US20100154274A1

US20100154274A1 - Receiver-stock connector

Info

Publication number: US20100154274A1
Application number: US12/718,278
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey W. Stone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: RA Brands LLC
Priority date: 2007-09-07
Filing date: 2010-03-05
Publication date: 2010-06-24

Abstract

A receiver-stock connector (5) allows for secure attachment of various stocks to firearm receivers. The receiver (110) can be configured so that firearm components can be mounted in the receiver through an open rear end (112) of the receiver.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US07/019,535, filed Sep. 7, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to firearms, and in particular to a receiver-stock connector system that facilitates assembly and disassembly of firearms.

BACKGROUND

Conventional firearms typically are assembled from their component parts in relatively complex assembly processes. For example, receivers for some conventional firearms may be curved at the rear end of the receiver to create a smooth transition surface from the receiver to the stock. The curved rear end of the receiver typically has a relatively small opening area that is reduced by the inward curvature at the rear of the receiver. This small opening area at the rear of the receiver may, however, render it difficult or impossible to properly insert the bolt assembly into the receiver during assembly of the firearm. As a result, it may be necessary to mount the bolt assembly in the receiver through the open bottom of the receiver. Also, clearances in conventional receiver openings may require rotation and/or pivoting of the bolt assembly in order to mount the bolt assembly in the receiver, which increases the complexity of the assembly line hardware.
Typical receiver-stock connections may also lack flexibility, such as the ability to attach varying stock types to the receiver. For example, receiver-stock connections that involve machining of the receiver according to certain specifications may preclude the use of varying stocks with the receiver, or may require extensive adaptation to the assembly process to accommodate different stocks.
Existing receiver-stock connections also require significant time and effort to remove or change out the stock, and change out often must be done by a trained gunsmith. Such limitations discourage removal, replacement, and change out of conventional stock configurations.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a firearm comprises attaching a first connector to a firearm stock, passing a bolt assembly through an open rear end of a receiver, seating a second connector in the receiver, and biasing the first connector toward the second connector to connect the receiver to the stock.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a firearm comprises a barrel, a receiver, a stock, a first connector connected to the stock, and a second connector seated within the receiver. The first connector is biased toward the second connector by a receiver-stock attachment member, which in turn biases the receiver toward the stock. The first connector can have an exterior surface that provides a smooth continuous transition from the receiver to the stock. Because the first connector acts as a transition between the receiver and stock, it is not necessary to reduce the cross section of the rear of the receiver so that it conforms with a mating surface of the stock.
According to the above and various other aspects of the present invention, assembly of the firearm can be facilitated by translating the bolt assembly through the open rear end of the receiver. The bolt assembly can be mounted in the receiver by, for example, simple translations of the bolt assembly, including translation along the longitudinal axis or centerline of the receiver. Mounting of the bolt assembly can be achieved, for example, without undue or excessive rotation and/or pivoting of the bolt assembly.
Also according to the above and various aspects of the invention, the stock for the firearm can be easily removed and replaced with alternate stocks. The configuration of the first connector, which serves as the transition from receiver to stock, can also be varied to accommodate differing stock types. If the abovementioned aspects of the invention are practiced on an assembly line, the use of the first and second connectors allows the stock type to be changed with minimal retooling of manufacturing lines, etc.
The foregoing and various other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, which are briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm having a receiver-stock connector according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a first connector of the receiver-stock connector.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a second connector of the receiver-stock connector.

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembly step in which the first connector is attached to the stock of the firearm.

FIG. 9 illustrates an assembly step in which the second connector is seated within the receiver of the firearm.

FIG. 10 illustrates an assembly step in which the receiver is connected to the stock.

FIG. 11 is a section view of the connection of the receiver to the stock by the receiver-stock connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm 100 including a receiver 110, a stock 140, a barrel 160, a gas operating mechanism 165, and a trigger assembly 170. A longitudinal axis X1 of the firearm 100 is illustrated as extending generally parallel and collinear with the longitudinal axis of the barrel 160. The firearm 100 may also include a bolt assembly (not illustrated) which may be of conventional design, such as a bolt assembly having a bolt carrier and a rotating bolt head.
According to one aspect of the invention, the receiver 110 is connected to the stock 140 by a receiver-stock connector 5 comprising a first connector 10 and a second connector 60 (shown in FIG. 9, the second connector 60 is located within the receiver 110 and is not visible in FIG. 1). The connection between the first and second connectors 10, 60 is further illustrated in section in FIGS. 10-11. Referring to FIG. 1, in the assembled firearm 100, the first connector 10 is located between a rear end 112 of the receiver 110 and a front end 142 of the stock 140 such that the first connector 10 serves as a smooth and continuous transition piece connecting the receiver 110 to the stock 140. The second connector 60 (FIG. 11) may be slidably and removably seated within the receiver 110 and facilitates biasing of the receiver 110 toward the stock 140 during assembly of the firearm 100.
The firearm 100 may be, for example, a shotgun, rifle or other long gun having a receiver and a stock. Other firearms having a receiver and a stock could be adapted to incorporate a receiver-stock connector system and method according to the present invention. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the firearm 100 is an auto-loading rifle. In this specification, the terms “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “rear,” “forward,” etc. are determined in relation to a firearm oriented in an upright firing position as shown in FIG. 1, the barrel end of the firearm being the “forward” end of the firearm and the stock end being the “rear” end.
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the first connector 10 of the receiver-stock connector 5. The first connector 10 has a generally tubular or hollow body 12, a rear wall 20 at the rear of the body 12, a stock mounting projection 24, and a receiver mounting projection 28. A first forward alignment projection 30 and a pair of second forward alignment projections project from a forward face 32 of the body 12, while a rear alignment projection 36 projects from a rear face 38 of the rear wall 20 of the body 12. The rear wall 20 of the connector 10 may be oriented obliquely with respect to the forward face 32 of the body 12.
Referring to FIG. 2, the receiver mounting projection 28 generally includes a receiver mounting aperture 40 formed therethrough. The receiver mounting aperture 40 may be, for example, a blind bore threaded aperture. A stock mounting aperture 42 may extend through the rear wall 20 of the body 12, below and adjacent to the receiver mounting aperture 40. The body 12 of the first connector 10 has a curved top wall 44 and generally flat or planar sidewalls 46. The top wall 44, the sidewalls 46 and the rear wall 20 define a partially closed interior volume 48 of the first connector 10.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forward face 32 of the body 12 can be generally flat or planar, and can include a curved or arched section defining the curved top wall 44. The first forward alignment projection 30 projects forwardly from the forward face 32 and may have a curved or arched upper profile along the top wall 44. The arched upper profile of the first forward alignment projection 30 may be selected, for example, to conform to an upper interior surface of the receiver 110, as discussed in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second forward alignment projections 34 project forwardly from the forward face 32 at a lower portion of the connector body 12. The forward alignment projections 34 are spaced from one another across the open forward end of the body 12, and may be defined at their bottom surfaces by undercut portions 50.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear face 38 of the body 12 generally can be flat or planar and can be curved or arched at the top wall 44. The rear alignment projection 36 projects rearwardly from an upper portion of the rear face 38 and can have the form of a generally cylindrical stud with a frustoconical end, although other configurations can also be used. The stock mounting projection 24 projects downwardly and rearwardly from a medial portion of the rear wall 20 and can include a bore or cavity 54 formed therein. A plurality of spaced annular mounting ridges 56 are formed along the length of the stock mounting projection 24 to ensure the connector 10 is secured seated in the stock 140.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper profile of the top wall 44 can be curved or arched along a length of the first connector 10, in the direction of the curved arrow 57. The curved arrow 57 indicates curvature extending generally along a longitudinal (i.e., from barrel to stock) direction of the first connector 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper profile of the top wall 44 can also be curved in a transverse direction, along the curved arrow 58. Referring also to FIG. 1, in the region where the first connector 10 is adjacent the stock 140, the upper surface of the first connector and the stock can have similar or identical curvatures along the length of the firearm (i.e., longitudinal curvatures), and from one side to the other side of the firearm (i.e., transverse curvatures). Similarly, in the region where the first connector 10 is adjacent the receiver 110, the upper surface of the first connector and the receiver can have similar or identical transverse curvatures. The longitudinal and transverse curvatures of the upper profile of the top wall 44 of the first connector 10 thereby provide a substantially smooth transition surface between the receiver 110 and the stock 140 along the upper surface of the firearm 100.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the transverse curvature of the top wall 44 transitions to the generally planar sidewalls 46 of the body 12 at transitions 59. Referring also to FIG. 1, the width of the first connector 10, which corresponds to a width measured across the sidewalls 46, can also correspond to the width of the receiver 110 where the first connector 10 is joined to the receiver and to the width of the stock 140 where the first connector 10 is joined to the stock. The first connector 10 thereby provides a substantially smooth transition surface between the stock 140 and the receiver 110 at the sides of the firearm 100.
FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the second connector 60 of the receiver-stock connector 5. The second connector 60 comprises a head 62, a medial portion 64 below the head 62, two spaced elongate legs 66 extending downwardly from the medial portion 64, and a mounting wall 68 extending between and connecting the legs 66.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the medial portion 64 connects the legs 66 to the head 62, and includes curved shoulders 70 located above the points of attachment of the legs 66 to the medial portion 64. The head 62 includes a through hole bolt clearance bore 72. The bolt clearance bore 72 is sized to allow a rear of a firearm bolt to reciprocate therethrough. A through hole mounting aperture 74 extends through the inclined mounting wall 68. The mounting wall 68 has a forward face 76 that is inclined with respect to a forward face 78 of the second connector 60. The upper surface 80 of the head 62 may be curved or arched, and can generally conform in contour to an interior surface of the receiver 110, as discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 9.
According to one aspect of the invention, the firearm 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be assembled from its individual components. In general, the receiver-stock connector 5, the receiver 110, the stock 140, the barrel 160, the gas operating mechanism 165, and the trigger assembly 170, as well as a bolt assembly and other conventional elements utilized in the construction of firearms, can be supplied as separate elements and assembled together. In one exemplary method of assembly, the receiver 110, the barrel 160, and the gas operating mechanism 165 are assembled together, followed by a mounting a bolt assembly in the receiver 110. The rear of the receiver 110 is then connected to the forward end of the stock 140 using the receiver-stock connector 5. The trigger assembly 170 is afterward integrated with the remainder of the firearm at the lower end of the receiver 110. Connection of the receiver 110 and stock 140 by the receiver-stock connector 5 and mounting of the bolt assembly within the receiver are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 8-10.
FIG. 8 illustrates the first connector 10 attached to the stock 140. Referring also to FIG. 11, to attach the first connector 10 to the stock 140, the stock mounting projection 24 is pressed into a stock mounting cavity 144 in the stock. As the stock mounting projection 24 is pressed into the stock mounting cavity 144, the first connector 10 can be rotated about the stock mounting projection 24 so that the rear alignment projection 36 enters a stock alignment aperture 146 to ensure that the connector 10 is properly aligned on the stock 140. The first connector 10 can be pressed against the stock 140 until the face 38 of the rear wall 20 abuts the front end 142 of the stock 140. The mounting ridges 56 of the stock mounting projection 24 further can be sized to create an interference fit with the stock mounting cavity 144 and thereby help securely retain the first connector 10 in place.
Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, after the first connector 10 is seated on the stock 140, a threaded attachment member 150 can be passed through the stock mounting aperture 42 in the rear wall 20 and into an aperture 148 in the stock 140. The threaded member 150 is screwed into the aperture 148 to further secure the first connector 10 to the stock 140. If desired, the stock mounting cavity 144 can be filled with an adhesive medium 145 such as epoxy before attaching the first connector 10 to the stock 140. The adhesive medium 145 can be used to create a permanent attachment between the first connector 10 and the stock 140 and to help seal the stock mounting cavity as needed or desired. As shown in FIG. 8, when the first connector 10 is attached to the stock 140, the exterior profile across the stock 140 and the first connector 10 can be a substantially smooth and continuous surface.
FIG. 9 illustrates the seating of components within the receiver 110 prior to attaching the receiver to the stock 140. In FIG. 9, the trigger assembly 170 (illustrated in FIG. 1) is not yet mounted to the receiver 110. According to one aspect of the invention, before the second connector 60 is seated within the receiver 110, the rear of the receiver 110 is open for the insertion of firearm components into the receiver. For example, a bolt, a bolt carrier assembly, etc. (not illustrated) can be inserted into the receiver 110 along the longitudinal axis X2 of the receiver, which may be collinear or parallel with the longitudinal axis X1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The area of the opening at the rear of the receiver 110 is relatively large, and can generally be as large as the interior cross section of the receiver 110. Therefore, components having dimensions that are as large as or nearly as large as the interior volume of the receiver 110 can be inserted axially through the open rear of the receiver.
Still referring to FIG. 9, after any desired components are inserted in the receiver 110, the second connector 60 is seated within the receiver 110 by passing the second connector through vertically oriented guide slots 116 formed in generally planar sidewalls 118 of the receiver 110. The second connector 60 is pushed, slid into, rotated or otherwise moved into engaging contact with the receiver 110 until the shoulders 70 of the second connector abut side mounting slots 122 formed in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls 118 (only one of the slots 122 is visible in FIG. 9). At the same time, the head 62 of the second connector 60 is seated in upper mounting slots 126 defined between raised portions 127, 128 in the interior of the receiver 110. The upper surface 80 of the second connector 60 can abut the interior upper surface of the receiver 110 when the second connector is seated within the receiver 110. The upper surface 80 and the abutting interior portion of the receiver 110 can have, for example, similar, complementary profiles. The second connector 60 may be slidably received in the slots 122, 126 in the receiver 110 along a direction X3 generally transverse to the longitudinal axis X2 (e.g., a “vertical” direction) of the receiver 110. Alternative methods of engaging and/or otherwise attaching the second connector within the receiver, such as rotatably attaching the second connector 60 to the receiver or attaching the components by a twist lock or other, similar locking arrangements, also can be used.
After the second connector 60 is seated within the receiver 110, and the first connector 10 is joined to the front of the stock 140, the receiver 110 can be connected to the stock 140. FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view illustrating initial engagement of the receiver 110 with the stock 140. In FIG. 10, the sidewalls of the receiver 110 and the first connector 10 are removed to show engagement of the first connector with the receiver. The receiver 110 is engaged with the stock 140 by mounting each of the second forward alignment projections 34 on the first connector 10 in one of a pair of mounting notches 117 (also shown in FIG. 9) in the receiver sidewalls 118. The first connector 10 (and the attached stock 140) is then pivoted in the direction of the arrow A to bring the forward face 32 of the first connector 10 adjacent the rear 112 of the receiver 110. The first forward alignment projection 30 has an upper arch profile that can be complementary to an interior upper surface of the receiver 110 so that the first connector 10 is easily aligned within the upper rear interior of the receiver 110.
FIG. 11 is a section view illustrating the receiver 110 connected to the stock 140 by the first and second connectors 10, 60. With the receiver 110 and stock 140 in the orientation shown in FIG. 10, and with the trigger assembly 170 still detached from the receiver 110, a receiver-stock attachment member 156 is passed through the mounting bore 74 in the second connector 60 and threaded into the receiver mounting aperture 40 in the first connector 10. The receiver-stock attachment member 156 can be threaded tightly in the aperture 40 in order to draw the second connector 60 tightly toward the first connector 10. The second connector 60, which is seated within the mounting slots 116, 122, 126 (shown in FIG. 9) in the receiver 110, draws the receiver 110 toward the first connector 10 as the attachment member 156 is tightened. The receiver-stock attachment member 156 can be tightened, for example, by passing a tightening tool, such as a screw driver, Allen wrench, etc., through the open bottom of the receiver 110 and engaging the tool with the member 156. The attachment member 156 can be, for example, a hex head screw, or another type of threaded member with a head portion adapted for tightening by a variety of tools.
After the attachment member 156 has been tightened, the trigger assembly 170 can be mounted to the bottom of the receiver 110 using pins mounted in apertures 130 and 129 (shown in FIG. 9) in the sidewalls 118 of the receiver 110 to complete assembly of the firearm 100 (FIG. 1). Still referring to FIG. 11, in the firearm interior, the axial clearance bore 72 in the second connector 60 is axially (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the receiver 110) aligned with the interior volume 48 of the first connector 10. The clearance bore 72 and the interior volume 48 provide clearance for the firearm bolt (not shown) as it moves rearwardly after firing.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the firearm 100 is assembled, the first connector 10 is seated securely between the receiver 110 and the stock 140 such that the exterior of the firearm 100 has a smooth and continuous profile across the transition from the stock 140, to the connector 10, and to the receiver 110.
In the assembly steps illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the receiver 110 may be inverted (i.e., top side down) to facilitate insertion of internal firearm components and attachment of the trigger assembly 170.
The firearm 100 can be partially disassembled by disconnecting the trigger assembly 170 from the bottom of the receiver 110 and disengaging the attachment member 156 from the first connector 10. A new stock, or a stock of alternative configuration, for example, can then be attached to the receiver 110. The configuration of the first connector 10 can be varied in order to attach to differing types of stock so that the receiver need not be altered (e.g., by machining, or requiring internal fittings, etc.) to accommodate various stock types.
According to the above embodiment, internal components accommodated within the receiver, such as a bolt assembly, for example, can be inserted through the open end of the receiver before the second connector is seated within the receiver. The open area at the rear of the receiver can generally be a large as the interior cross section of the receiver so that any of the components accommodated in the receiver can be inserted through the rear of the receiver. In one exemplary method of assembly, the bolt assembly is inserted without necessarily requiring rotation of the bolt assembly. The bolt assembly also may be inserted in the receiver without necessarily requiring pivoting the assembly.
The embodiment discussed above is described as useful in shotguns, rifles, and other long guns. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention further can be adapted for use in various other types of firearms as well.
Also according to the above embodiment, the receiver-stock connector 5 can be used for connecting various types, designs, or configurations of stocks for firearms, including pistol grips, folding stocks, conventional standard full length shoulder stocks, and other stock assemblies. The receiver-stock connector facilitates the attachment of differing stock types with minimal change in manufacturing facilities.
The first and second connectors 10, 60 of the receiver-stock connector 5 may be formed from rigid materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum and other metals, or other high strength materials including synthetic or plastic materials. The stock can be formed from materials such as wood, composites, and other materials used to manufacture firearm stocks as known in the art.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present invention has been discussed above with reference to preferred embodiments, various additions, modifications, and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A firearm, comprising:

a barrel arranged a longitudinal axis of the firearm;

a receiver operably connected to the barrel;

a stock;

a first connector connected to the stock;

a second connector at least partially disposed within the receiver; and

a receiver-stock attachment member extending through a mounting aperture in the second connector and through a receiver mounting aperture in the first connector, wherein

the receiver-stock attachment member biases the second connector towards the first connector,

the first connector has a body with an exterior surface extending between the stock and the receiver, the exterior surface of the first connector being adjacent to an exterior surface of the stock and adjacent to an exterior surface of the receiver, and

the exterior surface of the first connector includes an upper surface that is curved along a direction of the longitudinal axis and curved along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the first connector includes a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall being adjacent to a sidewall of the receiver.

3. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the first connector includes a rear face that abuts the stock and a forward face that is adjacent to the receiver.

4. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the first connector includes a stock mounting projection received within a stock mounting cavity in the stock.

5. A firearm, comprising:

a barrel;

a receiver operably connected to the barrel;

a stock;

a first connector connected to the stock, the first connector having a body with an exterior surface extending between an exterior surface of the stock and an exterior surface of the receiver, and a stock mounting projection received within a stock mounting cavity in the stock;

a second connector seated within an interior of the receiver; and

a receiver-stock attachment member extending through a mounting bore in the second connector and through a receiver mounting aperture in the first connector, wherein the receiver-stock attachment member biases the second connector toward the first connector.

6. The firearm of claim 5, wherein a forward face of the second connector is adjacent to an interior volume of the receiver, and a rear face of the second connector is adjacent to the first connector.

7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the second connector is seated within at least one slot in an interior of the receiver.

8. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the second connector includes a clearance bore located above the receiver-stock attachment member, and the first connector includes an interior volume aligned with the clearance bore along a longitudinal axis of the firearm.

9. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the receiver-stock attachment member is threaded into the first connector.

10. A firearm, comprising:

a barrel;

a receiver operably connected to the barrel;

a trigger assembly operably connected to the receiver;

a stock;

a first connector connected to the stock;

a second connector seated within at least one slot in an interior of the receiver, the second connector having a forward face that is adjacent to an interior volume of the receiver, and a rear face that faces the first connector; and

a receiver-stock attachment member connecting the second connector to the first connector, the receiver-stock attachment member extending through a mounting bore in the second connector and through a receiver mounting aperture in the first connector.

11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the receiver-stock attachment member is threaded into the first connector.

12. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the second connector includes a clearance bore located above the receiver-stock attachment member, and the first connector includes an interior volume aligned with the clearance bore along a longitudinal axis of the firearm.

13. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the second connector is disposed above and adjacent to the trigger assembly.

14. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the first connector has a body with an upper exterior surface extending between the stock and the receiver, the upper exterior being curved along a longitudinal direction and along a transverse direction.

15. A method of assembling a firearm, comprising:

providing a receiver;

providing a stock;

attaching a first connector to the stock;

seating a second connector within an interior of the receiver;

passing a receiver-stock attachment member through a mounting bore of the second connector; and

threading the receiver-stock attachment member into the first connector, wherein threading the receiver-stock attachment member into the first connector biases the second connector toward the first connector and also biases the receiver toward the stock.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising mounting a bolt assembly in the receiver by passing the bolt assembly through an opening at a rear end of the receiver while translating the bolt assembly along a longitudinal axis of the receiver.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein seating the second connector comprises translating the second connector along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receiver.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, after threading the receiver-stock attachment member into the first connector, mounting a trigger assembly to the receiver below and adjacent to the second connector.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising, after threading the receiver-stock attachment member into the first connector, mounting a trigger assembly to the receiver below and adjacent to the second connector.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the first connector to the stock comprises pressing a stock mounting projection into a stock mounting cavity in the stock.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein attaching the first connector to the stock further comprises securing the first connector to the stock with a threaded member.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein attaching the first connector to the stock further comprises providing an adhesive medium in the stock mounting cavity.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising attaching a barrel to the receiver.

24. A method of assembling a firearm, comprising:

providing a receiver;

providing a stock;

attaching a first connector to the stock;

mounting a bolt assembly in the receiver;

moving a second connector, extending along a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the receiver, into at least one slot formed within a rear portion of the receiver; and

biasing the second connector toward the first connector with a receiver-stock attachment member.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising attaching a barrel to the receiver, wherein a longitudinal axis of the barrel is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the receiver.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein biasing the second connector toward the first connector with the receiver-stock attachment member comprises passing a tightening tool through an open lower portion of the receiver and tightening the receiver-stock attachment member with the tool.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising, after biasing the second connector toward the first connector, mounting a trigger assembly to the receiver below and adjacent to the second connector.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein attaching the first connector to the stock comprises pressing a stock mounting projection into a stock mounting cavity in the stock and securing the first connector to the stock with a threaded member.

29. A method of assembling a firearm, comprising:

providing a receiver having an open rear end and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the receiver;

providing a stock;

attaching a first connector to the stock;

mounting a bolt assembly within the receiver, wherein mounting the bolt assembly comprises passing the bolt assembly through the open rear end of the receiver and translating the bolt assembly through an interior of the receiver toward a front of the receiver;

after mounting the bolt assembly within the receiver, mounting a second connector to the receiver at a location behind the bolt assembly; and

biasing the second connector toward the first connector.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the second connector is mounted in the receiver along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receiver.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising attaching a barrel to the front of the receiver, wherein a longitudinal axis of the barrel is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the receiver.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein biasing the second connector toward the first connector comprises passing a tightening tool through an open lower portion of the receiver and tightening a receiver-stock attachment member with the tool.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising, after biasing the second connector toward the first connector, mounting a trigger assembly to the receiver below and adjacent to the second connector.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein attaching the first connector to the stock comprises pressing a stock mounting projection into a stock mounting cavity in the stock and securing the first connector to the stock with a threaded member.