Modular rifle chassis for a firearm

Abstract

A modular rifle chassis for a firearm. In one embodiment, a rifle chassis includes a receiver housing configured to couple with a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and to couple with a rear stock assembly that is common for the first rifle model and a second rifle model. The rifle chassis also includes a bedding block configured to couple with the receiver housing and the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model, and to couple with a forend assembly that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

Description

DOCKET NO. 1338.201.01WO1Modular Rifle Chassis for a FirearmBACKGROUNDClaim of Priority Under 35 U.S.C. §119

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63 / 419,245 entitled “MODULAR RIFLE CHASSIS FOR A FIREARM” filed October 25, 2022, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to firearms, and more specifically to a rifle chassis with modular components.Background

[0003] Current design and manufacturing methods for firearm components generally require the development of customized designs for specific fitments. Particularly, the architecture of the rifle stock is expensive and time consuming to redesign for additional fitments, as only a small portion of the parts may be reused in new designs. Further, certain fitments may require complete redesigns due to geometric constraints, such as the format of certain die cast parts and the need to accommodate features such as a bottom metal magazine well.

[0004] Such limitations can lead to the need for a custom rifle stock design from essentially scratch for each rifle model, thus requiring the rifle manufacturer to separately manufacture a large number of different stock designs in its inventory. There is therefore a need for a rifle stock that reduces design and manufacture complexity while increasing the adaptability of a rifle stock for multiple fitments.SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a firearm includes a modular rifle chassis with core components that may be used with rifles across different designs and platforms. The core components may include, for example, a bedding block, receiver housing, and inletting. Additional corecomponents, such as but not limited to a barrel tray, forend, buttpad, a buttpad spacer, a cheek riser, and a magazine release (or mag release) may be reused across multiple platforms. The exemplary firearm may further include custom components that are fitment specific.

[0006] In an example, the firearm includes a buttstock assembly, the design of which may be reused across multiple fitments. In another example, the firearm includes a forend assembly, the design of which may be reused across multiple fitments.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a modular rifle chassis includes a set of core components that are reusable between a first firearm and a second firearm, the first and second firearms having different fitments. The modular rifle chassis further includes a first set of custom components that are specific to a first fitment of the first firearm, the first set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form a first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the modular rifle chassis includes a second set of custom components that are specific to a second fitment of the second firearm, the second set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

[0009] In a still further embodiment, a first portion of the set of core components is modified in forming the first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment. In an embodiment, a second portion of the set of core components is modified in forming the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

[0010] In an embodiment, the set of core components includes at least one of a barrel tray, a forend, a stock, a buttpad, a buttpad spacer, a cheek riser, and a magazine release.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the set of core components includes a buttstock assembly and a forend assembly that are identical across the first and second fitments.

[0012] An exemplary method includes providing a modular rifle chassis including a set of core components that are reusable between a first firearm and a second firearm, the first and second firearms having different fitments. The exemplary method further includes providing a first set of custom components that are specific to a first fitment of the first firearm, the first set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form a first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment.

[0013] In an embodiment, the exemplary method further includes providing a second set of custom components that are specific to a second fitment of the second firearm, the secondset of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the exemplary method further includes modifying a first portion of the set of core components in forming the first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment. In another embodiment, the exemplary method further includes modifying a second portion of the set of core components in forming the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

[0015] In one aspect, a rifle chassis includes a receiver housing configured to couple with a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and to couple with a rear stock assembly that is common for the first rifle model and a second rifle model. The rifle chassis also includes a bedding block configured to couple with the receiver housing and the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model, and to couple with a forend assembly that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

[0016] In another aspect, a modular rifle platform includes a rear portion including a rear stock assembly that is modular across multiple rifle models, a front portion including a forend assembly that is modular across the multiple rifle models, and a middle portion disposed between the rear portion and the front portion. The middle portion includes a receiver housing including attachment points specific to a first receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and including a stock mounting portion for coupling with the rear stock assembly. The middle portion also includes a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and including bolt holes that align with the attachment points and that are also specific to the first receiver assembly of the first rifle model, wherein the bedding block includes a forward extension portion that extends forward from the receiver housing in a firing direction, and wherein the forward extension portion includes additional bolt holes for coupling with the forend assembly.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a modular firearm chassis includes a receiver housing configured for a first rifle model, an insert situated in the receiver housing and configured to house a first portion of a receiver of the first rifle model, a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and configured to house a second portion of the receiver of the first rifle model, a rear stock assembly including a stock body, a cheek riser, and a buttpad, wherein the rear stock assembly is common across multiple rifle models, and a forend assembly including a forend body and a barrel tray, wherein the forend assembly is common across the multiple rifle models.

[0018] In another aspect, a rifle chassis for multiple rifle models includes a receiver housing including a magazine well and a trigger opening, an insert situated in the receiver housing and including an inletting space to accommodate a trigger assembly installed in the trigger opening, a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and including a magazine space to accommodate a magazine installed in the magazine well, a rear stock assembly configured to attach with a rear portion of the receiver housing, and a forend assembly configured to attach with the bedding block.

[0019] Another example method is a method of manufacturing multiple rifle models. The method includes providing rear stock assemblies that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models, providing forend assemblies that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models, providing a first receiver housing that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and providing a second receiver housing that is specific to a second type of receiver assembly of a second rifle model, wherein the second type of receiver assembly is different than the first type of receiver assembly. The method also includes providing bedding block blanks that are substantially identical, creating a first bedding block that is specific to the first type of receiver assembly by modifying one of the bedding block blanks, creating a second bedding block that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly by modifying another one of the bedding block blanks, coupling the first bedding block with the first receiver housing to form a first platform that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly, and coupling the second bedding block with the second receiver housing to form a second platform that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly. The method also includes coupling, to the first platform, a rear stock assembly and a forend assembly to form a first rifle chassis, coupling, to the second platform, another rear stock assembly and another forend assembly to form a second rifle chassis, coupling one of the first type of receiver assembly to the first rifle chassis to produce the first rifle model, and coupling one of the second type of receiver assembly to the second rifle chassis to produce the second rifle model.

[0020] Yet another example method is a method of producing a modular rifle chassis. The method includes providing a rear portion including a rear stock assembly that is modular across multiple rifle models, providing a front portion including a forend assembly that is modular across the multiple rifle models, and coupling a middle portion between the rearportion and the front portion, the middle portion including a receiver housing that is specific to a particular rifle model.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bedding block blank suitable for use as a core component within a modular rifle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bedding block blank of FIG. 1 ;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bedding block blank of FIG. 1 ;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a modular rifle chassis including a machine- finished or modified bedding block and custom components;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the modular rifle chassis of FIG. 4;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the portion of the modular rifle chassis of FIG. 4;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a sideview of a first rifle including a first modular rifle chassis;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of a second rifle including a second modular rifle chassis;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a sideview of a third rifle including a third modular rifle chassis;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a sideview of a fourth rifle including a fourth modular rifle chassis;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a sideview of a fifth rifle including a fifth modular rifle chassis;

[0032] FIG. 12 is a sideview of a sixth rifle including a sixth modular rifle chassis;

[0033] FIG. 13 is a sideview of a seventh rifle including a seventh modular rifle chassis;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a sideview of an eighth rifle including an eighth modular rifle chassis;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a prior art method;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the first rifle of FIG. 7, including a magazine up- stop configuration suitable for use with the first modular rifle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the third rifle of FIG. 9, including a magazine up- stop configuration suitable for use with the third modular rifle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the seventh rifle of FIG. 13, including a magazine up-stop configuration suitable for use with the seventh modular rifle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modular rifle chassis in an example embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 21 is another perspective and partially exploded view of the modular rifle chassis in an example embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method of producing a modular rifle chassis in an embodiment; and

[0043] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing multiple rifle models in an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. For the purpose of this document, the term “distal” shall refer to a direction or side associated with a firing direction of a firearm. The term “proximal” shall refer to a direction or side associated with a side or direction opposing the firing direction or distal side.

[0045] As previously indicated, the design of a given rifle stock is normally unique to a particular fitment. That is, while a rifle generally contains the same basic components, the way in which those components are configured and assembled is unique to a particular fitment of the rifle. In particular, a rifle stock architecture can be expensive and time consuming to redesign as most of the components of a given rifle stock architecture must be completely redone for each new design. Further, as key components such as the bedding block is usually formed using die casting or machined from billet, each new rifle stock design requires modification and optimization of the entire manufacturing process. For instance, die casting can minimize machining requirements, although each component needs a specific tooling (i.e., mold) for each design, thus adding to the overall manufacturing costs and time when designing rifle stock chassis components for multiple fitments. Additionally, the traditional rifle stock architecture prevents adaptation to certain fitments due to geometric limitations driven by, for example, the die cast bedding block design and use of a traditional bottom metal magazine well. Further, cast parts are not well suited for subsequent machining processing, as factors such as warpage, porosity, and variations in the casting can lead to inconsistent or poor quality product. Similarly, machining from billet, while more flexible, still is generally quite expensive, as each shape must be milled away from a rectangular block.

[0046] Applicant overcomes such known limitations of the traditional rifle stock architecture by providing a modular rifle chassis designed with modular parts, allowing core components to be used with bolt action rifles across different fitments used by different manufacturers and platforms (e.g., right-handed, left-handed, long action, short action). The core components may include, for example, bedding block, receiver housing and inletting, barrel tray, forend, stock, buttpad, buttpad spacer, cheek riser, and mag release among other rifle components. Each core component includes a baseline set of features that may be common amongst multiple fitments, such as a universal bedding block blank that may be minimally machined as needed to be adapted to a specific fitment. In an example, the core components may be formed by extrusion or casting in generic shapes that are then machinable in accordance with the requirements of a particular rifle stock design. Then, rather than redesigning and remanufacturing all new custom components for each fitment, a selection of core components may be modified to be compatible with any custom components required for a specific fitment. For instance, a single extrusion die may be designed for forming a particular core component such that that core component can serve as a blank with the general external cross section of a rifle component over a range of fitments. Then, that core component may be further machined, in a much less expensive process than full machining from billet, to be tailored for a specific fitment. That is, a single core component may be machined to fit multiple platforms.

[0047] In an embodiment, each new rifle stock architecture design begins with at least one or more selected core components, along with a set of custom components configured to cooperate with the selected core components, to provide a new rifle stock design as a modular rifle chassis without a complete redesign of every component. In certain embodiments, one or more of the core components may be modified in accordance with the new fitment, without the need for a complete re-manufacture. In some embodiments, the entire stock and forend assemblies may be identical across a variety of fitments. Such a modular rifle chassis approach greatly reduces the cost of tooling new platforms, lowers part costs, and shortens the time frame of producing each rifle stock as well as adapting the rifle stock architecture for new fitments.

[0048] An exemplary bedding block blank suitable for use as a core component within a modular rifle chassis is illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 3. As shown in FIG. 1, a bedding block blank 100 is designed for use as a core component in a modular rifle chassis. A cross-sectional view 200 of bedding block blank 100 is shown in FIG. 2, to illustrate the variety of featuresincorporated into bedding block blank 100, such as flat surfaces 210 and 215 as well as grooves 220 and 222. Such features may be designed to provide a baseline of features that may be reused across multiple fitments. A partial side view 300 of bedding block blank 100 is shown in FIG. 3. Bedding block blank 100 may be formed using traditional die casting techniques or other manufacturing techniques such as extrusion, forging, power metal manufacturing, and machining from bar stock. Bedding block blank 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 - 3, is particularly suited for extrusion, as this component exhibits a consistent two-dimensional profile.

[0049] Bedding block blank 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 - 3, is suitable for use as a core component across multiple rifle stock designs. As an example, the location and specification of the various flat surfaces and grooves of bedding block blank 100 may be configured to accommodate multiple rifle chassis configurations for bolt action rifles made by multiple rifle manufacturers. Then, manufacturer- or model- specific features of the rifle chassis, such as bolt holes, bedding block length, sidewall shape and length, openings to accommodate external magazines, and other interfaces with additional custom parts, may be machined from the core component, rather than having to separately manufacture a custom set of components for each rifle chassis design.

[0050] For example, an inventory of core components, such as bedding block blank 100, may be manufactured in bulk. Then, the common components may be selected and adapted for each new fitment, rather than designing and manufacturing all new components for each specific fitment. Having an inventory of core components that can be reused across multiple fitments will reduce design and manufacturing costs for each new rifle stock design. As mentioned above, other components of a rifle chassis, such as receiver housing and inletting, barrel tray, forend, stock, buttpad, buttpad spacer, cheek riser, and mag release, may be candidates for identification as core components for a modular rifle chassis, as these components may also be designed with a baseline set of dimensions and features that may be used across different fitments.

[0051] FIGS. 4 - 6 illustrate a modular rifle chassis 400 including a machine-finished or modified bedding block 100', which has been modified and accommodate additional custom features for a specific fitment. As mentioned above, core components for use with the modular rifle chassis configuration, such as bedding block blank 100 of FIGS. 1 - 3, are intended to provide a baseline of features that may be common across multiple fitments.The core components may then be modified to be compatible with additional custom components for each fitment.

[0052] In the example, shown in FIGS. 4 - 6, modular rifle chassis 400 includes bedding block blank 100 of FIGS. 1 - 3, which has been modified to form modified bedding block 100'. As may be seen in comparing bedding block blank 100 of FIG. 1 with modified bedding block 100', portions of the sidewalls of bedding block blank 100 have been cut away to form modified features such as, for example, bolt holes 410, extrusion reveal 412, and a magazine inlet 414. In an example, extrusion reveal 412 may function to showcase an aluminum bedding block as well as allow material to reach around a large recoil lug on some firearms. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of modified bedding block 100', illustrating modifications such as flat surfaces 510 and 515 as well as grooves 520 and 522 in accordance with specific fitment. FIG. 6 shows a partial side view of modified bedding block 100', including the shape of extrusion reveal 412.

[0053] In the illustrated example, such modified features are formed from a core component, such as bedding block blank 100 of FIGS. 1 - 3, by machining methods, rather than die casting a new bedding block including these modified features, thus eliminating the cost of new tooling for a part specific to a new fitment. A variety of modifications to each core component may be performed, such as to accommodate bolt holes, grip features, magazine inlets, attachment mechanisms, stock length, and other features specific to a particular fitment. Some examples of different rifle configurations based on a common bedding block as a core component, which has been modified to accommodate specific fitments, are illustrated in FIGS. 7 - 14.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a first rifle 700 including a first rifle chassis 710 supporting a barrel 720. As shown in FIG. 7, first rifle chassis 710 includes a bedding block based on a core component, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 3. For first rifle 700, the core components within first rifle chassis 710 have been modified to accommodate a receiver region 750 and a magazine inlet 760 (configured for insertion of an external magazine 762) as required in this first fitment.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a second rifle 800 including a second rifle chassis 810 supporting a barrel 820. Second rifle chassis 810 again includes core components, such as a bedding block such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 3. The core components within second rifle chassis 810 have been modified to accommodate a receiver region 850 and a floorplate 860 as required in this second fitment. It is noted that second rifle chassis 810 includes furtherdistinctions from first rifle chassis 710, such as a modified design of a trigger 870. However, second rifle chassis 810 includes core components that are in common with first rifle chassis 710.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a third rifle 900 including a third rifle chassis 910 supporting a short action barrel 920. The fitment for third rifle 900 includes a trigger and external magazine insert region similar to that of first rifle 700, albeit with modifications. In particular, third rifle chassis 910 is configured to accommodate a different design for a receiver region 950, as well as a magazine inlet 960 configured for accommodating an external magazine 962 and positioned adjacent to a trigger region 970. Still, third rifle chassis 910 shares common core components with first rifle chassis 710 and second rifle chassis 810 that have been modified to accommodate the specific fitment requirements of third rifle 900.

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a fourth rifle 1000 including a fourth rifle chassis 1010 supporting a long action barrel 1020. Fourth rifle 1000 has similarities to third rifle 900, such as in the design of a receiver region 1050 and a magazine inlet 1060, configured for insertion of an external magazine 1062 and placed adjacent to a trigger region 1070. Fourth rille 1000 also has differences including a long action receiver 1050 that is longer than short action receiver 950 of third rifle 900, thus requiring modifications to the internal mechanisms of fourth rifle chassis 1010. Further, in the illustrated example, magazine inlet 1060 of fourth rifle 1000 is slightly larger than magazine inlet 960 of third rifle 900. Again, fourth rifle chassis 1010 includes core components that are common with the design of first rifle chassis 710, second rifle chassis 810, and third rifle chassis 910.

[0058] FIG. 11 shows a fifth rifle 1100 including a fifth rifle chassis 1110 supporting a barrel 1120. Fifth rifle chassis 1110 is designed to accommodate a particular design for a receiver region 1150, a magazine inlet 1160 for accommodating an external magazine 1162, and a trigger region 1170. It is noted that barrel 1120 is significantly thicker compared to, for example, long action barrel 1020 of fourth rifle 1000, thus requiring further modifications of the core components. However, it is noted that fifth rifle chassis 1110 shares core components with the first, second, third, and fourth rifle chassis 710, 810, 910, and 1010, respectively, that have been modified to accommodate the specific fitment of fifth rifle 1100.

[0059] FIG. 12 shows a sixth rifle 1200 including a sixth rifle chassis 1210 supporting a barrel 1220. While there are similarities between fifth rifle 1100 and sixth rifle 1200, sixth rifle chassis 1210 is configured for accommodating another custom design for a receiverregion 1250, a magazine inlet 1260 for accommodating a slightly larger external magazine 1262, and a trigger region 1270. Sixth rifle chassis 1210 is also configured to accommodate a different width and length of barrel 1220 compared to barrel 1120. Still, sixth rifle chassis 1210 is built upon core components shared with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth chassis 710, 810, 910, 1010, and 1110, respectively.L0060J FIG. 13 shows a seventh rifle 1300 including a seventh rifle chassis 1310 supporting a barrel 1320. Seventh rifle chassis 1310 has a magazine inlet 1360 for insertion of an external magazine 1362 and a trigger region 1370. Similarly, FIG. 14 shows an eight rifle 1400 including an eighth rifle chassis 1410 supporting a barrel 1420. Eighth rifle chassis 1410 also is shown to include a receiver mechanism 1457, although no scope is attached thereto in the figure. Eighth rifle chassis 1410 also includes a magazine inlet 1460 for insertion of an external magazine 1462 and a trigger region 1470. In an example, seventh rifle chassis 1310 may be customized for a short action rifle fitment, while eighth rifle chassis 1410 is configured for the fitment of a long action rifle.[00611 It is noted that first through eighth rifle chassis, while accommodating a variety of rifle fitments from different manufacturers, still share a set of core components that are shared among the multiple fitments and only modified as needed for each fitment. That is, the core components include the baseline features that are required for multiple fitments, such that the core components may be manufactured in bulk, then modified to accommodate the requirements for specific fitments. This modular approach is in contrast to existing approaches, in which each new fitment requires the design and manufacture of components that are specific to that particular fitment and cannot be shared between different rifle chassis designs.

[0062] As mentioned above, the modular rifle chassis approach described herein overcomes various shortcomings of the existing art of rifle design. The advantages of the modular rifle chassis approach may be further detailed by comparing the current process of designing new rifle stocks for new fitments to an alternative process enabled by the modular rifle chassis approach, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0063] FIG. 15 shows a prior art process 1500 for designing and producing a new rifle stock design. Process 1500 is initiated at a start step 1510, then the specifications for a new rifle stock (i.e., a specific fitment) are received in a step 1520. In existing processes exemplified by process 1500, a new rifle stock is designed according to specifications in a step 1530. The new rifle stock design is prototyped in a step 1540, and a decision 1550is made to determine whether the prototype is acceptable. If the prototype is not acceptable, then the process returns to step 1530 to at least partially redesign the rifle stock. If the prototype is accepted, then an inventory of components specific to the new rifle stock is produced in a step 1560 and the process is terminated in an end step 1570. Process 1500 must be repeated for each new set of rifle stock specifications, and the resulting inventory of components is specific to a particular set of rifle stock specifications such that the inventory of components are generally not shareable between different fitments.

[0064] FIG. 16 shows an alternative process for designing a producing a new rifle stock design, as enabled by the modular rifle chassis approach described herein. As shown in FIG. 16, a process 1600 is initiated at a start step 1610, then the specifications for a new rifle stock line is received in a step 1620. In the present context, a rifle stock line includes a group of designs including similar baseline geometry, features, and aesthetic appearance, for example.

[0065] Continuing to refer to FIG. 16, in a step 1622, an analysis is performed to determine the necessary common and unique parts for the rifle stock line, given the array of fitments in the line. In a step 1624, the common parts (i.e., core components) for the array of fitments in the line are designed and prototyped.

[0066] Then, process 1600 proceeds to the consideration of each different fitment. In a step 1626, the unique parts and any custom modifications required to the common parts for a first fitment are designed. Then, the first fitment is prototyped, including the unique parts and custom modifications to the common parts, in a step 1628.

[0067] In a decision 1630, a determination is made whether the prototype for the first fitment is acceptable. If the answer to decision 1630 is YES, the prototype is acceptable, then a determination is made whether additional fitments need to be prototyped in a decision 1640. If the answer to decision 1640 is YES, additional fitments need to be designed, then process 1600 returns to step 1626 to design the unique parts and any custom modifications required to the common parts for an additional fitment. If the answer to decision 1640 is NO, no more fitment designs are needed, then process 1600 proceeds to produce a stock inventory of common parts in a step 1642, a stock inventory of the unique parts for the array of fitments in the line of rifle stock designs is produced in a step 1644, and the process is terminated in an end step 1650.

[0068] If the answer to decision 1630 is NO, the prototype is not acceptable, then a determination is made whether the design problem lies in the unique parts and modifications to the common parts for the particular fitment, in a decision 1660. If the answer to decision 1660 is YES, the problem in the prototype has arisen from issues with the unique parts or the modifications made to the common parts, then process 1600 returns to step 1626 to redesign at least a part of the unique parts or the modifications to the common parts.

[0069] If the answer to decision 1660 is NO, the unique parts and modifications to the common parts are not the problem in the prototype, then a determination is made in a decision 1662 whether the problem in the prototype lies in the baseline design of the common parts. If the answer to decision 1662 is YES, the design of the common parts is problematic (e.g., the existing design of the common parts won’t accommodate the array of modifications needed for the array of fitments), then process 1600 returns to step 1624 to redesign and prototype at least some of the common parts for the array of fitments in the line. If the answer to decision 1662 is NO, the common parts are not problematic, then process 1600 returns to 1622 to re-analyze the components required for the array of fitments in this particular line of rifle stocks. Process 1600 is performed until the necessary common parts and unique parts have been produced to accommodate the production requirements for the line of rifle stocks and the array of fitments therein.

[0070] FIGS. 17 - 19 illustrate configurations of up-stops suitable for use with magazine inlets for various fitments. In a range of rifle stock designs, an up-stop is an important functional feature since the up-stops prevent the magazine from being over-inserted. Over-insertion of the magazine may damage the ammunition or magazine, and further affecting reliable feeding. For example, if the magazine is pushed out of the ideal position to present cartridges to the chamber, this misplacement may cause misfeeds or jams. As another example, some users use the magazine as a support or rest (sometimes referenced as "monopoding"), which can place undue upward force on the magazine. Without properly functioning up-stops, such undue upward force may cause the magazine to be over-inserted within the rifle and cause interference with the bolt. That is, the up-stops help ensure proper seating of an external magazine with respect to the rifle chassis. Different manufacturers use different styles of up- stops, such that each rifle stock design must accommodate the particular up-stop configuration as required by the manufacturer for a specific fitment. Advantageously, the modular rifle chassis approach described herein is particularly suited for flexibly accommodating a variety of up-stopconfigurations, as the up-stop fabrication may be incorporated into the modification of the core components, rather than needing to have different tooling for the variations in up-stop designs in combination with other features of the rifle chassis. For instance, the modular rifle chassis design approach described herein allows modification of the various core components of the rifle chassis to accommodate detachable Accuracy International Chassis (AICS) pattern magazines. As an example, some rifles are not inherently configured to accept AICS pattern magazines and, by modifying certain components within the rifle chassis, those rifles can be converted to become compatible with a variety of magazines.

[0071] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view 1700 of the first rifle of FIG. 7, including a magazine up-stop configuration suitable for use with the first modular rifle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment. In reference to FIG. 17 in conjunction with FIG. 7, when external magazine 762, containing a plurality of cartridges 1710 (i.e., complete, loaded ammunition), is inserted into magazine inlet 760, two pairs of up-stops 1720 formed within the rifle chassis catches the edges of external magazine 762 to ensure proper alignment of cartridges 1710 with respect to the rifle.

[0072] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view 1800 of the third rifle of FIG. 9, including a magazine up-stop configuration suitable for use with the third modular rifle chassis. As shown in FIG. 18, a pair of screws 1820 serve as rear up-stops and a machined front up-stop 1825 are integrated into the design of this rifle chassis.

[0073] Another example of an up-stop configuration is shown in a view 1900 in FIG. 19. Partial perspective view 1900 shows a portion of the seventh rifle of FIG. 13, including a pair of up-stops 1920 (similar to up-stops 1720 of FIG. 17) on the rear side, and a machined up- stop 1925 (similar to up-top 1825 of FIG. 18). While a few variations and combinations are shown in FIGS. 17 - 19, the modular rifle chassis design approach described herein can accommodate a variety of configurations of up-stops without requiring new tooling for die casting or expensive billet machining for each variation.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modular rifle chassis 2000 in an example embodiment. The modular rifle chassis 2000 includes a rear portion 2010, a middle portion 2050, and a front portion 2090. The rear portion 2010 and front portion 2090 comprise modular components that are interchangeable or common across multiple rifle models. By contrast, the middle portion 2050, which is configured to be disposed between the rear portion 2010 and front portion 2090, and to couple with or receive the receiver / actionportion of a rifle, comprises components and / or features that are specific to a particular rifle model.

[0075] As an example, two different firearm manufacturers may design and produce two different rifle models with different receiver / action configurations. The middle portion 2050 may be specifically configured for the receiver / action of a particular manufacturer. However, the rear portion 2010 and front portion 2090 may be applicable to both. Alternatively or additionally, a single firearm manufacturer may design and produce multiple rifle models (e.g., short action, long action, right-handed, left-handed, etc.). Different rifle models may sometimes be referred to herein as different rifle fitments, platforms, or versions. The middle portion 2050 may be adapted or modified into multiple configurations, such as a first configuration to accommodate a first model or fitment (e.g., short action, left-handed) and a second configuration to accommodate a second model or fitment (e.g., long action, right-handed). Again, the rear portion 2010 and front portion 2090 may be interchangeable across the models or fitments. The modular rifle chassis 2000 provides a technical advantage in enabling many components to be reused across multiple rifle models and, as described further herein, even model- specific or fitmentspecific components may be produced with common building blocks and / or minimal changes to significantly reduce the cost and time for tooling new rifle models.

[0076] The middle portion 2050 includes a receiver housing 2060, a bedding block 2070, and an inletting insert 2080. In general, the receiver housing 2060 includes a body structure configured to receive, support, and / or couple with the bedding block 2070 and inletting insert 2080. In other words, the bedding block 2070 and inletting insert 2080 are configured to situate on and / or within the receiver housing 2060. The receiver housing 2060, bedding block 2070, and / or inletting insert 2080 may be configured for a first rifle model. That is, they may individually and / or collectively comprise dedicated components of a first rifle model (e.g., first type of receiver assembly or first type of fitment), and may not be compatible with a second rifle model having a different type of receiver assembly or different fitment.

[0077] With the bedding block 2070 and inletting insert 2080 assembled and installed to the receiver housing 2060, the bedding block 2070 and inletting insert 2080 may be adjacent to each other, with the inletting insert 2080 disposed aft of the bedding block 2070 with respect to firing direction. The inletting insert 2080 may be configured to house a first portion of a receiver assembly and / or action assembly of a first rifle model. For example,the inletting insert 2080 may be shaped and sized to accommodate a trigger assembly and bolt handle of the first rifle model. The bedding block 2070 may be configured to house a second portion of the receiver assembly and / or action assembly of the first rifle model. For example, the bedding block 2070 may be configured to interface and / or couple with the receiver (e.g., bolt body, bolt, bolt sleeve, etc.) and / or magazine of the first rifle model.

[0078] The bedding block 2070 is also configured to couple with and support the front portion 2090 of the modular rifle chassis 2000. The front portion 2090, sometimes referred to herein as the forend assembly, includes a forend body 2092 and a barrel tray 2094. The forend body 2092 provides a bottom side support structure for a user’s hand, and the barrel tray 2094 provides a top side support structure for the barrel of the rifle. As previously mentioned, the forend assembly, including the forend body 2092 and barrel tray 2094, may be modular and common across multiple rifle models. The bedding block 2070 may also include a slot that houses or interfaces with a lug 2072 that contacts the recoil lug on the barrel action to help transfer recoil to the rifle chassis 2000.[00791 The receiver housing 2060 may include a magazine well 2062, a trigger opening (not shown in FIG. 20), and a trigger guard 2064. A rearward end of the receiver housing 2060 is configured to couple with the rear portion 2010. The rear portion 2010, sometimes referred to herein as the rear stock assembly (or butt stock or butt of the stock), may include a buttpad 2012, buttpad spacer 2014, cheek riser 2016, and rear stock body 2018. Again, the rear stock assembly may be modular and common across multiple rifle models. Also, the magazine well 2062 may include or couple with a magazine release mechanism 2068 configured to release a magazine inserted in the magazine well 2062. The magazine release mechanism 2068 may also be modular and common across multiple rifle models.

[0080] FIG. 21 is another perspective and partially exploded view of the modular rifle chassis 2000 in an example embodiment. As better shown in this view, the receiver housing 2060 includes attachment points which may be specific to a first configuration (e.g., a first type of bedding block 2070, a first type of inletting insert 2080, and / or a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model). In particular, the receiver housing 2060 includes a first attachment point 2161 forward from the magazine well 2062, and a second attachment point 2162 aft of the magazine well 2062. The first and second attachment points 2161- 2162 are configured to align with corresponding first and second bolt holes 2171-2172 of the bedding block 2070 for coupling. For example, the first and second attachment points 2161-2162 may include hollow columns configured to couple with the bolt holes 2171-2172 via a threaded bolt / screw and sleeve mechanism. The bedding block 2070 includes a magazine space 2174 configured to align with the magazine well 2062 to accommodate and receive the magazine. Thus, the bedding block 2070 includes the magazine space 2174, first bolt hole 2171, and second bolt hole 2172 corresponding (e.g., in shape, size, and / or location) with and / or disposed directly on top of the magazine well 2062, first attachment point 2161, and second attachment point 2162, respectively.

[0081] The receiver housing 2060 also includes a third attachment point 2163 aft of a trigger opening 2168. The third attachment point 2163 is configured to couple with a corresponding attachment point 2183 of the inletting insert 2080 for securing the inletting insert 2080 with the receiver housing 2060. The trigger opening 2168 may comprise an opening in the receiver housing 2060 directly above the trigger guard 2064, and is configured and sized for receiving and housing a trigger assembly of a particular rifle model. The inletting insert 2080 is also configured to house a trigger assembly of a particular rifle model. That is, the inletting insert 2080 may comprise a body 2182 having a U-shape or C-shape with an inletting space 2188 configured to align over the trigger opening 2168 and to accommodate a trigger assembly installed through the area. Alternatively or additionally, the bedding block 2070 may include a rear section (not shown in FIG. 21) that is aft of the magazine space 2174 and includes a space for the trigger assembly. That is, the rear section may situate within the inletting space 2188 of the inletting insert 2080 and / or define the inletting space 2188 to accommodate the trigger assembly. In such embodiments, the second bolt holt 2172 of the bedding block 2070 and corresponding attachment of the receiver housing 2060 may be eliminated.

[0082] The inletting insert 2080 includes a recess 2184 on a left side or a right side of the body 2184 configured to secure, house, and / or accommodate a first bolt handle of the first type of receiver of the first rifle model. That is, the bolt handle may rest in the recess 2184 when in a closed or chambered position. The recess 2184 may align and situate with a corresponding notch 2166 which may be disposed on left and / or right sides of the receiver housing 2060. Moreover, the inletting insert 2080 may be detached from the receiver housing 2060 (e.g., via a bolt and thread mechanism) and swapped with an inletting insert having the recess 2184 on an opposite side (e.g., a left-sided recess instead of a rightsided recess). The configuration of notches 2166 of the receiver housing 2060 and recess 2184 of the inletting insert 2080 thus advantageously enables a user to easily swap between a left-side bolt handle configuration and a right-side bolt handle configuration.Moreover, the inletting insert 2080 may be configurable for differences in bolt size, angle, position, and / or handedness and easily swapped into or out of the receiver housing 2060 to accommodate these differences among rifle models or fitments. Alternatively or additionally, the inletting insert 2080 may be configurable for differences in the design and / or position of the safety mechanism and / or bolt stop button / lever among different rifle models or fitments. The detachable configuration of the inletting insert 2080 and the receiver housing 2060 thus advantageously enables convenient adaptability to a particular architecture.

[0083] The bedding block 2070 also includes one or more additional bolt holes 2176 forward from the magazine space 2174. The one or more additional bolt holes 2176 are configured to couple with corresponding bolt holes 2196 of the forend assembly (e.g., holes and / or threaded attachment points of the barrel tray 2094 and / or forend body 2092). Thus, a forward extension portion 2175 of the bedding block 2070 may couple with the forend assembly and be situated between the barrel tray 2094 and the forend body 2092. With the bedding block 2070 assembled and coupled with the receiver housing 2060 and the forend assembly, an extrusion reveal 2178 (e.g., a middle portion) of the bedding block 2070 is configured to be disposed between and to interface with a rearward end 2198 of the forend assembly and a forward end 2169 of the receiver housing 2060.

[0084] As previously mentioned, the bedding block 2070 may be machined from a bedding block blank that is reusable for multiple rifle models. For example, differences in dimension of the bedding block 2070 and / or differences in dimension or location of one or more of its features (e.g., magazine space 2174, first and second bolt holes 2171-2172, etc.) may correspond with different rifle models and different receiver assemblies thereof. Nonetheless, the forward extension portion 2175 may be similarly machined across different versions for compatibility with the front portion 2090 that is modular or universal across multiple rifle models. Similarly, as previously mentioned, the rear portion 2010 of the modular rifle chassis 2000 may be modular or universal across multiple rifle models. To that end, the receiver housing 2060 includes a stock mount portion 2165 configured to couple with a socket 2115 of the rear stock body 2018. The stock mount portion 2165 may comprise a tubular- shaped structure corresponding with the hollow space of the socket 2115 for compatibility with interchangeable rear stock assemblies.

[0085] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method of producing a modular rifle chassis in an embodiment. In step 2202, a rear portion 2010 including a rear stock assembly that is modular across multiple rifle models is provided. In step 2204, a front portion 2090 including a forend assembly that is modular across the multiple rifle models is provided. In step 2206, a middle portion 2050 is coupled between the rear portion 2010 and the front portion 2090, the middle portion including a receiver housing 2060 that is specific to a particular rifle model. The middle portion 2050 can be swapped out for alternative middle portions adapted to other rifle models without changing the front portion 2090 or the rear portion 2010.

[0086] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing multiple rifle models in an embodiment. In step 2302, one or more rear stock assemblies are provided that are substantially identical and interchangeable for multiple rifle models. In step 2304, one or more forend assemblies are provided that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models. In step 2306, a first receiver housing is provided that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model. In step 2308, a second receiver housing is provided that is specific to a second type of receiver assembly of a second rifle model, wherein the second type of receiver assembly is different than the first type of receiver assembly.

[0087] In step 2310, bedding block blanks are provided that are substantially identical. In step 2312, a first bedding block is created that is specific to the first type of receiver assembly by modifying one of the bedding block blanks. In step 2314, a second bedding block is created that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly by modifying another one of the bedding block blanks. In step 2316, the first bedding block is coupled with the first receiver housing to form a first platform that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly. In step 2318, the second bedding block is coupled with the second receiver housing to form a second platform that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly.

[0088] In step 2320, the first platform is coupled with a rear stock assembly and a forend assembly to form a first rifle chassis. In step 2322, the second platform is coupled with another rear stock assembly and another forend assembly to form a second rifle chassis. In step 2324, one of the first type of receiver assembly is coupled to the first rifle chassis to produce the first rifle model. And, in step 2326, one of the second type of receiver assembly is coupled to the second rifle chassis to produce the second rifle model.

[0089] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. Each of the various elements disclosed herein may be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms — even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.

[0090] As but one example, it should be understood that all action may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, by way of example only, the disclosure of a “protrusion” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “protruding” — whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there only disclosure of the act of “protruding”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “protrusion”. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0091] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments and examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention as defined by the claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples disclosed herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A rifle chassis, comprising: a receiver housing configured to couple with a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and to couple with a rear stock assembly that is common for the first rifle model and a second rifle model; and a bedding block configured to couple with the receiver housing and the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model, and to couple with a forend assembly that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

2. The rifle chassis of claim 1, further comprising: an inletting insert configured to couple with the receiver housing, and to house a trigger assembly of the first type of receiver of the first rifle model.

3. The rifle chassis of claim 2, wherein: the inletting insert includes a first recess configured to secure a first bolt handle of the first ty pe of receiver of the first rifle model; and the inletting insert is swappable in the receiver housing with another inletting insert including a second recess configured to secure a second bolt handle on a side of the first type of receiver that is an opposite side to that of the first bolt handle.

4. The rifle chassis of claim 2, wherein: the inletting insert is configured for one or more of a bolt size, a bolt angle, a bolt position, a bolt handedness, a safety mechanism position, and a bolt stop position of the first rifle model; and the inletting insert is swappable in the receiver housing with another inletting insert having at least one difference among the one or more of the bolt size, the bolt angle, the bolt position, the bolt handedness, the safety mechanism position, and the bolt stop position for the second rifle model.

5. The rifle chassis of claim 1, wherein:the bedding block is configured specifically for the first type of receiver assembly by machining a bedding block blank that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

6. The rifle chassis of claim 1, wherein: the receiver housing includes a magazine well, a trigger opening, and a trigger guard; the receiver housing includes a first attachment point forward from the magazine well and a second attachment point aft of the magazine well, the first and second attachment points configured to couple with the bedding block and the first type of receiver assembly; and the receiver housing includes a third attachment point aft of the trigger opening, the third attachment point configured to couple with an inletting insert.

7. The rifle chassis of claim 6, wherein: the bedding block includes a magazine space, a first bolt hole, and a second bolt hole corresponding with the magazine well, the first attachment point, and the second attachment point, respectively; and the bedding block includes one or more additional bolt holes forward from the magazine space, the one or more additional bolt holes configured to couple with the forend assembly that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

8. The rifle chassis of claim 5, wherein: the receiver housing includes a stock mount portion configured to couple with a socket of the rear stock assembly that is common for the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

9. The rifle chassis of claim 1, wherein: the receiver housing, the bedding block, and the inletting insert are dedicated components of the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model and are not compatible with the second rifle model.

10. The rifle chassis of claim 1, wherein: the rifle chassis includes the rear stock assembly and the forend assembly; the rear stock assembly includes a stock body, a cheek riser, and a buttpad; and the forend assembly includes a forend body and a barrel tray.

11. A modular rifle platform, comprising: a rear portion including a rear stock assembly that is modular across multiple rifle models; a front portion including a forend assembly that is modular across the multiple rifle models; a middle portion disposed between the rear portion and the front portion, the middle portion comprising: a receiver housing including attachment points specific to a first receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and including a stock mounting portion for coupling with the rear stock assembly; and a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and including bolt holes that align with the attachment points and that are also specific to the first receiver assembly of the first rifle model, wherein the bedding block includes a forward extension portion that extends forward from the receiver housing in a firing direction, and wherein the forward extension portion includes additional bolt holes for coupling with the forend assembly.

12. The modular rifle platform of claim 11, wherein: the receiver housing includes a magazine well, a trigger opening, and a trigger guard; and the receiver housing includes a first attachment point forward from the magazine well and a second attachment point aft of the magazine well.

13. The modular rifle platform of claim 12, wherein: the bedding block includes a magazine space, a first bolt hole, and a second bolt hole in alignment with the magazine well, the first attachment point, and the second attachment point, respectively.

14. The modular rifle platform of claim 13, further comprising: an inletting insert situated in the receiver housing and disposed aft of the bedding block; wherein the inletting insert and the bedding block are adjacent; and wherein the inletting insert includes a body shape to accommodate a trigger assembly installed in the trigger opening of the receiver housing, and a recess to accommodate a bolt handle.

15. The modular rifle platform of claim 14, wherein: the receiver housing includes a third attachment point aft of the trigger opening; and the inletting insert includes a bolt hole in alignment with the third attachment point for removably securing the inletting insert in the receiver housing.

16. The modular rifle platform of claim 11, wherein: the bedding block is machined from a bedding block blank that is reusable for multiple rifle models, the multiple rifle models having differences in respective receiver assemblies.

17. The modular rifle platform of claim 1 1 , wherein: the receiver housing includes a magazine well configured to couple with a magazine release mechanism, wherein the magazine release mechanism is modular for multiple rifle models.

18. The modular rifle platform of claim 11, wherein: the receiver housing includes a stock mount portion configured to couple with a socket of the rear stock assembly.

19. The modular rifle platform of claim 11, wherein: the modular rifle platform includes the rear stock assembly and the forend assembly that are modular for multiple rifle models.

20. The modular rifle platform of claim 11, wherein:the rear stock assembly includes a stock body, a cheek riser, and a buttpad; and the forend assembly includes a forend body and a barrel tray.

21. A method of manufacturing multiple rifle models, the method comprising: providing rear stock assemblies that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models; providing forend assemblies that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models; providing a first receiver housing that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly of a first rifle model; providing a second receiver housing that is specific to a second type of receiver assembly of a second rifle model, wherein the second type of receiver assembly is different than the first type of receiver assembly; providing bedding block blanks that are substantially identical; creating a first bedding block that is specific to the first type of receiver assembly by modifying one of the bedding block blanks; creating a second bedding block that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly by modifying another one of the bedding block blanks; coupling the first bedding block with the first receiver housing to form a first platform that is specific to a first type of receiver assembly; coupling the second bedding block with the second receiver housing to form a second platform that is specific to the second type of receiver assembly; coupling, to the first platform, a rear stock assembly and a forend assembly to form a first rifle chassis; coupling, to the second platform, another rear stock assembly and another forend assembly to form a second rifle chassis; coupling one of the first type of receiver assembly to the first rifle chassis to produce the first rifle model; and coupling one of the second type of receiver assembly to the second rifle chassis to produce the second rifle model.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein:providing the first receiver housing includes forming a first receiver portion and a first stock mount portion; the first receiver portion is configured to couple specifically with the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model; and the first stock mount portion is configured to couple with the rear stock assembly that is interchangeable between the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: providing the second receiver housing includes forming a second receiver portion and a second stock mount portion; the second receiver portion is configured to couple specifically with the second type of receiver assembly of the second rifle model; and the second stock mount portion is substantially identical with the first stock mount portion and is configured to couple with the another rear stock assembly that is interchangeable between the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: forming the first rifle chassis by coupling the rear stock assembly to the first stock mount portion of the first receiver housing, and by coupling the forend assembly to the first receiver portion of the first receiver housing.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: forming the second rifle chassis by coupling the another rear stock assembly to the second stock mount portion of the second receiver housing, and by coupling the another forend assembly to the second receiver portion of the second receiver housing.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: providing magazine release mechanisms that are substantially identical and interchangeable for the multiple rifle models.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein: creating the first bedding block includes machining the one of the bedding block blanks to form a first action area and a first forend area;the first action area is configured to couple specifically with the first type of receiver assembly of the first rifle model; and the first forend area is configured to couple with the forend assembly that is interchangeable between the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: creating the second bedding block includes machining the another one of the bedding block blanks to form a second action area and a second forend area; the second action area is configured to couple specifically with the second type of receiver assembly of the second rifle model; and the second forend area is substantially identical with the first forend area and is configured to couple with the forend assembly that is interchangeable between the first rifle model and the second rifle model.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein: the bedding block blanks are formed via extrusion.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein: the rear stock assembly includes a stock body, a cheek riser, and a buttpad; and the forend assembly includes a forend body and a barrel tray.

31. A modular firearm chassis, comprising: a receiver housing configured for a first rifle model; an insert situated in the receiver housing and configured to house a first portion of a receiver of the first rifle model; a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and configured to house a second portion of the receiver of the first rifle model; a rear stock assembly including a stock body, a cheek riser, and a buttpad, wherein the rear stock assembly is common across multiple rifle models; and a forend assembly including a forend body and a barrel tray, wherein the forend assembly is common across the multiple rifle models.

32. A rifle chassis for multiple rifle models, the rifle chassis comprising:a receiver housing including a magazine well and a trigger opening: an insert situated in the receiver housing and including an inletting space to accommodate a trigger assembly installed in the trigger opening; a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and including a magazine space to accommodate a magazine installed in the magazine well; a rear stock assembly configured to attach with a rear portion of the receiver housing; and a forend assembly configured to attach with the bedding block.

33. A method of producing a modular rifle chassis, comprising: providing a rear portion including a rear stock assembly that is modular across multiple rifle models; providing a front portion including a forend assembly that is modular across the multiple rifle models; coupling a middle portion between the rear portion and the front portion, the middle portion including a receiver housing that is specific to a particular rifle model.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: the middle portion comprises: a receiver housing including attachment points specific to a first receiver assembly of a first rifle model, and including a stock mounting portion for coupling with the rear stock assembly; and a bedding block situated in the receiver housing and including bolt holes that align with the attachment points and that are also specific to the first receiver assembly of the first rifle model, wherein the bedding block includes a forward extension portion that extends forward from the receiver housing in a firing direction, and wherein the forward extension portion includes additional bolt holes for coupling with the forend assembly.

35. A method for producing firearms, comprising: providing a modular rifle chassis including a set of core components that are reusable between a first firearm and a second firearm, the first and second firearms having different fitments;providing a first set of custom components that are specific to a first fitment of the first firearm, the first set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form a first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment; providing a second set of custom components that are specific to a second fitment of the second firearm, the second set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment; modifying a first portion of the set of core components in forming the first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment; and modifying a second portion of the set of core components in forming the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

36. A firearm comprising: a modular rifle chassis, wherein the modular rifle chassis includes a set of core components that are reusable between a first firearm and a second firearm, the first and second firearms having different fitments, and wherein the modular rifle chassis further includes a first set of custom components that are specific to a first fitment of the first firearm, the first set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form a first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment.

37. The firearm of claim 36, wherein the modular rifle chassis further includes a second set of custom components that are specific to a second fitment of the second firearm, the second set of custom components being configured for cooperating with the set of core components to form the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

38. The firearm of claim 37, wherein: the first set of custom components includes a first bedding block machined from a first bedding block blank, and the second set of custom components includes a second bedding block machined from a second bedding block blank, the second bedding block blank having a substantially identical shape as the first bedding block blank.

39. The firearm of claim 38, wherein the first and second bedding block blanks are provided as part of the set of core components.

40. The firearm of claim 36, wherein a first portion of the set of core components is modified in forming the first rifle chassis in accordance with the first fitment.

41. The firearm of claim 40, wherein a second portion of the set of core components is modified in forming the second rifle chassis in accordance with the second fitment.

42. The firearm of claim 36, wherein the set of core components includes at least one of a barrel tray, a forend, a stock, a buttpad, a buttpad spacer, a cheek riser, and a magazine release.

43. The firearm of claim 36, wherein the set of core components includes a buttstock assembly and a forend assembly that are identical across the first and second fitments.

Images