Bolt handle

Abstract

The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a bolt handle for a firearm.

Description

[0001] BOLT HANDLE

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a bol t handle for a firearm.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A unique bolt assembly has been developed to facilitate loading and reloading ammunition in a firearm. The bolt assembly incorporates a bolt, a handle, a pin, and a striker frame. The handle is designed to be positioned around the bolt and along the length of the bolt. The handle is rotatable about the bolt. By rotatably coupling the handle and the bolt, the handle can rotate without causing the bolt to rotate. The handle defines an elongate pin opening that is designed to accommodate the pin. The striker frame has a portion is positioned within the bolt and is configured to contact the handle on a rearward surface.

[0006] The bolt assembly is designed, to be positioned, within a receiver on the firearm. A user can use the handle to reciprocate the bolt assembly relative to the receiver. The handle incorporates protrusions that extend outward to limit the handle to substantially either reciprocating or rotating movement relative to the receiver. Tire receiver defines a corresponding protrusion channel that provides clearance for the protn.isions in a direction of rotation and that is designed to contact the protrusions such as to prevent translational movement of the handle along the length of the receiver. In another configuration, the protrusions are designed to fix the rotational orientation of the handle when the protrusions are received within an opening elongated along a length of the receiver.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG, 1 is a perspective view of a firearm.

[0009] FIG, 2 is a perspective view of an action, a component the FIG, 1 firearm,

[0010] FIG, 3 is a perspective view of a bolt assembly, a component of the FIG. 2 action, FIG, 4 is a top plan view of the FIG. 3 bolt assembly.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the FIG, 3 bolt assembly with the shroud removed.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bolt, a component of the FIG. 3 bolt assembly.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bolt handle, a component of the FIG. 3 bolt assembly. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the FIG. 7 handle.

[0014] FIG, 9 is a top plan view of the FIG. 7 handle.

[0015] FIG, 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 bolt assembly taken along fine 10-10, FIG. 1 1 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 3 bolt assembly and a receiver.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the FIG. 3 bolt assembly and a receiver.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the princi ples of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown and described in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0019] Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specifi c embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, firearms 50 include a barrel 52 and an action 54. The firearm 50 can be a bolt-action firearm 50, such as a rifle or a shotgun. The barrel 52 serves to direct a projectile being fired, and the action 54 serves to selectively load a projectile (e.g., a bullet contained as part of a cartridge or shell), fire the projectile, and / or extract a spent cartridge / shell casing after firing of the projectile.

[0021] Certain types of firearms 50, such as rifles and shotguns, further include a stock 56. The stock 56 provides a structure for a user to hold the firearm 50 during operation. The stock 56 contacts and supports a receiver 60 of the firearm 50. Some stocks 56 further contact and support the barrel 52.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the action 54 generally includes a bolt assembly 60 having at least a portion received within the receiver 60. The action 54 can further include other components, such as a trigger assembly. The bolt assembly 62 is used to facilitate loading ammunition into the barrel 52 (e.g,, barrel extension) of the firearm 50. The receiver 60 is coupled to the barrel 52 and various parts of the action 54.

[0023] The bolt assembly 62 is can reciprocate relative to the receiver 60. In many instances, the bolt assembly 62 can rotate within the receiver 60. By rotating the bolt assembly 62, the bolt assembly 62 can be selectively fixed in position relative to the receiver 60. A portion of the bolt assembly 62 may extend outside the receiver 60 during one or more times during operation of the firearm 50. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bolt assembly 62 extends from a rearward end 64 to a forward end 66 and generally includes a bolt 68, a handle 70, a shroud 72, and a pin 74. The bolt 68 is generally cylindrical in shape. In the assembled firearm 50, at least a toward portion of the bolt 68 is positioned within the receiver 60 and contacts the barrel 52.

[0024] As shown in FIG, 4, the bolt assembly 62 defines a bolt axis 76 along the center of the bolt 68. The handle 70 can be positioned around a portion of the bolt. The handle can be rotationally coupled to the bolt such that the handle can rotate about the bolt axis relative to the bolt, or the handle can be rotationally fixed relative to the bolt such that the handle and bolt rotate together during operation of the firearm 50, By rotationally coupling the bolt and the handle, a user can rotate the handle without rotating the bolt to selectively fix the position of the bolt assembly.

[0025] The bolt assembly 62 is configured to reciprocate along the bolt axis within the receiver 60. A user can reciprocate and / or rotate the bolt assembly along the bolt axis to perform loading and / or unloading actions for the firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle is positioned towards the rearward end of the bolt assembly. Alternatively, the handle could be positioned on another portion of the bolt.

[0026] The shroud 72 is coupled to the bolt on a rearward portion. The shroud covers a rearward portion of the bolt 68 and or a striker frame. The shroud may contact a portion of the handle such as to prevent movement of the handle rearward relative to the bolt.

[0027] A pin 74 may couple the handle to the bolt. The pin can be positioned at least partially within both the bolt 68 and the handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin contacts the handle and the bolt such as to resist translational movement of the handle along a length of the bolt (e.g., movement forward and- or rearward relative to the bolt).

[0028] The handle 70 generally includes a base 80, a lever arm 82, and a knob 84. In one embodiment, the handle is integrally formed from a single piece of material. In another embodiment, one or more of the base, lever arm, and / or knob are distinct parts that are coupled directly and / or indirectly to another portion of the handle (e.g., through one or more fasteners). For example, the knob can be a distinct part that can couple to the lever arm, such as through threading on the knob and lever arm.

[0029] The base 80 is preferably configured to contact the bolt. The base is positioned around a portion of the bolt. As illustrated, the base is shaped and sized such that an outer surface of the bolt and an outer surface of the base are coplanar when the handle is coupled to the bolt.

[0030] The lever arm 82 extends from a proximal end 88 near the base to a distal end 90 in a direction transverse to the bolt axis. The knob 84 is positioned on the distal end of the lever arm. The lever arm and or the knob provide a structure for a user to grab in order to slide and / or rotate the bolt assembly.

[0031] As shown, the knob has a greater cross-sectional dimension (e.g., width) than the lever arm and is generally spherical. The shape and size of the knob allow the handle to be relatively ergonomic for a user. As should be appreciated, the knob and / or lever arm could be shaped differently, such as a barrel-shaped knob.

[0032] The base can define a pin opening 92 that is configured to receive the pin 74. The shape of the pin opening can be arranged to permit a range of rotation of the handle about the bolt axis. As shown, the pin opening is elongate. Preferably, the pin opening extends circumferentially around the bolt axis a greater distance than along a length of the bolt axis. In this way, the handle can rotate about the bolt axis from a point where the pin is at a first location within the pin opening to a point where the pin is at a second location within the pin opening.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a rearward perspective view of the bolt assembly 62 with the shroud 72 removed. As shown, the bolt assembly further includes a striker frame 96. In the assembled firearm 50, the shroud covers a rearward portion of the striker frame. The striker frame is positioned at least partially within the bolt 68 and is movable relative to the bolt so as to at least be able to translate along the bolt axis independently of the bolt at one or more times during operation of the firearm (e.g., upon pulling of the trigger when the bol t is in the forward position so as to allow7the striker frame to translate forwards and force the striker into a primer of a cartridge).

[0034] 'Hie striker frame 96 is configured to guide and support a striker within the bolt that is used to impact ammunition during operation of the firearm. As illustrated, the striker frame includes an upper frame ledge 100 and a lower frame ledge 102. By extending outward from the center of the striker frame and partially outside the bolt, the upper frame ledge 100 and lower frame ledge 102 are configured to contact the base 80 of the handle 70 when the striker frame is in a forward position.

[0035] The striker frame is configured to contact a rearward- facing surface 106 of the base 80. As demonstrated in the illustrated embodiment, the rearward- facing surface can have sloped portions extending along a length of the bolt axis 76 and plateau portions positioned more rearward along the bolt axis than other portions of rearward-facing surface. This arrangement, advantageously, can move the striker frame rearwardly upon rotation of the base around the bolt axis. Such an action can be used to cock the striker frame (and striker) for firing. Accordingly, as will be appreciated, the longitudinal position of the shaker frame along the bolt axis relative to the bolt can vary due to the striker frame contact with the base. As one example, when the handle is rotated such that the knob is in an uppermost position, the upper frame ledge 100 of the striker frame may contact a rearward-most portion of the rearward surface 106. Conversely, when the handle is rotated such that the knob is in a lowermost position, the upper frame ledge 100 of the striker frame may translate forward so as to contact a forward-most portion of the rearward surface 106. In another example, sections of the rearward surface can complement sections of the upper and / or lower frame ledges such as to contact a larger surface area of the striker frame at certain rotational positions of the handle. As should be appreciated, the shape of the rearward surface of the base could be altered to direct movement of the striker frame along bolt axis in a variety of other ways.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lever arm 82 defines a bend 1 10 on the proximal end near the base. Preferably, the proximal end of the lever arm is sharply angled to a portion of the lever arm near the distal end. For example, the portions of the lever arm can be angled between 90 and 135 degrees. In another example, the lever arm is angled at exactly 1 10 degrees.

[0037] By the lever arm defining a bend at the proximal end, the lever arm can extend outward from the base along a first lateral direction relative to the barrel axis and then extend outwards along another (e.g., second lateral) direction.

[0038] The stock 56 may define a recess for the lever arm when the lever arm is rotated in a downward position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, in the illustrated example, the lever arm may be curved between the proximal end and distal end. The curved shape of the lever arm can promote accessibility and ergonomic use of the handle. The overall shape and angle of the lever aim supports a user to rotate the handle through the desired range of rotation without being obstructed by other parts of the firearm 50. Specifically, a user can rotate and reciprocate the handle through a range of motion allowed by the receiver 60 and / or pin 74 and pin opening 92.

[0039] Referring to FIG, 6, the bolt 68 defines a bolt length 1 14 extending along the bolt axis 76 between the toward end 66 and the rearward end 64, In a direction transverse to the bolt length, the bolt defines a bolt height 116. The bolt further defines a pin opening 1 18 that extends at least partially through the bolt height. The pin opening 118 on the bolt defines a space for the pin 74 to couple to the bolt. In contrast to the pin opening 92 on the handle 70, the pin opening 1 18 on bolt 68 is preferably shaped and sized to complement the outer surface of the pin. In this way, the pin and bolt can remain stationary relative to each other as the handle rotates about the bolt.

[0040] To limit the forward movement of the handle relative to the bolt, the bolt defines a rearward-facing bolt ridge surface 120 between the rearward end 64 and forward end 66. The rearward -facing bolt ridge surface is configured to contact a forward-facing surface of the handle. The rearward- facing bolt ridge surface is preferably planar and, more preferably in a plane orthogonal to the bolt axis.

[0041] On the rearward end 64, the bolt defines a striker opening 124 and ledge slots 126.

[0042] The striker opening provides a space for the striker to be positioned within the bolt. Hie ledge slots extend from the striker opening 124 towards the forward end 66. The bolt defines the ledge slots on upper and lower portions of the bolt such as to provide space for the upper frame ledge 100 and 'or lower frame ledge 102 to extend outward beyond an outer surface of the bolt. Furthermore, the ledge slots provide space for upper and lower frame ledges such that the striker frame 96 can slide along the bolt axis relative to the bolt. As explained above, in the assembled firearm 50, the striker frame is able to move towards the forward end until the upper and lower striker ledges contact the edge of the ledge slots and / or the rearward surface of the handle.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the base 80 of the handle 70 defines an outer surface 130. The base Rirther defines an inner surface 132 opposing the outer surface 130. The inner surface defines a bolt opening 134 for receiving a porti on of the bolt 68 when the firearm 50 is assembled. Preferably, when assembled, an outer surface of the bolt contacts the inner surface 132 of the base. The bolt opening 134 preferably has a circular cross-section.

[0044] 'Ifoe base defines a wall thickness 136 between the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 130. In the illustrated example, the wall thickness is uniform around the circumference of the base.

[0045] As shown in FIG, 5, the bolt height is greater on a forward side of the rearward- facing bolt ridge surface 120 than on a rearward side of the rearward-facing bolt ridge surface 120. In one embodiment, the wall thickness is equivalent to half of the difference between the bolt heights at opposite sides of the rearward- facing bolt ridge surface.

[0046] The base 80 further defines a forward surface 138 positioned towards the forward end. The forward surface is preferably uniform around the circumference of the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward surface 138 is configured to complement the shape of the rearward -facing bolt ridge surface 120 of the bolt. The base of the handle further includes one or more protrusions 140 that extend from the outer surface 130 of the base. The protrusions 140 are configured to contact one or more portions of the firearm 50 in order to limit the movement of the handle at one or more times during operation of the firearm. For example, the protrusions may contact rhe receiver 60 at one or more locations to prevent the handle 70 from sliding and / or rotating at certain positions relative to the receiver.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the base includes two distinct protrusions spaced from one another circumferentially around the base.

[0048] As illustrated, the lever arm 82 defines a notch 144 near the proximal end 88. The notch provides space for one or more portions of the firearm as the handle rotates. For example, the notch can provide space for a portion of the receiver 60 and / or the stock 56 of the firearm when the lever arm is rotated in a downward direction. The notch is angled sharply in a similar way as in the bend 110 of the lever arm. In one example, the notch is angled at 90 degrees. In another example, the notch and overall shape of the lever arm are angled to the same degree. The shape of the notch can be configured to complement the shape of another portion of the firearm. For instance, the notch can complement a sharply angled portion of the receiver 60 such that surfaces on the lever arm around the notch contact surfaces on the portion of the receiver when the portion of the receiver is positioned in the notch.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, the base 89 of the handle 70 defines a base length 148 between the forward surface 138 and the rearward surface 106. In the assembled firearm 50, the base length is oriented along the bolt axis 76 (i.e., the same direction as the bolt length). In comparison to the bolt length 114, the base length 148 is shorter such that base 80 can be positioned fully on the bolt 68, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

[0050] The base further defines a pin path 150 on the outer surface 130. The pin path denotes the position of the pin 74 relative to the handle 70 as the handle rotates about the bolt. In the illustrated example, the pin path is oriented frilly transversely to the direction of the bolt axis. Accordingly, the handle can rotate about the bolt axis without translating in a direction along the bolt axis relative to the bolt. As should be appreciated, the pin path could be oriented in another direction, such as partially in a direction along the bolt axis. The base can define the shape of the pin opening 92 by sweeping the cross-section of the pin 74 along the pin path 150. By defining the shape of the pin opening 92 based on the pin path and cross-section of the pin, the handle is configured to move such that the pin moves directly along the pin path as the handle rotates. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly 62. As shown, the pin extends from a head end 154 to a shank end 156. The head end is greater in width than the shank end. In the illustrated embodiment, the head end is positioned upwards relative to the shank end of the pin. The pin defines a pin height 158 between the head end 154 and the shank end 156. The pin is configured to couple to the bolt and the handle on the shank end. As shown, the pin extends through the pin opening 92 on the handle 70 and the pin opening 1 18 on the bolt 68 neat* the head end 154. The shank end 156 of the pin is positioned within the bolt and the handie. In the illustrated example, the pin extends fully through the bolt height. In another example, the pin height is less than or equal to the combined bolt height and base thickness.

[0051] The pin 74 can further include pin ridges 160 along the pin height. The pin ridges define a greater maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., width) than adjacent portions of the pin. Advantageously, the pin ridges are configured to contact portions of the striker frame 96 and / or other internal portion of the bolt assembly 62 so as to resist removal of the pin from within the bolt assembly.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, the receiver 60 defines a receiver opening 162 on a bottom side of the receiver. As shown, the receiver opening is generally rectangular in shape. The receiver opening is shaped such that when the protrusions 140 are positioned within the receiver opening, one protrusion is positioned on one side of the receiver opening and the other protrusion is positioned on an opposite side of the receiver opening. In one example, the protrusions are positioned such that one protrusion contacts one side of the receiver opening and the other protrusion contacts an opposite side of the receiver opening. Advantageously, such an arrangement can limit rotation of the handle 70 about the bolt axis 76 in more than one direction while permitting translation of the handle along the bolt axis relative to the receiver 60.

[0053] As illustrated, the protrusions 140 define a gap width 166 between each other. The gap width can be configured to provide space for one or more parts of the firearm 50. For example, the gap can be configured to provide clearance for a sear of the trigger assembly when the bolt is reciprocated rearwardly. The gap width 166 may be greater than and / or equal to a width 168 of a ledge of the striker frame.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 12, the receiver 60 further defines a protrusion channel 170. The protrusion channel extends at least partially around the circumference of the receiver and provides a space for the protrusions 140 on the base 80 of the handle 70. Through the protrusion channel, the handle is able to rotate within the receiver. Preferably, the protrusion channel does not limit the range of rotation of the bolt handle relative to the receiver when the protrusions 140 are positioned in the protrusion channel 170.

[0055] Preferably, the protrusions are configured to contact forward and / or rearward facing surfaces of the protrusion channel such that translational movement of the bolt handle is limited along the bolt axis 76. In one example, the length of the protrusion channel along the bolt axis is at least the same length as the protrusions along the bolt axis. In another example, the receiver 60 may define a protrusion channel 170 per protrusion 140 on the handle 70.

[0056] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0057] 1. A bolt handle for a firearm, the bolt handle comprising: a base having a base length defined from a first end to a second end and defining a first opening through said base length; and a lever atm that extends from said base along a direction transverse to said base length, wherein said lever arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end is located closer to said base than said distal end; wherein said base has an outer surface and defines a wall thickness between said first opening and said outer surface; wherein said base defines a second opening that extends through said wall thickness; and wherein a perimeter of said second opening is closed.

[0058] 2. The bolt handle of clause 1, wherein said first opening of said base is configured to receive a portion of a bolt of the firearm,

[0059] 3. The bolt handle of any preceding clause, wherein a perimeter of said first opening is closed.

[0060] 4. The bolt handle of any preceding clause, wherein said base includes one or more protrusions that extend outwardly from said outer surface.

[0061] 5. The bolt handle of clause 4, wherein one or more protrusions includes two protrusions defining a gap width therebetween.

[0062] 6. The bolt handle of clause 5, wherein said base is configured to contact a striker frame, and wherein said gap width is greater than or equal to a width of said striker frame.

[0063] 7. The bolt handle of any of clauses 4-6, wherein said base is configured to rotate within a receiver on the firearm, wherein the receiver defines an opening, and wherein said one or more protrusions are arranged such that when said one or more protrusions are positioned in the opening, said one or more protrusions contact sides of the opening to limit rotational movement of the base around the first opening.

[0064] 8. The bolt handle of any of clauses 4-7, wherein said one or more protrusions do not limit rotational movement of the base around the first opening within the receiver when said one or more protrusions are positioned in a protrusion channel defined by the receiver.

[0065] 9. The bolt handle of any preceding clause, wherein said lever arm defines a notch on said proximal end, and wherein said notch receives one or more parts of the firearm at least at one time during operation of the firearm.

[0066] 10. The bolt handle of any preceding clause, wherein a cross-section of said first opening is circular.

[0067] 1 1 . The bolt handle of any preceding clause, wherein said wall thickness of said base is consistent around a circumference of the first opening.

[0068] 12. A bolt assembly for a firearm, the bolt assembly comprising: a bolt having a bolt length defined from a first end to a second end and having a thickness extending in a direction transverse to said length, wherein a pin opening is defined through said thickness; and a handle, wherein said handle includes: a base having a base length defined from a first end to a second end and defining a first opening through said base length; and a lever arm extending from said base along a direction transverse to said base length, wherein said lever arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end is closer to said base than said distal end; wherein said base has an outer surface and defines a wall thickness between said first opening and said outer surface; wherein said base defines a second opening extending through said wall thickness; and wherein said second opening has a closed perimeter. wherein a portion of said bolt is positioned inside said first opening of said base, and wherein said base is positioned between said first end and said second end of said bolt.

[0069] 13. The bolt assembly of clause 12, further comprising: a pin having a pin length defined between a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said pin is positioned inside said bolt, and said pin extends through said opening on said bolt and through said second opening on said base of said handle. 14. The bolt assembly of clause 13, wherein said second opening of said base defines an elongate path along which the pin travels when the base is rotated relative to the bolt.

[0070] 15. The bolt assembly of any of clauses 12-14, wherein a rearward-facing surface on said first end of said base of said bolt handle defines sloped and plateau portions.

[0071] 16. The bolt assembly of any of clauses 12- 15, further comprising: a striker frame, wherein said bolt assembly defines an axis along said bolt length, and wherein said striker frame translates along said axis relative to said bolt.

[0072] 17. The bolt assembly of clause 16, wherein said striker frame is configured to translate rearwardly along said axis as said bolt handle rotates about said axis in a first rotational direction and as said striker frame contacts said reward-facing surface on said first end.

[0073] 18. The bolt assembly of any of clauses 16- 17, further comprising: a bolt shroud is positioned on a rearward end of said bolt and covering a rearward end of said striker frame.

[0074] 19. The bolt assembly of clause 18, wherein said base contacts a rearward facing surface of said bolt,

[0075] 20. The bolt assembly of any of clauses 12-19, wherein said first opening has a closed perimeter.

[0076] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A bolt handle for a firearm, the bolt handle comprising: a base having a base length defined from a first end to a second end and defining a first opening through said base length; and a lever arm that extends from said base along a direction transverse to said base length, wherein said lever arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end is located closer to said base than said distal end; wherein said base has an outer surface and defines a wail thickness between said first opening and said outer surface; wherein said base defines a second opening that extends through said wall thickness; and wherein a perimeter of said second opening is closed.

2. The bolt handle of claim 1 , wherein said first opening of said base is configured to receive a portion of a bolt of the firearm.

3. The bolt handle of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of said first opening is closed.

4. The bolt handle of claim 1 , wherein said base includes one or more protrusions that extend outwardly from said outer surface.

5. The bolt handle of claim 4, wherein one or more protrusions includes two protrusions defining a gap width therebetween.

6. The bolt handle of claim 5, wherein said base is configured to contact a striker frame, and wherein said gap width is greater than or equal to a width of said striker frame,7. The bolt handle of claim 4, wherein said base is configured to rotate wi thin a receiver on the firearm, wherein the receiver defines an opening, and wherein said one or more protrusions are arranged such that when said one or more protrusions are positioned in the opening, said one or more protrusions contact sides of the opening to limit rotational movement of the base around the first opening.

8. 'l?he bolt handle of claim 7, wherein said one or more protrusions do not limitrotational movement of the base around the first opening within the receiver when said one or more protrusions are positioned in a protrusion channel defined by the receiver.

9. The bol t handle of claim 1 , whe rein said lever arm defines a notch on said proximal end, and wherein said notch receives one or more parts of the firearm at least at one time during operation of the firearm.

10. The bolt handle of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of said first opening is circular.11 . The bolt handle of claim 1 , wherein said wall thickness of said base is consistent around a circumference of the first opening.

12. A bolt assembly for a firearm, the bolt assembly comprising: a bolt having a bolt length defined from a first end to a second end and having a thickness extending in a direction transverse to said length, wherein a pin opening is defined through said thickness; and a handle, wherein said handle includes: a base having a base length defined from a first end to a second end and defining a first opening through said base length; and a lever arm extending from said base along a direction transverse to said base length, wherein said lever arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end is closer to said base than said distal end; wherein said base has an outer surface and defines a wall thickness between said first opening and said outer surface; wherein said base defines a second opening extending through said wall thickness; and wherein said second opening has a closed perimeter. wherein a portion of said bolt is positioned inside said first opening of said base, and wherein said base is positioned between said first end and said second end of said bolt,13. The bolt assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a pin having a pin length defined between a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said pin is positioned inside said bolt, and said pin extends through said opening on said bolt and through said second opening on said base of said handle.

14. The bolt assembly of claim 13, wherein said second opening of said base defines an elongate path along which the pin travels when the base is rotated relative to the bolt.

15. The bolt assembly of claim 12, wherein a rearward- facing surface on said first end of said base of said bolt handle defines sloped and plateau portions,16. The bolt assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a striker frame, wherein said bolt assembly defines an axis along said bolt length, and wherein said striker frame translates along said axis relative to said bolt.

17. The bolt assembly of claim 16, wherein said striker frame is configured to translate rearwardly along said axis as said bolt handle rotates about said axis in a first rotational direction and as said striker frame contacts said reward-facing surface on said first end.

18. The bol t assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a bolt shroud is positioned on a rearward end of said bolt and covering a rearward end of said striker frame.

19. The bolt assembly of claim 18, wherein said base contacts a rearward facing surface of said bolt.

20. The bolt assembly of claim 12, wherein said first opening hits a closed perimeter.

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