TOOL-FREE SWITCHABLE BOLT HANDLE FOR FIREARMS

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of firearms and, more particularly, to detachable bolt handles.

BACKGROUND

Many firearms are equipped with a laterally extending bolt handle, whereby the bolt handle may be manipulated to cock the firing mechanism and enable the firearm to be loaded and unloaded.

Typically, when the bolt is locked in its firing position against the bolt carrier of the barrel, the bolt handle extends to either the right-hand side of the firearm or the left-hand side of the firearm. For instance, if the bolt handle extends to the right side of the firearm and the firearm is operated by a left-handed user, manipulating the bolt handle becomes difficult, resulting in inconvenience and slower cycling time.

The side to which the bolt handle extends constitutes one of the user's selection criteria for purchasing and subsequently manipulating the firearm conveniently. Unfortunately, this constraint is not commercially advantageous. Additionally, the fixed placement of the bolt handle side poses a challenge for firearms shared among users, particularly when one is left-handed and the other is right-handed.

To address this inconvenience, firearm manufacturers offer firearms equipped with detachable bolt handles that can be removed and repositioned at the side where needed. Nevertheless, these solutions, where the bolt handle is detachable, present challenges, including requiring additional components, being aesthetically unappealing, and most importantly, demanding the use of extra tools for detachment and attachment, thereby diminishing overall convenience.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims to provide a firearm with a detachable bolt handle that can be swiftly and easily removed and attached to the bolt, allowing a fast and simple switch from right-hand side to left-hand side or vice versa in an expedient manner without the use of any tools and without disassembling the bolt assembly so that the firearm may be rendered suitable for use either by a right-handed or a left-handed user.

The present disclosure is related to a bolt assembly for a firearm comprising:

• • a bolt carrier defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a longitudinally oriented chamber and a transverse through-opening perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis A;
  • a bolt carrier plug movably mounted in the chamber of the bolt carrier;
  • a detachable handle inserted into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier and coupled with the bolt carrier plug either in a locked position or in an unlocked position, with the movement of the bolt carrier plug allowing to lock or unlock the detachable handle;
    said detachable handle being able to be assembled with the bolt carrier plug and the bolt carrier in a first-side position for a right-handed user and in a second-side position for a left-handed user, and being able to be disassembled from the bolt carrier plug and the bolt carrier in the first-side position and in the second-side position for switching from the first side position to the second side position and vice versa without requiring the use of any tools.

Preferably, the detachable handle being able to be assembled with the bolt carrier plug and the bolt carrier in a first-side position for a right-handed user and in a second-side position for a left-handed user, and being able to be disassembled from the bolt carrier plug and the bolt carrier in the first-side position and in the second-side position for switching from the first side position to the second side position and vice versa without disassembling the bolt assembly.

Preferably, the bolt carrier plug comprises a first transverse through-groove oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and capable of aligning at least partially with the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier.

Preferably, the detachable handle comprises a second longitudinal through-groove oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A and capable of being inserted into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier and coupled at least partially with the first transverse through-groove when said detachable handle is mounted in the first side position or the second side position.

Preferably, the second longitudinal through-groove is edged by a transverse recessed area with a transversal surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and a longitudinal surface parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

Preferably, the first transverse through-groove of the bolt carrier plug is edged by a longitudinal recessed area with a longitudinal surface parallel to the longitudinal axis A and a transverse surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

Preferably, the longitudinal surface of the longitudinal recessed area is capable of at least partially engaging with the second longitudinal through-groove of the detachable handle when said detachable handle is inserted into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier and coupled with the bolt carrier plug in the locked position.

Preferably, the longitudinal surface of the longitudinal recessed area is capable of at least partially engaging with the longitudinal surface of the transverse recessed area when said detachable handle is inserted into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier and coupled with the bolt carrier plug in the locked position.

Preferably, the detachable handle is configured to be in the unlocked position in the first side position or the second side position by disengagement of the longitudinal surface of the longitudinal recessed area with the second longitudinal through-groove of the detachable handle or with the longitudinal surface of the transverse recessed area.

Preferably, the chamber of the bolt carrier comprises a stop, preferably a screw.

Preferably, the bolt carrier plug further comprises a spring being able to be compressed along the longitudinal axis A when abutting the stop with the longitudinal movement of the bolt carrier plug.

Preferably, the first transverse through-groove and the longitudinal recessed area are separated by a wall, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

Preferably, the backward movement of the bolt carrier plug away from the chamber of the bolt carrier when the spring is compressed to engage the detachable handle with the bolt carrier plug into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier in the locked position is restricted by either the interaction of the transverse surface of the longitudinal recessed area with the detachable handle or by the contact of the wall and with the transverse surface of the transverse recessed area.

Preferably, the detachable handle further comprises a vertical edge, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A configured to engage an outside surface of the bolt carrier and stop said detachable handle at a designated position when inserted into the transverse through-opening of the bolt carrier and coupled with the bolt carrier plug in an unlocked position in the first side position or the second side position, allowing the alignment of the first transverse through-groove with the second longitudinal through-groove.

Preferably, the first side position is located on the right side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting and the second side position is located on the left side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting.

The present disclosure is related to a method for switching from the first side position to the second side position or vice versa the detachable handle of the bolt assembly without requiring the use of any tools and without disassembling the bolt assembly, the method comprising the following steps:

• • applying pressure along the longitudinal axis to the bolt carrier plug that is mounted into the chamber of the bolt carrier so that said bolt carrier plug is moving toward said bolt carrier while compressing the spring against the stop, allowing the disengagement of the longitudinal recessed area with the second longitudinal through-groove or the longitudinal surface of the transverse recessed area and resulting in the unlocking of the detachable handle;
  • pulling out the detachable handle positioned in the first side position from the transverse through-opening;
  • inserting the detachable handle within the transverse through-opening at the second side position;
  • releasing the applied pressure from the bolt carrier plug so that said bolt carrier plug is moving backward from the bolt carrier under the effect of the spring return force engaging the longitudinal recessed area with the second longitudinal through-groove or with the longitudinal surface of the transverse recessed area and assembling the detachable bolt handle with the bolt carrier plug and the bolt carrier in the locked position.

Preferably, the method for switching the detachable handle of the bolt assembly from the first side position to the second side position or vice versa does not require disassembling the bolt assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general view of components of an illustrative bolt assembly of a firearm.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative bolt carrier plug and detachable bolt handle in two distinct engagement positions: a) in an unlocked position, b) in a locked position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the detachable bolt handle in a locked position;

FIG. 4 represents movements from 1 to 4 to switch the detachable bolt handle from one side position to another side position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will be described in greater detail in one or more preferred embodiments with reference to the appended figures and for which elements or details can be combined. The same principle applies when combining elements from the figures which illustrate the principal component of the current invention.

The expression “first side position” may refer to a right side position, or simply a right position, situated to the right side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting. Conversely, the term “second side position” may refer to a left side position, or simply a left position, situated to the left side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting. In general, both terms “first side position” and “second side position” may be used interchangeably to either a right side position or left side position, providing clarification that two distinct positions are being referenced.

The terms such as “transverse through-opening”, “first transverse through-groove”, “second longitudinal through-groove”, “longitudinal recessed area”, “transverse recessed area” are employed to enhance clarity, provide additional geometrical details, or define better an existing feature in a specific component. However, for the sake of simplicity and improved readability, certain words such as but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and “through” may be omitted. This omission does not introduce a new component, but instead designates the same component. Given that the component is predominantly identified by its reference, maintaining its identification is easily achieved through that reference.

In the present disclosure, the expression “bolt carrier” refers to a specific component of the bolt found in conventional firearms. Depending on the design of the firearm, the bolt may consist of a singular part or multiple parts. In the present disclosure, given the multipart nature of the bolt, the term “bolt carrier” is employed to distinguish various components of the bolt. It is worth noting that within the field, the skilled person in the art uses terms like “breechblock”, “breech”, and “bolt” interchangeably or without clear distinction. Nevertheless, the present disclosure may be extended to other weapon types, such as bolt-action rifles that do not operate as a straight-pull rifle. The expression “bolt carrier” may also be alternatively recognized as or referred to as “breech” or “bolt”, depending on the design of the firearm and the number of parts composing the bolt.

FIG. 1 is a general view of all the key components of the bolt assembly 10 that may be used in various types of firearms, such as rifles, guns, pistols, shotguns, cannons, or any similar devices. The longitudinal axis A is defined by the axis of the bolt carrier 1, comprising a chamber 6 specifically designated for the partial or complete housing of the bolt carrier plug 3. The cylindrical cross-sectional shape observed in FIG. 1 for the bolt carrier 1, the chamber 6, and the bolt carrier plug 3 is illustrative, with alternative forms including, but not limited to, rectangular or oval configurations. A transverse through-opening 11 is incorporated on the transversal side of the bolt carrier 1 to permit partial or full insertion of the detachable bolt handle 2. Additionally, a transversally inserted stop 5, extending at least partially into the chamber 6 from one side of the bolt carrier 1, is featured. The said stop 5 is positioned to abut the spring 4, housed within the bolt carrier plug 3, when compressed by longitudinal pressure applied to the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3 towards the bolt carrier 1.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a first transverse through-groove 7 existing in the bolt carrier plug 3. According to one embodiment, the first transverse through-groove 7 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and oriented upwards to easily receive the detachable bolt handle 2 when the bolt carrier plug 3 is housed inside the bolt carrier chamber 6. Preferably, the longitudinal length of the groove is bigger than the transverse through-opening 11, allowing an easy insertion of the bolt handle 2 inside said transverse through-opening 11. It is worth mentioning that the first transverse through-groove 7 and the transverse through-opening 11 need to at least partially align to make a sufficient path for the detachable bolt handle 2 to pass through the transverse through-opening 11 and the first transverse through-groove 7. During the alignment of the first transverse through-groove 7 with the transverse through-opening 11, it is important that the spring 4 be compressed at least partially by the stop 5 when the bolt carrier plug 3 is housed inside the chamber 6 and guided by the engagement of the stop 5 inside the longitudinal groove 14. The compression of the spring 4 is resulting from a longitudinal pressure applied to the direction toward the bolt carrier 1 by the user on the bolt carrier plug 3, more precisely, on the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3.

The compression of the spring 4 facilitates the spontaneous rearward displacement of the bolt carrier plug 3 so that the detachable bolt handle 2 may be engaged with the bolt carrier plug 3, thereby preventing said detachable bolt handle 2 from moving transversally. Furthermore, the spontaneous rearward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 exerts a longitudinal pressure on the detachable bolt handle 2, ensuring its secure locking within both the first transverse through-groove 7 and the transverse through-opening 11.

In the present embodiment, the first transverse through-groove 7 within the bolt carrier plug 3, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, incorporates a longitudinal recessed area 8, preferably positioned on the side toward the bolt carrier 1. This longitudinal recessed area 8 manifests as a flattened surface, aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis A, and preferably extends from two sides of the cylindrical contour of the bolt carrier plug 3 adjacent to the first transverse through-groove 7. The longitudinal recessed area 8 may comprise two perpendicular surfaces: a longitudinal surface 8a parallel to the longitudinal axis A and a transverse surface 8b perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Both surfaces may serve crucial dual functions.

In FIG. 1, the detachable bolt handle 2, an essential part of the bolt assembly 10, is depicted. The said detachable bolt handle 2 is designed to be able to be detached and attached to the bolt assembly 10, specifically for engaging and disengaging with the bolt carrier 1 and the bolt carrier plug 3. In the present embodiment, the detachable bolt handle 2 incorporates a second longitudinal through-groove 15, oriented downward, intended to interface with the first transverse through-groove 7 of the bolt carrier plug 3. This interaction occurs when the detachable bolt handle 2 is at least partially inserted into the transverse through-opening 11. Additionally, the second longitudinal through-groove 15 may be surrounded by a transverse recessed area 9 visible in FIG. 2. The alignment and engagement of the first transverse through-groove 7 with the second longitudinal through-groove 15 create a void, exemplified as rectangular in the present disclosure but adaptable to other shapes, facilitating the accommodation of other components.

While the second longitudinal through-groove 15 may serve an important role in housing components like, for example, the hammer, it does not play a distinct role in the current invention. The tool-free switchable bolt handle may perform the same function, eliminating the necessity for the second longitudinal through-groove 15. Similarly, the transverse recessed area 9 may be replaced, for instance, with flat surfaces throughout the entire part inserted into the bolt carrier 1.

According to another embodiment, the orientation of the first transverse through-groove 7 may be downward, resulting in the second longitudinal through-groove 15 being oriented upward.

In an alternative embodiment, either the first transverse through-groove 7 or the second longitudinal through-groove 15, or both, may take the form of an opining. In other words, both the mentioned through-grooves 7 and 15 may configure a through-hole or void extending across the width of the bolt carrier plug 3 and the width of the detachable bolt handle 2, respectively.

The bolt carrier plug 3 may comprise a head 13 featuring a hollow designed for accommodating a user's finger, facilitating the application of longitudinal pressure towards the bolt carrier 1 when the bolt carrier plug 3 is positioned inside the chamber 6. Various forms, surfaces, or cavities may be employed to enhance grip and facilitate manipulation of the bolt carrier plug 3 by a user's hand. Consequently, this action leads to the further insertion of the bolt carrier plug 3 into the chamber 6, resulting in the compression of the spring 4 as it is halted by the stop 5.

The longitudinal groove 14 located in the bolt carrier plug 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may host the stop 5 to direct the linear movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 within the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1. In other words, when the stop 5 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 14, it ensures precise alignment of the bolt carrier plug 3 and, consequently, the accurate positioning of the first transverse through-groove 7 with the transverse through-opening 11 and the second longitudinal through-groove 15. The longitudinal groove 14 eliminates the possibility of the bolt carrier plug 3 rotating within the chamber 6 when engaged with the stop 5.

The first transverse through-groove 7 and the longitudinal recessed area 8 are bordered by a vertical wall 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. This vertical wall 16 serves to delineate the boundaries between the longitudinal recessed area 8 and the first transverse through-groove 7.

FIG. 2 depicts the bolt carrier plug 3 and the detachable handle 2 in two distinct engagement positions, excluding the bolt carrier 1. In FIG. 2a, the detachable bolt handle 2 is engaged with the bolt carrier plug 3 in an unlocked position, while FIG. 2b illustrates the engagement of the detachable bolt handle 2 with the bolt carrier plug 3 in a locked position. Specifically, when the user applies a certain longitudinal pressure to the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3, the said bolt carrier plug 3 linearly inserts into the bolt carrier 1 (not shown in FIG. 2) through its chamber 6. This process involves compressing the spring 4 with the guidance provided by the longitudinal groove 14 and the stop 5. When the transverse through-opening 11 aligns with the first transverse through-groove 7, the user may insert the detachable bolt handle 2 into the transverse through-opening 11 (not shown in FIG. 2) from either the first side position or the second side position. This alignment aligns the first transverse through-groove 7 with the second longitudinal through-groove 15 and/or the transverse recessed area 9. In this configuration, the detachable bolt handle 2 is positioned as desired but remains unlocked, allowing the user to move the said bolt handle 2 transversally or switch the bolt handle from one side position to another side position. Upon releasing the applied pressure on the head 13, the bolt carrier plug 3 smoothly moves backward linearly, facilitated by the guidance system of the longitudinal groove 14 and the stop 5.

In the present embodiment, the detachable bolt handle 2 may comprise a second longitudinal through-groove 15 featuring the transverse recessed area 9 comprising a transversal surface 9a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and a longitudinal surface 9b parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The design of the transverse recessed area 9 is intended to at least partially accommodate the longitudinal recessed area 8 of the bolt carrier plug 3 when the detachable bolt handle 2 is in a locked position.

When the detachable blot handle 2 is inserted into the transverse through-opening 11 (not shown in FIG. 2) and positioned within the first transverse through-groove 7, thereby engaging with the bolt carrier plug 3, the transverse recessed area 9 of the detachable bolt handle 2 may house at least partially the longitudinal recessed area 8 of the bolt carrier plug 3. This ensures their engagement, resulting in the detachable bolt handle 2 being in a locked position within the bolt assembly 10, specifically locked with the bolt carrier 1 and the bolt carrier plug 3. The transversal movement of the detachable bolt handle is obstructed by the interlocking of the longitudinal surface 8a of the longitudinal recessed area 8 with the longitudinal surface 9b of the transverse recessed area 9. Although the edges of the transverse through-opening 11 restrict the detachable bolt handle 2 from moving freely in other directions, the counter force exerted by the spring 4 guarantees and reinforces its securely locked position within the bolt assembly 10.

It is important to mention that rearward linear movement of the bolt carrier plug 3, resulting from the release of the longitudinal pressure applied by the user on the head 13 and subsequent decompression of the spring 4, needs to be restricted or halted at a specific position. Failure to do so could lead to the disengagement of bolt carrier plug 3 from the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1, resulting in the complete disassembly of the entire bolt assembly 10. The disassembly risk may occur, for example, during the manipulation of the firearm 20 in use or/and when switching the detachable bolt handle 2 from one side position to another. At least one wall 16 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A separates the first transverse through-groove 7 and the longitudinal recessed area 8 of the bolt carrier plug 3. This wall 16 may serve as a boundary and effectively halts the rearward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 when it encounters the transverse surface 9a of the transverse recessed area 9.

According to another embodiment, the transverse surface 8b of the longitudinal recessed area 8 may impede the rearward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 when this transverse surface 8b comes into contact with the external surface of the detachable bolt handle 2.

FIG. 3 presents a cross-section of the detachable bolt handle 2 in a locked position, excluding the bolt carrier plug 3. The detachable bolt handle 2 comprises a vertical edge 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, positioned at a transversal distance d approximately equal to the external diameter of the bolt carrier 1. This design ensures that when the detachable bolt handle 2 is inserted into the transverse through-opening 11, it comes to a stop upon encountering the edge 12 with the external lower surface of the bolt carrier 1, specifically the external lower of the transverse through-opening 11. The placement of the edge 12 is not restricted to the downside of the detachable bolt handle 2 but may also be positioned on the topside or on any side. It is recommended for the height h1, representing the height of the part inserted into the transverse through-opening 11, to be smaller than the remaining part staying outside the bolt carrier 1 when the detachable bolt handle 2 is inserted in the transverse through-opening 11. Additionally, the height h1 should be less than the height of the transverse through-opening 11 to allow the detachable bolt handle 2 to at least partially be inserted into the transverse through-opening 11, while the overall height h of the remaining part of the detachable bolt handle 2 not inserted into the transverse through-opening 11 needs to be bigger than the height of the transverse through-opening 11. Consequently, when the user inserts the detachable bolt handle 2 into the bolt carrier 1 and specifically into the transverse through-opening 11 from either the first side position or the second side position, the said detachable bolt handle 2 is impeded from further transversal passage by the encounter of the edge 12 with the external edge of the transverse through-opening 11 or with the external edge of the bolt carrier 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the essential movements required to switch the detachable bolt handle 2 from one side position to another side position. It is important to note that this switch is accomplished without the need for any tools and without disassembling the bolt assembly 10. In other words, users may effectuate the switch of the detachable bolt handle 2 by manipulating a limited number of parts of the firearm 20 with their hands. This method facilitates an easy, swift, and convenient switch of the detachable bolt handle 2 between side positions, enabling the firearm 20 to be comfortably utilized by both right-handed and left-handed users, free from the constraints of tools, the necessity of disassembling the bolt assembly 10, or any other limitations.

The method for switching or transitioning the detachable bolt handle 2 from a first side position to a second side position, or vice versa, initiates with the application of pressure along the longitudinal axis A to the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3, which is already inserted inside the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1 (movement 1 in FIG. 4). This pressure prompts the bolt carrier plug 3 to move towards the bolt carrier 1, allowing it to further enter the chamber 6, resulting in the total or partial compression of the spring 4, halted by the stop 5. The linear movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 into the bolt carrier 1 is constrained by the engagement of the stop 5 into the longitudinal groove 14 of the bolt carrier plug 3. As the bolt carrier plug 3 advances, the first transverse through-groove 7 becomes aligned with the transverse trough-opening 11. In other words, the forward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 causes the longitudinal recessed area 8 to move forward into the direction of the bolt carrier 1, disengaging either the longitudinal surface 9b of the transverse recessed area 9 or the second longitudinal through-groove 15. In simpler terms, the forward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 changes the detachable bolt handle 2 from a locked position to an unlocked position, especially ready to be pulled from the transverse through-opening 11.

The movement 2 in FIG. 4 may be executed when the detachable bolt handle 2 is in an unlocked position and has disengaged from the longitudinal recessed area 8. In this situation, the user may pull the detachable bolt handle 2 while it is still positioned inside the first transverse through-groove 7 and the transverse through-opening 11. This action may be performed whether the detachable bolt handle 2 is in a first-side position, for example, in the right side position that is located on the right of the user when holding the firearm 20 for shooting, or in a second-side position located, for example, on the left of the user when holding the firearm 20 for shooting. The first side position may also be considered the left side position when the second side position is viewed as the right side position.

The detachable bolt handle 2 may be fully disengaged from the bolt assembly 10 for maintenance, cleaning, or to facilitate a complete disassembly of the bolt assembly 10. This disengagement may allow for various purposes, such as, but not limited to, conducting routine firearm 20 maintenance, repairing components within the firearm 20, performing cleaning procedures, or any other reason necessitating the disassembly of the bolt assembly 10.

The user may decide to reinsert the detachable bolt handle 2 to its original side position from where it was previously demounted or switch it to a second side position different from the initial side position (movement 3 in FIG. 4) e.g. from the right side position to the left side position, or vice versa. During the insertion of the detachable bolt handle 2, the user keeps applying the necessary pressure to the bolt carrier plug 3, specifically to the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3, ensuring alignment of the transverse through-opening 11 with the first transverse through-groove 7. This creates an unobstructed path for the detachable bolt handle 2 to be inserted through the transverse through-opening 11 while the bolt carrier plug 3 is being inserted into the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1 and the spring 4 is at least partially compressed against the stop 5.

The lateral insertion movement of the detachable bolt handle 2 into the transverse through-opening 11 is halted by the engagement of the edge 12 with either the external edge of the transverse through-opening 11 or the external surface of the bolt carrier 1. This ensures that the detachable bolt handle 2 cannot exceed the required position, guaranteeing its precise alignment with other components of the bolt assembly 10, namely the bolt carrier plug 3. This, in turn, ensures a perfect alignment of the transverse recessed area 9 and/or the second longitudinal through-groove 15 with the longitudinal recessed area 8, making them ready for engagement.

The movement 4 in FIG. 4 represents the release of the applied longitudinal pressure from the head 13 of the bolt carrier plug 3, resulting in the backward movement of the bolt carrier plug 3 from the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1. This backward movement is a result of the spontaneous counterforces or the spontaneous decompression of the spring 4. Since the detachable bolt handle 2 is already well positioned in the first transverse through-groove 7, and the transverse recessed area 9 and/or the second longitudinal through-groove 15 are already aligned with the longitudinal recessed area 8, the backward movement facilitates the effortless engagement of the longitudinal recessed area 8 with the second longitudinal through-groove 15 and/or with the transverse recessed area 9.

The transversal movement of the detachable bolt handle 2 is now constrained, followed by longitudinal return forces that secure the detachable bolt handle 2 transversally between the transverse surface 8b of the longitudinal recessed area 8 or the walls 16 and one of the interior edges of the transverse through-opening 11. It is crucial to note that while the walls 16 and/or the transverse surface 8b do not only physically lock the detachable bolt handle 2 in a locked position, they may also prevent the bolt carrier plug 3 from disengaging from the chamber 6 of the bolt carrier 1, thereby preventing the complete disassembly of the bolt assembly 10.

The following enumerated paragraphs lay out several examples of the present disclosure.

• • A1. A bolt assembly (10) for a firearm (20) comprising:
  • a bolt carrier (1) defining a longitudinal axis (A) and comprising a longitudinally oriented chamber (6) and a transverse through-opening (11) perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis (A);
  • a bolt carrier plug (3) movably mounted in the chamber (6) of the bolt carrier (1);
  • a detachable handle (2) inserted into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) and coupled with the bolt carrier plug (3) either in a locked position or in an unlocked position, with the movement of the bolt carrier plug (3) allowing to lock or unlock the detachable handle (2);
  • said detachable handle (2) being able to be assembled with the bolt carrier plug (3) and the bolt carrier (1) in a first-side position for a right-handed user and in a second-side position for a left-handed user, and being able to be disassembled from the bolt carrier plug (3) and the bolt carrier (1) in the first-side position and in the second-side position for switching from the first side position to the second side position and vice versa without requiring the use of any tools.
  • A2. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A1, wherein the bolt carrier plug (3) comprises a first transverse through-groove (7) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and capable of aligning at least partially with the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1).
  • A3. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A2, wherein the detachable handle (2) comprises a second longitudinal through-groove (15) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and capable of being inserted into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) and coupled at least partially with the first transverse through-groove (7) when said detachable handle (2) is mounted in the first side position or the second side position.
  • A4. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A3, wherein the second longitudinal through-groove (15) is edged by a transverse recessed area (9) with a transversal surface (9a) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and a longitudinal surface (9b) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).
  • A5. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one of A2 to A4, wherein the first transverse through-groove (7) of the bolt carrier plug (3) is edged by a longitudinal recessed area (8) with a longitudinal surface (8a) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and a transverse surface (8b) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).
  • A6. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A5, wherein the longitudinal surface (8a) of the longitudinal recessed area (8) is capable of at least partially engaging with the second longitudinal through-groove (15) of the detachable handle (2) when said detachable handle (2) is inserted into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) and coupled with the bolt carrier plug (3) in the locked position.
  • A7. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A5, wherein the longitudinal surface (8a) of the longitudinal recessed area (8) is capable of at least partially engaging with the longitudinal surface (9b) of the transverse recessed area (9) when said detachable handle (2) is inserted into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) and coupled with the bolt carrier plug (3) in the locked position.
  • A8. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one of A5 to A7, wherein the detachable handle (2) is configured to be in the unlocked position in the first side position or the second side position by disengagement of the longitudinal surface (8a) of the longitudinal recessed area (8) with the second longitudinal through-groove (15) of the detachable handle (2) or with the longitudinal surface (9b) of the transverse recessed area (9).
  • A9. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one of A1 to A8, wherein the chamber (6) of the bolt carrier (1) comprises a stop (5), preferably a screw.
  • A10. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A9, wherein the bolt carrier plug (3) further comprises a spring (4) being able to be compressed along the longitudinal axis (A) when abutting the stop (5) with the longitudinal movement of the bolt carrier plug (3).
  • A11. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one of A5 to A10, wherein the first transverse through-groove (7) and the longitudinal recessed area (8) are separated by a wall (16), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).
  • A12. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to A11, wherein the backward movement of the bolt carrier plug (3) away from the chamber (6) of the bolt carrier (1) when the spring (4) is compressed to engage the detachable handle (2) with the bolt carrier plug (3) into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) in the locked position is restricted by either the interaction of the transverse surface (8b) of the longitudinal recessed area (8) with the detachable handle (2) or by the contact of the wall (16) and with the transverse surface (9a) of the transverse recessed area (9).
  • A13. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one of A3 to A12, wherein the detachable handle (2) further comprises a vertical edge (12), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) configured to engage an outside surface of the bolt carrier (1) and stop said detachable handle (2) at a designated position when inserted into the transverse through-opening (11) of the bolt carrier (1) and coupled with the bolt carrier plug (3) in an unlocked position in the first side position or the second side position, allowing the alignment of the first transverse through-groove (7) with the second longitudinal through-groove (15).
  • A14. The bolt assembly (10) for the firearm (20) according to any one A1 to A13, wherein the first side position is located on the right side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting and wherein the second side position is located on the left side of a user when holding the firearm for shooting.
  • A15. A method for switching from the first side position to the second side position or vice versa the detachable handle (2) of the bolt assembly (10) according to any one of A1 to A14, without requiring the use of any tools, the method comprising the following steps:
  • applying a pressure along the longitudinal axis to the bolt carrier plug (3) that is mounted into the chamber (6) of the bolt carrier (1) so that said bolt carrier plug (3) is moving toward said bolt carrier (1) while compressing the spring (4) against the stop (5), allowing the disengagement of the longitudinal recessed area (8) with the second longitudinal through-groove (15) or the longitudinal surface (9b) of the transverse recessed area (9) and resulting in the unlocking of the detachable handle (2);
  • pulling out the detachable handle (2) positioned in the first side position from the transverse through-opening (11);
  • inserting the detachable handle (2) within the transverse through-opening (11) at the second side position;
  • releasing the applied pressure from the bolt carrier plug (3) so that said bolt carrier plug (3) is moving backward from the bolt carrier (1) under the effect of the spring return force engaging the longitudinal recessed area (8) with the second longitudinal through-groove (15) or with the longitudinal surface (9b) of the transverse recessed area (9) and assembling the detachable bolt handle (2) with the bolt carrier plug (3) and the bolt carrier (1) in the locked position.