Support structure for optics applicable to a rifle and related assembly

Abstract

A support structure for optics adapted for application to a rifle. The rifle includes a butt, a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis, a magazine assembly, and a trigger. The magazine assembly is constrained to the remaining parts of the rifle at two or more constraint points, through two or more fastening members, located proximate the trigger. The support structure includes a positioning portion to support and constrain an optics unit; a constraining portion to constrain the support structure to the rifle; and a body adapted to mutually connect the positioning portion and the constraining portion. The constraining portion has at least two constraint elements; the two constraint elements being adapted to be positioned at the constraint points located proximate to the trigger, and being adapted to be constrained to the rifle by two fastening members, which constrain the magazine assembly to the rifle at the constraint points.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for optics adapted for application to a rifle. In addition, the present invention relates to an assembly including a rifle and a support structure for optics.

[0002] Several types of rifles are known which are prearranged for removably fastening an optics unit, e.g. a telescope, a pointer, etc.

[0003] Rifles are also known which were not designed to receive optics, e.g. old and / or collector's rifles, and which are only equipped with iron sights on the rifle's barrel. The need is therefore felt by people using such rifles, whether for hunting, sporting or gaming purposes, to be able to associate therewith a sighting system other than just iron sights.

[0004] Support devices are known for supporting an optics unit, such as a telescopic sight, and for associating it with optics-lacking rifles.

[0005] Support devices are known which comprise a small support frame, typically made of metallic material, which can be associated with the rifle's structure either permanently, by welding, or through removable fastening members, such as screws, which can be inserted through suitable fastening holes that need to be drilled beforehand in the metal structure of the rifle.

[0006] One drawback of such devices is that they are invasive, because they can only be fastened after subjecting the rifle's structure to permanent, invasive machining. This aspect is even more disadvantageous for old and / or collector's rifles, which undergo aesthetical damage causing a reduction in value and worth.

[0007] Italian patent application no. 1020089001606816 by Campanerut Marcello discloses support devices wherein, instead of requiring holes to be drilled in the rifle's structure, clamping elements act upon several parts of the rifle in order to securely hold the support devices in place. Such a solution, although less invasive than those described above, is likely to cause surface damage to the rifle where said clamping elements are applied. Indeed, in order to ensure proper stability, it is necessary that the clamping elements exert a remarkable compression force on small portions of the rifle, which may be damaged by such pressure, particularly those portions made of materials such as wood. Moreover, in case of incorrect, in particular insufficient, tightening, any consequent movement of the support device on the rifle may cause scratches or marks on the rifle's structure, resulting in aesthetical damage impairing the value and worth of the rifle.

[0008] In the current state of the art, it is therefore still very difficult to equip such rifle types, most of which were not designed to be fitted with sighting devices other than iron sights, with an optics unit without making permanent modifications to the rifle's structure, e.g. welds or threaded holes, or without the risk of causing damage to the rifle itself, e.g. impressions and / or chisel marks, etc. caused by clamping systems.

[0009] The present invention aims at solving the technical problems suffered by the prior art, in particular by providing a support structure which is non-invasive and which causes no (incidental) damage to the rifle to which it is applied.

[0010] The present solution makes it possible to associate an optics unit also to old and / or collector's rifles without causing thereto any aesthetic damage or loss of value or worth.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a support structure for optics having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

[0012] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly including a rifle and a support structure having the features set out in the appended claim 9.

[0013] The features and advantages of the structure and assembly will become clear and apparent in light of the following description of some possible embodiments thereof, provided herein by way of non-limiting example, as well as from the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C show different axonometric views of the rifle, the support structure and the associated optics unit, also assembled together, according to one possible embodiment; in particular, FIG. 1A shows an assembled view of the assembly; FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of the assembly; and FIG. 1C shows the underside of a rifle, where there are two constraint points and respective screws, through which the support structure can be constrained to the rifle;

[0015] FIGS. 2A-2F show several views of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of the support structure; in particular, FIG. 2A shows a view of the structure from a first side; FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the structure; FIG. 2C shows an axonometric view of the structure; FIG. 2D shows a view of the structure from a second side; FIG. 2E shows another axonometric view of the structure; FIG. 2F shows a top view of the structure.

[0016] With reference to above-listed figures, reference numeral 3 designates as a whole a support structure as such. Reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a rifle as such.

[0017] Support structure 3 according to the present invention is adapted to support an optics unit “O”.

[0018] For the purposes of the present description, the term optics unit “O” refers to pointing optics, which are systems capable of assisting the rifle user in identifying the target and / or the area where the target will be struck; said optics unit being, for example, scopes, optical pointers, e.g. laser pointers, infrared and / or night vision systems, etc.

[0019] Support structure 3 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for application to rifles 1, e.g. for fastening optics units “O” to rifles 1 not designed to receive optics units “O”, e.g. old and / or collector's rifles, which may, for example, be only equipped with iron sights on barrel 13 of rifle 1.

[0020] Each one of said rifles 1, with which a support structure 3 according to the present invention can be associated, comprises a butt 11, at least one barrel 13 extending along a longitudinal axis “L”, a magazine assembly 15, and a trigger 16.

[0021] Said magazine assembly 15 is constrained to the remaining parts of rifle 1 at two or more constraint points, through two or more fastening members, e.g. screws “S”, wherein said two or more constraint points are located in proximity to said trigger 16, e.g. upstream and downstream of said trigger 16 with reference to said longitudinal axis “L”.

[0022] Preferably, screws “S” go through magazine assembly 15 and thread into a sliding breech 152 of rifle 1. In this rifle embodiment, butt 11 is clamped between said magazine assembly 15 and said sliding breech 152. Preferably, said screws “S” go also through said butt 11.

[0023] Preferably, said fastening members or screws “S”, and hence said constraint points, are only two in number.

[0024] Said support structure 3 according to the present invention comprises a positioning portion 32. Said positioning portion 32 is adapted to support and constrain an optics unit “O”.

[0025] Said support structure 3 according to the present invention comprises a constraining portion 36. Said constraining portion 36 is adapted to constrain said support structure 3 to a rifle 1.

[0026] Moreover, said support structure 3 according to the present invention comprises a body 34. Said body 34 is adapted to mutually connect said positioning portion 32 and said constraining portion 36.

[0027] Preferably, said support structure 3 according to the present invention is configured to arrange said positioning portion 32 along an axis substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis “L” of barrel 13 of rifle 1, said positioning portion 32 being preferably so positioned as to allow the desired optics unit “O” to be set into the best position for making subsequent adjustments of optics unit “O”.

[0028] Said support structure 3 according to the present invention is designed in a manner such that said constraining portion 36 comprises at least two constraint elements 362. Said constraint elements 362 are adapted to said constraint points upstream and be positioned at downstream of said trigger 16. Said constraint points 362 are also adapted to be constrained to said rifle 1 by means of two or more fastening members, e.g. screws “S”, which constrain said magazine assembly 15 to rifle 1, at said constraint points, in particular located in proximity to said trigger 16, being for example located upstream and downstream of said trigger 16 with reference to said longitudinal axis “L”.

[0029] The present invention makes it possible to exploit existing constraint points on portions or parts of rifle 1 in order to securely fasten, in a non-invasive manner, support structure 3 to rifles 1 that are typically not prearranged for supporting an optics unit “O”.

[0030] The present invention makes it possible to arrange positioning portion 32 into a position suitable for positioning an optics unit “O” on rifle 1 in order to improve the pointing ability of rifle 1 without causing any (incidental) damage to rifle 1 whereto support structure 3 has been applied. Therefore, the present invention allows associating an optics unit “O” even with an old and / or collector's rifle 1 without causing thereto any aesthetic and / or structural damage.

[0031] In a preferred, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of said support structure 3 according to the present invention, said constraint elements 362 of said constraining portion 36 are bushings. Each one of said bushings 362 is adapted to receive a fastening member, e.g. a screw “S”, and the same bushing 362 is adapted to be coupled to said constraint points available on rifle 1.

[0032] The present embodiment provides a connection which is less invasive even visually, since the head of the fastening members, in particular of screws “S”, can be hidden to view, thus being both safer and more aesthetically pleasant.

[0033] In the present embodiment, said bushings are designed to be inserted, at least partly, into the hole that defines the constraint points available on rifle 1, thereby improving the tightening performance of the fastening members, in particular of screws “S”.

[0034] More generally, said constraint points available on rifle 1 are holes in which said constraint elements are positioned, preferably threaded holes adapted to receive a screw “S”.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of support structure 3 according to the present invention, said body 34 has a concave conformation, e.g. a “C” shape. Said concave shape of body 34 is such that said positioning portion 32 lies over said sliding breech 152 of rifle 1, starting from said constraining portion 36, without connecting to any other parts of rifle 1. In this way, after fastening an optics unit “O” onto said constraining portion 36, the user of rifle 1 will be able to use said optics unit “O” to improve the sighting of the target.

[0036] Preferably, said support structure 3, more specifically said body 34, is positioned on the side of rifle 1 which is opposite the side of a breech cylinder 154, in particular on the side of the rifle opposite the side on which breech cylinder 154 can be operated. The present solution avoids that said support structure 3 might interfere with the movement of said breech cylinder 154.

[0037] The concave shape of body 34 ensures that support structure 3 will not connect to or act upon any parts of rifle 1, which may otherwise suffer damage due to the presence of support structure 3 either when the rifle is not in use, e.g. during installation, or while rifle 1 is firing a cartridge 1, e.g. due to the recoiling action. In fact, support structure 3 is designed to withstand recoil-induced stresses when a cartridge is fired.

[0038] Preferably, the structure of said body 34 is so designed that its width, parallel to said longitudinal axis “L”, and it height, perpendicular to said longitudinal axis “L”, are greater by at least one order of magnitude than the thickness of said body 34. Such a solution ensures that support structure 3 will take little room once applied to rifle 1 and forming an assembly therewith.

[0039] More generally, said positioning portion 32, said body 34 and said constraining portion 36 are designed to support an optics unit “O” and hold it firmly, thus preventing optics unit “O” and / or said support structure 3, or even just a part thereof, from moving relative to rifle 1, and particularly relative to butt 11 and magazine assembly 15.

[0040] In one possible embodiment of said support structure 3 according to the present invention, constraint elements 362 of said constraining portion 36 are connected to said body 34 by means of first arms 342. This embodiment makes it easier to reach the constraint points, while allowing body 34 to be made sufficiently solid to guarantee the desired stress resistance. Furthermore, the present solution makes it possible to design said constraining portions 36 as a function of the model of rifle 1 to which said support structure 3 will have to be fastened. In fact, the distance between said first arms 342 and the shape of the same may vary according to the model of rifle 1 to which support structure 3 will have to be applied.

[0041] More generally, support structure 3 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for application to rifles 1 in which said constraint points, which allow magazine assembly 15 to be connected to the remaining parts of rifle 1, are located upstream and downstream of trigger 16, in particular upstream and downstream of trigger guard 162 with reference to longitudinal axis “L” of barrel 13. In a preferred embodiment, said trigger guard 162 is made as one piece with said magazine assembly 15.

[0042] In the present embodiment comprising said first arms 342, said constraint points can be reached without interfering with said trigger guard 162 and with the operability of said trigger 16.

[0043] In one possible embodiment of support structure 3 according to the present invention, said positioning portion 32 is secured to said body 34 in a removable manner. The present embodiment allows replacing said positioning portion 32 according to the characteristics of optics unit “O” to be used; for example, said positioning portions 32 may have a different longitudinal extension as a function of the type of optics unit “O” to be used and / or of the desired adjustment range of said optics unit “O”.

[0044] In the present embodiment, said positioning portion 32 is secured to body 34 through two or more fastening members, e.g. screws, bolts and / or other equivalent removable fastening means. Such fastening members are so arranged that they cannot come in contact with any parts of rifle 1 once support structure 3 has been applied to rifle 1.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of said support structure 3 according to the present invention, said positioning portion 32 is made as one piece with said body 34, the latter being monolithic. The present embodiment provides a stable support structure 3 which is not subject to relative movements between its parts.

[0046] In general, said positioning portion 32 is of the weaver, picatinny, or other similar and / or equivalent types.

[0047] Generally, in illustrative an and non-limiting embodiment of said support structure 3, said positioning portion 32 is connected to said body 34 by means of second arms 344. The present embodiment permits setting said positioning portion 32 into the desired position, e.g. over sliding breech 152 of rifle 1, on different models of rifle 1. For example, in fact, the shape of butt 11 of rifle 1 may vary in both thickness and height.

[0048] In one possible embodiment of support structure 3 according to the present invention, said body 34 comprises a stiffening portion. Said stiffening portion is, for example, a thicker portion and / or a member rigidly fixed to said body 34 to increase the stiffness of body 34 and prevent any undesired torsion. The present embodiment makes it possible to improve the performance of support structure 3 by giving it the desired stress resistance, e.g. as a function of the type of rifle 1.

[0049] In one possible embodiment (not shown), the length and / or the mutual distance of said first arms 342 and / or said second arms 344 and / or said body 34 can be changed by means of adjustment systems in order to adjust the length and / or the mutual distance of said arms (342, 344) to adapt them to the model of rifle 1 with which said support structure 3 is to be associated. For example, said adjustment systems are of the telescopic type, e.g. slidable with shape coupling, so that the arms can be made to slide relative to each other so as to adjust their length and / or mutual distance while preventing them from turning. The present embodiment permits the use of a single support structure 3 on different types of rifles 1.

[0050] FIG. 1B shows an exploded axonometric view of a support structure 3 adapted to support an optics unit “O”. The same support structure 3 is adapted to be coupled to a rifle 1. Said optics unit “O” is a telescopic sight. FIG. 1B shows a rifle 1 comprising a butt 11, a barrel 13 extending along a longitudinal axis “L”, and a magazine assembly 15. Said magazine assembly 15 comprises a trigger guard 162 protecting trigger 16 against accidental actuation. Rifle 1 comprises also a sliding breech 152, on which the barrel is fixed 13, a breech cylinder 154, and a trigger 16.

[0051] Rifle 1 illustrated in FIG. 1B is so designed that said magazine assembly 15 and said butt 11 are constrained, as previously specified herein, by means of two fastening members, in particular two screws “S”, which are shown to be coupled to the constraining portion 36 of support structure 3 at said constraint points, the latter being located in proximity to said trigger 16, in particular upstream and downstream of said trigger guard 162, with reference to said longitudinal axis “L”.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, said support structure 3 comprises a positioning portion 32 adapted to support and constrain optics unit “O”; and a constraining portion 36 adapted to constrain said support structure 3 to rifle 1. As previously specified herein, said screws “S” are associated with said constraining portion 36.

[0053] Said support structure 3 further comprises a body 34 adapted to mutually join said positioning portion 32 and said constraining portion 36. In particular, said constraining portion 36 is connected to said body 34 by means of first arms342. Said positioning portion 32 is connected to said body 34 by means of second arms 344.

[0054] Support structure 3 shown in FIG. 1B is adapted to be constrained to rifle 1 at constraint points that connect said magazine assembly 15 to the remaining parts of rifle 1 through said screws “S”, as previously specified herein.

[0055] FIG. 1C shows the underside of a rifle 1, where two constraint points and respective screws “S” are visible, through which support structure 3 can be constrained to rifle 1. In particular, FIG. 1C shows magazine assembly 15, which includes a trigger guard 162 adapted to protect trigger 16. Upstream and downstream of trigger 16 and trigger guard 162, with reference to longitudinal axis “L” of the barrel, there are two screws “S” which are adapted to constrain magazine assembly 15 to the remaining parts of rifle 1, as previously specified herein. FIG. 1C also shows said butt 11, said sliding breech 152, and said breech cylinder 154.

[0056] FIGS. 2A-2F show different views of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of support structure 3 according to the present invention.

[0057] In particular, FIG. 2A shows a view of support structure 3 from a first side. In FIG. 2A, one can see that said constraining portion 36 comprises constraint elements 362 in the form of bushings. Said constraining portion 36 is connected to said body 34 by means of first arms 342. The disposition, height and mutual distance of said constraint elements 362 shall depend on the characteristics of the rifle to which said support structure 3 is to be coupled. According to the present embodiment, rifle 1 has constraint points for said magazine assembly 15, which lie at different heights relative to said longitudinal axis “L”.

[0058] Said positioning portion 32 is fixed to said body 3 by means of said second arms 344. The disposition, length and mutual distance of said second arms 344 shall depend on the type of positioning portion 32 in use, which will have to be chosen as a function of the type of optics unit to be associated with said positioning portion 32. The illustrated shape and structure of body 34 are merely exemplificative, and such as to ensure adequate stability of support structure 3.

[0059] FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the support structure. In FIG. 2B, one can see that said positioning portion 32 is arranged parallel to said longitudinal axis “L”. Also, said constraint elements 362 of constraining portion 36 lie at different heights to be able to reach the respective constraint points and be constrained to rifle 1. The present embodiment 2B makes it possible to understand how said support structure 3, and particularly said body 34, can assume, through said arms (342, 344), a concave shape, e.g. a “C” shape. The concave shape of body 34 is such as to place said positioning portion 32 above said sliding breech 152, starting from said constraining portion 36, without connecting to any other parts of rifle 1. Thus, after positioning an optics unit “O” on said positioning portion 32, the user of rifle1 will be able to use said optics unit “O” to improve the sighting of the target. FIG. 2B clearly shows that bushings 362 of constraining portion 36 lie at different heights, while however being mutually aligned. Such height difference shall depend on the type of rifle 1 for which said support structure 3 is intended.

[0060] FIG. 2C shows an axonometric view of support structure 3. Said FIG. 2C clearly shows further construction details of body 34, including the first arms 342 and second arms 344. FIG. 2C also shows one possible conformation of bushings 362 of constraining portion 36. In this FIG. 2C one can also see that body 34 has a concave structure, assuming a “C” shape.

[0061] FIG. 2D shows a view of support structure 3 from a second side, in particular from the side opposite the side shown in FIG. 2A. 2D Figure also shows further construction details of the support structure, and particularly of said body 34, first arms 342 and second arms 344 thereof.

[0062] FIG. 2E shows another axonometric view of support structure 3. From FIG. 2E one can understand that said body 34 has a structure that does not significantly alter the volume of the rifle associated therewith, since the thickness of said body 34 is essentially negligible, in addition to not interfering with either said trigger guard 162 or the operability of said trigger 16. This aspect is also visible in FIG. 2B.

[0063] Lastly, FIG. 2F shows a top view of support structure 3. In FIG. 2F it can be seen that support structure 3 is very compact and remains adherent to the profile of rifle 1.

[0064] Support structure 3 according to the present invention is particularly suited to be associated with a rifle 1, thus defining an assembly.

[0065] One aspect of the present invention relates, in fact, to an assembly including a rifle 1 and a support structure 3 for optics “O”.

[0066] Said rifle 1 comprises a butt 11 and at least one barrel 13, which extends along a longitudinal axis “L”. Said rifle 1 further comprises a magazine assembly 15 and a trigger 16. Said trigger 16 is suitably surrounded by said trigger guard 162, which is adapted to protect the latter against accidental actuation. Preferably, said magazine assembly 15 comprises said trigger guard 162.

[0067] Said magazine assembly 15 is constrained to the remaining parts of rifle 1 at two or more constraint points through two or more fastening members, e.g. two or more screws “S”. Said constraint points are located in proximity to said trigger 16, in particular upstream and downstream of trigger guard 162 with reference to longitudinal axis “L” of barrel 13.

[0068] Said rifle 1 further comprises a sliding breech 152 and a breech cylinder 154.

[0069] The technical features and the structure of the various parts of rifle 1 may differ according to the model of rifle 1. For this reason, they will not be described any further herein, since they are per se known to a person skilled in the art.

[0070] The assembly according to the present invention preferably includes a rifle 1 of the following types: Mauser; Mannlicher Schoenauer; 91 Carcano Mannlicher; Springfield, or similar rifles, wherein two screws “S” secure said magazine assembly 15 to rifle 1, one before and one behind trigger 16.

[0071] Generally, support structure 3 according to the present invention can be associated, thereby forming an assembly, with any rifle 1 wherein said magazine assembly is constrained to the remaining parts of rifle 1 at two constraint points, e.g. by means of two screws “S”, and wherein said constraint points are located in proximity to said trigger 16, in particular one upstream and the other downstream of trigger guard 162.

[0072] More generally, said optics unit “O” is fixed to said positioning portion 32 in manners known to those skilled in the art. For this reason, such aspect will not be described in further detail.

[0073] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the assembly including rifle 1 and support structure 3 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1A, one can see a rifle 1 of the 91 Carcano Mannlicher type associated with a support structure 3 whereon an optics unit “O”, in the form of a scope, has been fixed. Said rifle 1 comprises a butt 11, a barrel 13, a magazine assembly 15, and a trigger 16, suitably surrounded by said trigger guard 162.

[0074] FIG. 1A clearly shows that constraining portions 36 of support structure 3 are engaged with the constraint points located in proximity to trigger 16, in particular upstream and downstream of trigger guard 162.

[0075] In FIG. 1A, one can see that said support structure 3 comprises: a positioning portion 32, to which said optics unit “O” is secured; said constraining portion 36, comprising constraint elements 362; and a body 34, which mutually joins said positioning portion 32 and said constraining portion 36.

[0076] Generally, the present invention makes it possible to create an assembly formed of a rifle 1 and a support structure 3 by executing the following steps: removing screws “S” that constrain said magazine assembly 15 to rifle 1 at said constraint points located in proximity to trigger guard 162; positioning the two bushings 362 of constraining portion 36 of support structure 3 at said constraint points; positioning body 34 and positioning portion 32 around rifle 1, with said positioning portion 32 above sliding breech 152 of rifle 1; fastening said support structure 3 to rifle 1 by tightening the two screws “S”. Preferably, the two screws “S” used during the above step of fastening are screws “S” that are longer than screws “S” removed during the above step of removing, in particular the screws “S” used during the above step of fastening are longer than screws “S” removed during the above step of removing by a length at most equal to the thickness of the bushings 362.

[0077] The present invention makes it possible, therefore, to easily mount support structure 3 to rifle 1, ensuring very good stability and reliability.

[0078] Support structure 3 according to the present invention, once connected to rifle 1, is not in contact with any other part of rifle 1 except the constraint points where magazine assembly 15 is secured to rifle 1, in particular through the seats of the two screws “S”. In addition, the present invention also permits, through said positioning portion 32, the installation of any type of optics unit “O”, whether a red-dot laser sight or a pointing or vision device, e.g. by selecting a positioning portion 32 having the most appropriate shape, e.g. of the weaver or picatinny type.

[0079] The present invention makes it possible to constrain and hold in position optics unit “O”, e.g. a scope, by using constraint points already available on rifle 1, particularly at least two screws “S” located on the underside of rifle 1, in proximity to trigger 16.

[0080] Although it is a simple solution, support structure 3 is reliable and does not jeopardize the structural integrity of parts of rifle 1, while not causing the rifle to undergo any aesthetic damage that might impair its value and worth.

[0081] The present invention is, therefore, particularly suitable for application to rifles 1 originally designed for military use, and derivatives thereof, which are assembled by means of two screws, i.e. one before and one behind trigger guard 162, which are threaded into sliding breech 152 to mechanically clamp butt 11 of rifle 1 between sliding breech 152 and magazine assembly 15. Of course, other units are also included in rifle 1, such as the trigger mechanism unit and the cartridge loading unit, which may vary among different models of rifle 1, and which, for this reason, will not be described in further detail herein.

[0082] The present invention does not affect the original iron sights with which such types of rifles 1 are equipped, which can still be used.

[0083] Any alternative embodiments of support structure 3 and of the assembly which have not been described in detail herein, but which will be apparent to a person skilled in the art in light of the contents of the present patent application, shall be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.REFERENCE NUMERALSRifle1Butt11Barrel13Magazine assembly15Sliding breech152Breech cylinder154Trigger16Trigger guard162Support structure3Positioning portion32Body34First arms342Second arms344Constraining portion36Constraint elements362Longitudinal axis“L”Optics unit“O”Screws“S”

Claims

1. A support structure for optics adapted for application to rifles a rifle, the latter rifle comprising a butt, at least one barrel extending along a longitudinal axis, a magazine assembly, and a trigger, wherein said magazine assembly is constrained to the remaining parts of the rifle at two or more constraint points, through one or more fastening members located upstream and downstream of said trigger with reference to said longitudinal axis;said support structure comprising:a positioning portion adapted to support and constrain an optics unit;a constraining portion adapted to constrain said support structure to the rifle;a body adapted to mutually connect said positioning portion and said constraining portion;wherein said constraining portion comprises at least two constraint elements; said two constraint elements being adapted to be positioned at said constraint points located upstream and downstream of said trigger, and being adapted to be constrained to said rifle by two or more fastening members, which constrain said magazine assembly to said rifle at said constraint points.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said constraint elements of said constraining portion are bushings, each one of the constraint elements being adapted to receive a fastening member, and to be coupled to said constraint points.

3. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said body has a concave conformation, so that said positioning portion lies over a sliding breech of the rifle, starting from said constraining portion, without connecting to any other parts of the rifle.

4. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said positioning portion is removably fastened to said body.

5. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said positioning portion is made as one piece with said body, the latter body being monolithic.

6. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said constraint elements of said constraining portion are connected to said body by first arms.

7. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said positioning portion is connected to said body by second arms.

8. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises a stiffening portion.

9. An assembly comprising a rifle and a support structure for optics, wherein said rifle comprises: a butt; at least one barrel, extending along a longitudinal axis; a magazine assembly; and a trigger;said magazine assembly being constrained to the remaining parts of the rifle at two or more constraint points, through two or more fastening members, located upstream and downstream of said trigger with reference to said longitudinal axis; wherein said support structure comprising the support structure according to claim 1.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said rifle is one of the following types of rifles:Mauser; Mannlicher Schoenauer; 91 Carcano Mannlicher; Springfield, or similar rifles.

11. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein said body has a concave conformation with a “C” shape, so that said positioning portion lies over a sliding breech of the rifle, starting from said constraining portion, without connecting to any other parts of the rifle.

12. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the one or more fastening members constraining said magazine assembly to the remaining parts of the rifle comprise screws.

13. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the two or more fastening members to constrain said two constraint elements comprises screws.

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