may reduce an accuracy of existing firearms. For example, when a bipod is attached to a firearm that has a handguard directly attached to the barrel nut, and a downward force is exerted on the stock, the projectile may hit higher than expected.

The firearm 100 of the present disclosure may not experience this same issue. For example, in various examples, the handguard 120 is not directly coupled to the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104 and is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104 through the lower receiver chassis 300 and the upper receiver 200. As such, a downward force exerted on the stock 112 may not cause the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104 to act like a pivot point because an aft end of the handguard 120 is allowed to move relative to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 and the portions of the firearm 100 that directly support the barrel 102 are not greatly influenced by forces on the handguard 120. Instead, a downward force exerted on the stock 112 may cause little or no movement of the upper receiver 200, the barrel nut 104, and the barrel 102 or may cause the upper receiver 200, the barrel nut 104, and the barrel 102 to move in unison. Even if the upper receiver 200, the barrel nut 104, and the barrel 102 move in unison in response to a downward force exerted on the stock 112, the user of the firearm 100 can adjust the aim of their firearm 100 accordingly, which may result in an increased likelihood that a projectile will hit the desired target. The firearm 100 of the present disclosure may also result in a greater structural rigidity of the firearm 100 because of the lower receiver chassis 300 that includes the base 310 and the lower handguard portion 330.

The firearm 100 of the present disclosure may also increase the accuracy of the firearm 100 when a bipod is not used with the firearm 100. For example, a user may grab the handguard 120 while aiming the firearm 100, which may cause the handguard 120 to move relative to the upper receiver 200 and optics coupled to the upper receiver 200. However, because the handguard 120 of the present disclosure is not directly coupled to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 and is only coupled to the barrel 102 and/or the barrel nut 104 through the lower receiver chassis 300, moving the handguard 120 may not cause the barrel nut 104 and/or the barrel 102 to move relative to the upper receiver 200 and optics coupled to the upper receiver 200. As such, the firearm 100 of the present disclosure may result in an increased likelihood that a projectile will hit the desired target even when the handguard 120 is moved relative to the upper receiver 200.

In various examples, the firearm 100 of the present disclosure may be configured to receive standard components, such as standard AR-style components. For example, the lower receiver chassis 300 of the present disclosure may be configured to receive a standard upper, such as an AR-style upper receiver, and/or a standard trigger group, such as an AR-style trigger group. The AR-style upper receiver can be configured to receive an AR-style bolt carrier group, an AR-style barrel, and/or an AR-style barrel nut. The capability for the firearm 100 to receive standard components, such as standard AR-style components, may be beneficial due to the modularity and customization options that are widely available with AR-style components. However, it should be understood that the firearm 100 being configured to receive standard components is not required and that the firearm 100 may be manufactured with various components that are proprietary, aftermarket, modified, and/or unique to the manufacturer of the firearm 100.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart of a method 500 of assembling a firearm is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method 500 may include a step 510 of coupling, directly or indirectly, a barrel 102 with an upper receiver 200. Coupling the barrel 102 with the upper receiver 200 may be facilitated using a barrel nut 104 concentrically disposed about a portion of the barrel 102 to couple the barrel 102 to the upper receiver 200. Coupling the barrel 102 with the upper receiver 200 may be facilitated using a trunnion 600 with clamping members 605. The method 500 may include a step 530 of coupling the upper receiver 200, which may be coupled with the barrel 102, to a lower receiver chassis 300. For example, the upper receiver 200 may be coupled to the lower receiver chassis 300, such as the base 310 of the lower receiver chassis 300, with a first takedown fastener 116 and/or with a second takedown fastener 114. The method 500 may include a step of coupling an upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may be coupled to a lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 to form a handguard 120 of the firearm 100.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 may include engaging an engagement feature of the upper handguard portion with a corresponding engagement feature of the lower receiver chassis 300. For example, one of the engagement feature or the corresponding engagement feature may be a tab 430 and the other of the engagement feature or the corresponding engagement feature may be a depression 208. The tab 430 may be positioned within the depression 208 to engage the tab 430 with the depression 208.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 includes fastening the upper handguard portion 400 with the lower receiver chassis 300 with a plurality of fasteners 122. For example, the plurality of fasteners 122 may be positioned within fasteners holes 406 of the upper handguard portion 400 and fastener holes 332 of the lower receiver chassis 300.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 includes aligning a handguard fastener hole 440 of the upper handguard portion 400 with a handguard fastener hole 356 of an extension portion 350 of the lower receiver chassis. When the upper handguard portion 400 is being coupled with the lower receiver chassis 300, the upper handguard portion 400 may be positioned around the barrel 102 and/or barrel nut 104, and the barrel nut 104 may be coupling the barrel 102 to the upper receiver 200.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 includes positioning a protrusion 422 of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400 within a notch 336 of the other of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 includes sliding at least a portion of the upper handguard portion 400 along at least a portion of the lower receiver chassis 300. For example, the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400 may define a raceway 338 and the other of the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400 may define a slide 450. The slide 450 may be configured to be positioned within the raceway 338 and slide within the raceway 338.

In various examples, the step of coupling the upper handguard portion 400 to the lower receiver chassis 300 includes coupling a latch 462 of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400 with a slot 337 defined by the other of the lower receiver chassis 300 or the upper handguard portion 400. For example, the upper handguard portion 400 may be slid (e.g., via the slide 450 and the raceway 338) aft relative to the lower receiver chassis 300 until the upper handguard portion 400 is adjacent to the lower handguard portion 330 of the lower receiver chassis and the latch 462 is positioned within the slot 337. A tool 124, such as a punch, may be used to press upwards on the latch 462 to facilitate coupling the latch 462 with the slot 337.

Conclusion

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.