US2454885A - Detachable operating handle for retracting breech bolts - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 30, 1948. 2,454,885

DETACHABLE OPERATING HANDLE FOR RETRACTING BREECH BOLTS T. R. ROBINSON, JR

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 6, 1947 @m i Q a @N g mm mm m mm 5 3 S m a.

mm mm MaeW/ok 1948- 1'. R. ROBINSON, JR 85 DETACHABLEJOPERATING HANDLE FOR RETRACTING BREECHBOLTS 3 Shets-Sheet 2 i6 I I I V gmfim/lllllllllllll,,

' Filed Aug. 6. 1947 I/II/III/I/I/IIII/II/I/II/IJ Ndv. 30,1948. I T. ROBINSON; JR 2,454,885

DETACHABLE OPERATING HANDLE FOR RETRACTING BREECH BOLTS Filed Aug. 6, 194 7 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 35 2 38 H750 5b 3b 5'? Mae/ for 0m 98 Patented Nov. 30, 1948 DETACHABLE OPERATING HANDLE FOR RETRACTING BREECH BOLTS Thomas R. Robinson, Jr., Newtown, Conn., as-

signor to The Marlin Firearms Company, New Haven, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application August 6, 1947, Serial No. 766,663

26 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to firearms of the type having a reciprocable breechclosing means and more especially to improved operating-means for manually retracting a breech-bolt in the receiver of a firearm.

An object of the invention is to provide a reciprocable breech-bolt with an improved bolt-operating handle in which is combined reliability and strength with ease of assembly, disassembly and low cost of manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for detachably securing a boltoperating handle to a breech-bolt.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved detachable operating-handle for retracting a breech-bolt in the receiver of a firearm, the operating-handle being cooperatively associated with the receiver to prevent rotation of the bolt therein.

With the above and other objects in View, as will appear to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, this inventionincludes all features in the said disclosure which are novel over the prior art and which are not claimed in any separate application.

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the receiver of a firearm having a reciprocable breech-bolt adapted to be manually retracted by the improved boltoperating handle of this invention and including a fragmentary portion of the barrel;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the side of the receiver and breech-bolt assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the receiver on section line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the receiver on section line 44 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation of the receiver and breech-bolt on section line 55 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation of the receiver;

Fig. 7 is a sectional end view of the receiver on line 1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is aside elevation of the breech-bolt showin the operating-handle groove in the forward end thereof and fastening-means extending therein for removably securing the operatinghandle in the groove of the breech-bolt;

Fig. 9 is a perspective viewof the breech-bolt operating-handle taken from the top side theref;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the breech-bolt operating-handle taken from the underside thereof Fig. 11 is a side elevation of a modified breechbolt including a modified operating-handle mounted in the forward end thereof;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional side elevation of the receiver of a firearm including the modified breech-bolt and operating-handle shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is an end elevation on line l3--l3 of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the modified breech-bolt operating-handle.

Referring to the drawings which show an ex emplary embodiment of the invention, the particular firearm shown is a self-loading repeating type of firearm comprising, in the main, a receiver indicated generally at l5 and. a barrel l6 fixedly secured to the forward end thereof. Referring particularly to Fig. 6, the receiver l5 comprises a substantially-cylindrical member preferably formed from a suitable length of tubular steel stock [1. The interior of the cylindrical receiver I5 is adapted to provide a breech-bolt chamber l8 of continuous length comprising a rear endportion of relatively-large diameter and a front end-portion of lesser diameter. To this end, a

substantially-cylindrical sleeve or bushing l9 of relatively-thick wall section is inserted in the front end of the receiver and fixedly secured therein by a weld-joint or equivalent fasteningmeans. In the present embodiment, the internal diameter of the longitudinal bore 20 of the bushing l9, hereinafter referred to as the forward chamber 2t! of the receiver [5, is substantially two-thirds the diameter of the rear unbushed portion of a receiver, the latter being hereinafter referred to as the rear chamber 2! of the receiver. The rear end of the receiver is adapted to be closed by a plug 22, which is arranged to make a nice fit in the open rear end thereof and to be fixedly secured therein by a suitable fastening-means 23, as indicated in Figs. 1 and2. The underside or bottom wall of the receiver is provided throughout the rear half of its length with suitable apertures, indicated generally at 24, which communicate with a trigger-plate, indicated generally at 25, in which the fire-control mechanism of the firearm is mounted.

The present invention is not concerned with the details of the fire-control mechanism, for any mechanism which is characteristic of a selfloading repeating firearm of the type shown herein may be used and, hence, the present description is not burdened with a disclosure and detailed description of the fire-control mechanism. The forward chamber 20 of the receiver is adapted to support the rear end of the barrel i6 and to this end, the rear end of the barrel is reduced in diameter to provide a cylindrical wrist 26 arranged to make a snug fit in the open end of the forward chamberifi with the annular transverse shoulder 21 of the barrel it seating firmly against the forward face of the bushing 59. A transverse pin 28 is provided for'positively-securing the barrel-wrist 26 in the bore of the forward chamber 29. Although a receiver comprising a tubular member having a cylindrical bushing inserted and secured in one end thereof to form-a breech-bolt chamber of two diameters is a highly satisfactory and economical construction, it will be appreciated that it is within the purview of the invention to form the receiver, including the forward and rearward chambers 29 and 2! respectively, from a single piece of stock in any Well known and approved manner.

Referring to Fig. l, the right side of the receiver iiii'isprovided with an ejectin-port'29 comprising a substantially-longitudinal slot having. elliptical ends 39, each provided with an inwardly-an'd-downwardly-sloping wall or bevel 3 I, as shown clearly in Fig. 5. The ejection-port 29 intersects the forward chamber of the receiver substantially intermediate 'the opposite ends thereof, such that the rearwardly-sloping bevel 3| atthe forward end .of the port- 28 intersects the rear extremity of the barrel-wrist 26-,

of operation and economy of manufacture, it will be appreciated that the breech-bolt may be turned out of a single piece of stock. The longitudinal axial aperture 31 of the breech-bolt shank is adapted also to accommodate the actionreturn spring 39 and the striker-member on which the firing-spring 4| is mounted, the forward end of which thrusts against an annulai .shoulder 2 at the forward end of the striker.

The forward end of the action-return spring 39 iis shownpen'gaged against an annular shoulder whereby ashortportionthereoflis exposed, as-indicated clearlyin. Fig. 5. 'The forwardly-sloping beve135 .at the rearend of the ejection-portZS'is intersectedby the forward end ofa'longitudinal slot or key-Way 32, the longitudinal. axis'of which is-su bstantially coincident withthelongitudinal 40 Mounted' to reciprocatelongitudinally in the "receiver i5 is a breech-bolt, indicated generallyat 34' (see Fig. 8), comprising a cylindrical rear end-portion or breech -bolt shank'fifi adapted to make a smooth sliding fitinthe rear chamber 22 01 the 'receiver;- and a forward end-portiom-or breech 'bolt stem 36 which is substantially cylindrical'and adapted-to make a smooth sliding fit in theforward'chamber' 20 of the receiver. In the preferred construction,- the b-reech bolt shank t5 andthe breeth-boltstem 36 are'formed as two separate elements, theshank being provided with alongitudinal axial apertureifl in the forward end ofwhich the reduce'drearend or neck 58 of the stem is-engaged with a press fit. For optimum results, a weld-joint is provided 'between the mutually-engaging peripheral surfaces of the neck 'BB-and'the longitudinal aperture '31 of theshank to'secure the two elements together as an-integrated unit. Although the two-piece bolt is -quite 'success'fulj'both from the standpoint cular splitv band 53 anchoring-means of an extractor-claw 59 which lfihwhich', in the present embodiment, constitutes 3'5 is provided with a longitudinal axial aperture 46 which constitutes a counterbore of the firingpin aperturefr'l. The latter extends through the breech-bolt stem 3'6 from its counterbore 46 forwardly and in an upwardly-inclined direction, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 5, to the face of the bolt, the forwardend of the firing-pin aperture being reduced in diameter as at $8 to slidingly support the needle 49 of the firing-pin'Sll. The latter is dimensioned to make a slidingfit'in the longitudinal aperture l? and'forms an annular shoulder 5| with its needle 49 against which the rear end of a firing-pin retracting-spring "52 is engaged, t-he'forward' end-of the spring-52 abutting the annular shoulder 53 formed at the rear end of the needle-supporting aperture 48. The rear end of the firing-pin is provided with an enlarged head 5 which is accommodated in the counterbore 46 of the breech-bolt stem and is adapted to be struck by the'nose-portion 5'5 oftthe strikermember when the latter is released, asindicated in-Fig. 5. The underside of the breech-bolt stem 35 isprovi'ded with a pair .o'flongitudinally-spaced parallel slots 56,.as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4,

which constitute relief-recesses. for the cartridge guide-means'for automatically feeding cartridges to the breech-end of the barrel.

Referringparticri-lafly toFigs. 5 and 8, in the present embodiment the forward end of the breech bolt sterntt is encircled by a shallow groove .51 which is a'daptedto accommodate a cir- The latter constitutes the is formed integrally with and substantially at right angles toaforwardly-extending reach of the anchoring-banda-M. As indicated in Fig. 2, the extractor-claw 59 is adapted to be accommodated ina suitablenotchfi-l in the exposed portion of the stem 26 of the barrel-when the :breech-bolt isin. breech-closing position.

When the breech-bolt isinits forward breechclosingpositiorL-it is sometimes both necessary and desirable ;to manually retract the breech-bolt. Referring especially to Figs. 5,9 and- 10, the manually-operated,--breech-bolt actuating-means or operating-handle of this invention is indicated generally at-'62 and comprises'a relatively-long narrow blade-like member substantially equal in width to'thewidth of thezlongitudinal keyway 32am thereceiver, sosas'to make sliding engagementtherein for the purpose hereinafter described. Thelforwarden'd or reach 63 of the operating-handle is provided with a finger-grip 64 bentup'therefromand extending outwardly lat- -er.ally and'rearwardlyiat an angle of from 10 to 15 degrees, the outer extremity of the finger-grip 6l l'being suitably shaped toffacilitate gripping. The rear end-portion of the breech=bo1t operating-handle constitutes an integral elongated protuberance or tenon 65 which projects downwardly below the plane of the underside of the reach 63 and forms a substantially-transverse shoulder or abutment 66 therewith. The tenon 65 is substantially U-shaped in cross section and its bottom is provided with an upset knee 6'! which is formed integrally therein and projects upwardly therefrom adjacent the forward end of the tenon.

The operating-handle 62 is adapted to be mounted on the breech-bolt stem 36 and to this end the latter is provided throughout its length with a longitudinal retaining-groove 68in its periphery, the forward end of the groove being relatively shallow as at 680 to receive the reach '63 of the operating-handle, and the rear end-pore stem 36, the rear end of the tenon 65 is adapted to abut the rear end wall or abutment H of the mortise which, in the present embodiment, constitutes the forward end of the shank 35 of the breech-bolt. Thus, the operating-handle is securely held against relativelongitudinal movement on the stem 36 of the reciprocable breechbolt. The breech-bolt is adapted to be assembled in the receiver by inserting the breech-bolt, stemend first, into the open rear end of the receiver, the longitudinal retaining-groove 68 of the stem being located on the stem in a position such that when the breech-bolt is fully assembled in the receiver, thegroove 68 will be substantially opposite the ejection-port 29 of the receiver and parallel to and immediately opposite the keyway 32 thereof, as shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 4. In

the present embodiment, a plane through the project laterally therethrough and its tenon 65 will slidingly engage in the keyway 32 of the receiver, as indicated clearly in Fig. 5.

Cooperatively associated with the breech-bolt operating-means is fastening-means arranged to detachably secure the former to the breech-bolt. In the present embodiment, the fastening-means comprises a substantially-cylindrical pin 12 which may be solid or tubular in construction, and which is of a resilient nature such that it may be flexed. The pin 12 is adapted to be fixedly secured at its rear endin a longitudinal aperture or socket 13 which is formed in the forward end H of the breech-bolt shank 35 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, the longitudinal axis of the pin-aperture 13 being substantially in axial alignment with the keyway 32 of the receiver. The portion of the pin 12 which is forwardly of its rear end is hereinafter referred to as its reach and is adapted to extendforwardly through the keyway 32 into the longitudinal channel of the tenon 65 of the operating-handle 62. The length of the reach of the pin 12 is such that its forward end is adapted to engage against the upset knee 6'l inthe bottom of the tenon 65 and to, be flexed outwardlylaterally thereby so as to exert an inwardly-directedforce on the tenon of the operating-handle soas to hold the tenon in the mortise of the breech-bolt.

The rear end of the pin 12 is normally held in the longitudinal aperture 13 by a drive-fit or equivalent fastening-means. In order to provide for the removal of the pin 12, in the event of its breakage, a radial groove 14 is milled or otherwise formed in the breech-bolt shank 35 adjacent the forward end thereof, the longitudinal axis of the groove 14 being parallel to and in the plane of the longitudinal axis of the aperture 13, and the depth of the groove being such that its bottom intersects the rear end of the longitudinal aperture 13. Consequently, a wedge or similar tool may be inserted into the radial groove against the rear end of the pin 12 for driving the latter forwardly out of its aperture 13.

Although the pin 12 is shown as a separate element of the operating-handle, it is within the purview of this invention to form the pin or its equivalent as an integral part thereof.

It is understood that normally the breach-bolt will be operated automatically. However, it may be reciprocated manually. Thus, in order to manually retract the breech-bolt, the marksman grasps the finger-grip 64 of the operating-handle and pulls rearwardly thereon. Since the tenon 65 of the latter is fixedly secured against longitudinal movement in the mortise of the breechbolt, a rearward pull upon the finger-grip will simultaneously move the operating-handle and breech-bolt in a rearward direction so as to retire the breech-bolt to its rearmost position in the receiver. The breech-bolt may be advanced manually from its retired position in the receiver by thrusting forwardly on the finger-grip 64 of the operating-handle, the forward thrust on the latter being transmitted to the breech-bolt by engagement of the shoulder 66 of the operatinghandle with the front end wall I6 of the mortise 69. It should be pointed out, also, that mutual engagement of the shoulder 66 of the tenon and the wall Ill of the mortise prevents the operatinghandle from being thrown forwardly out of the breech-bolt as the latter slams forward into breech-closing position. Moreover, since the tenon 65 of the operating-handle makes longitudinal sliding engagement in the keyway 32 of the receiver and is precluded from transverse movement with respect to the breech-bolt by engagement of the sides of the tenon 65 with the corresponding laterally-spaced walls of the mortise 69 thereof, the operating-handle thereby effectively locks the breech-bolt against rotation in the receiver.

The removal of the operating-handle from the breech-bolt may be readily accomplished by grasping the finger-grip 64 thereof and pulling it outwardly laterally so as to lift the shoulder 66 of its tenon up over the front end wall 10 of the mortise against the resistance of the resilient pin 12. Thereupon, the operating-handle may be pushed forwardly relative to the breech-bolt out of its retaining-slot 68. The breech-bolt opcrating-handle may be assembled on the breechbolt in the reverse order, that is to say, by inserting the rear end of the operating-handle beneath the forward free end of the pin 12 and pushing rearwardly on the finger-grip 64 until the rear end of the operating-handle and, in particular, its tenon 65 abut against the front wall H of the breech-bolt shank 35 and the shoulder 66-0f the tenon drops down behind the front end 9,, intermediate the first and second. transverse abutments of said breech-bolt, said resilient socket-fitting element being arranged, to bear inwardly to hold the integral protuberanceof said bolt-operating means resiliently in juxtaposition to the first and second jtransverse abutments of said breech-bolt. i

4. In a firearm, including in combinationza receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said-chamber,.-said breech-bolt having a longitudinal socket open in one direction; a transverseabutment remotefrom the open end of said longitudinal socket andfacing in a direction opposite-thereto; apair of laterally-spaced abutments; and a breech-bolt operating-handle having an element fitted in said socket and provided with a resilient reach, and an integral abutment remote frornthe socketfitting element and arranged to engage between the pair of laterally-spaced abutments of said breech-bolt, said socket-fitting element and reach being arranged to coact so as to hold the integral abutment of said bolt-operating ineans resiliently in juxtaposition to the transverse abutment of said breech-bolt.

5. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a, longitudinal socketopen in one direction; a transverseabutment remote from the open end of said longitudinal socket and facing in a direction opposite thereto; a second transverse abutment opposite said first abutment and a pair of laterally-spaced abutments; and a breech-bolt operating-handle having an element fitted in said socket and provided with a resilient reach, and an integral protuberance remote from the socket-fitting element, said integral protuberance being arranged to extend between the pair of laterally-spaced abutments and substantially intermediate the first and second transverse abutments of said breech-bolt, said socket-fitting element and reach being arranged to coact so as to hold the integral protuberance of said bolt-operating means resiliently in juxtaposition to the first and second transverse abutments of said breech-bolt. v I

6. In a firearm, including inncombinationz a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; anejec tion-port intersecting the forward end off said chamber and a longitudinal keywayr on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall of said ejection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a longitudinal socket open in one direction and a transverse abutment removed from the open end of said longitudinal socket'and facing 'in a direction opposite thereto; and a breech-bolt operating-handle arranged to slidingly engage ,in the longitudinal keyway ofsaid receiver to prevent rotation of said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle having an element fitted in said socket and provided with a resilient reach, and an integral abutment remote from the socket-fitting element, said socket-fitting element and reach being arranged to coact so as to hold the integral abutment or said bolt-operating handle resiliently in juxtaposition to the transverse abutment of said breech-bolt,

7. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-boltchamber; a'breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having asocket adjacentits front end; a. breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising an integral protuberance of said operating-handle arranged to seat in said socket whereby a force exerted on said handle moves said breech-bolt longitudinally in said chamber; and fastening-means constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a resilient-element of said operating-handle arranged to hold said integral protuberance resiliently in said socket.

8. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver. having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a socket adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle, means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to saidbreech-bolt comprising an integral protuberance of said operating-handle arranged to seat in said socket whereby a force exerted on said handle moves said breech-bolt longitudinally in said chamber; and fastening-means constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breechbolt, said fastening-means comprising a resilientelement of said operating-handle secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to exert a force transversely of said breech-bolt operatinghandle to hold said integral protuberance resiliently in said socket.

9. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operating-handle arranged to seat in said mortise, whereby a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a resilient-member arranged to hold said tenon in said mortise.

- 10. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operatinghandle arranged to seat in said mortise, whereby a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a resilient-member secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to engage at its opposite free end against said breech-bolt operating-handle to hold said tenon in said mortise. 11. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operatinghandle arranged to seat in said mortise, whereby -a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a 11' fiexiblemember arranged to hold said tenon in said mortise.

12. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operatinghandle arrangedtoseat in said mortise, whereby a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to engage at its opposite free end against said tenon to hold said tenon in said mortise.

13. In a firearm, including in combination; a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to .connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said op erating-handle having an upset knee and arranged to seat in said mortise, whereby a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breechbolt in said chamber; and fastening-means constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexiblemember fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to engage at'its opposite free end against the said upset knee of said tenon to hold said tenon in said mortise.

14; In a, firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocalbly mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to' said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of saidoperating handle provided with a longitudinal groove and arranged toseat in said mortise, whereby a-rearward pull' on: said handle retracts said breechbolt in said chamber; and fastening-means constructed and arranged'to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly/secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to extend into the longitudinal groove of said tenon and to engage at itsopposite free end against said tenon thereby to hold said tenon insaid mortise.

15. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end; a breech-bolt operating handle; means to connect. said. breech-bolt operating-handle to said b-reechebolt comprising a tenon of'said operating-handle provided with a longitudinal groove having an upset knee in the bottom thereof; said tenon being arranged to seat in said mortise, whereby a rearward pull on said handle retracts said breech-bolt in said. chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt and arranged to extend into the longitudinalgroove of said'tenon andto engage its-opposite free end against the said upset' -kne 12 thereof so as-to hold=saidtenon in said mortise.

16. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber, an ejection-port intersecting the, forward end of said chamber and. a longitudinalkeyway on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall of said ejection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end substantially opposite said ejection-port; a breech-"bolt operating-handle; means-to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operating-handle arranged to seat in said' mortise and to slidingly engage inthe longitudinal keyway of said receiver to prevent rotation of said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a finger-grip projecting laterally therefrom through the said ejection-port, whereby a rearward pull on said finger-gripretracts said'breechbolt in said chamber; and'fastening-means constructed and arranged to detacha'bly secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end tosaid'breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway of said receiver and arranged to engage its opposite free end against said breech-bolt operating-handle to hold said tenon in said mortise.

1'7. In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber, an ejection-port intersecting the forward end of said chamber and a longitudinal keyway on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall of said ejection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end substantially opposite said ejection-port; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breechbolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt com prising a tenon of said operating-handle arranged to seat in'said mortise and to slidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said receiver to preventrotation of said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a finger-grip projecting laterally therefrom through the said ejection-port, whereby a rearward pull on said finger-gripretracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said'breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway 'of said receiver, the opposite end of said flexible member being'arranged to extend through saidkeyway and to engage its free end against said breech-bolt operating-handle to hold said tenon in said mortise.

18. In a firearm including in combination: a receiver having, a breech-bolt chamber, an ejection-portintersecting the forward end of said chamber and. a longitudinal .keyway on the inside Wall of; said chamber intersectingthe rear wall of said.ejectionport; a breech-bolt reciprocably mountedin. saidchamber, said breech-bolt having a. mortise adjacent. its front. end substantially opposite saidejection-port; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breechebolt comprising a channeled'tenon of said operating-handle arranged to seat in saidlmortise and to slidingly engage in thef-longitudinal .keyway, of said receiver to: mevent rotation of said. breech-bolt in the 13 chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a finger-gripprojecting laterally therefrom through the said ejection-port, whereby'a rearward pull onsaid finger-grip retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably securesaid breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-"bolt, said fastening-means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway of said receiver and arranged to extend forwardly through said keyway and into the channel of said tenon thereby to engage its opposite free end against said breech-bolt operatinghandle to hold said channeled tenon in said mortise.

19. In a firearm includingin combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber; an ejection-port intersecting the forward end of said chamber anda longitudinal keyway on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall of said ejection-port; I a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end substantially opposite said ejection-port; a breech-bolt operatinghandle; means toconnect said breec -bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a channeled tenon of said operating-handle having an upset knee in the bottom thereof,said channeled tenon being arranged to seat in said mortise and to slidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said receiver to prevent rotation of said breechbolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a finger-grip projecting laterally therefrom through t e said eiection-port, whereby a rearward pull on said fingergrip retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber;

and fasteningmeans constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operatinghandle to said breech-bolt, said fastening means comprising a flexible member fixedly secured at one end to said breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway of said receiver and arranged to extend forwardly through said keyway and into the channel of said tenon thereby to engage-its opposite free end against the upset knee thereof to hold said channeled tenon in saidvmortise.

20. In a firearm including in combination: a receiver having a breech-bolt chamber, an ejection-port intersecting the forward end of said chamber and a longitudinal keyway on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall of said e ection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end substantially opposite the said ejection-port; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a tenon of said operating-handle arranged to seat in said mortise and to slidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said receiver to prevent rotation of said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a fingergrip projecting laterally therefrom through the said ejection-port whereby a rearward pull on said finger-grip retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; fastening-means comprising a flexible member constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt: and means to fixedly secure one end of said flexible member to said breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway of said receiver. the opposite free end of said flexible member being adapted thereby to extend through said keyway andto engage against said breechbolt operating-handle to hold said tenon in said mortise.

21. In a firearmincluding in combination: a receiver having a breech-boltchamber, an ejection-port intersecting the forward end of said chamber and a longitudinal keyway on the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear wall .of said ejection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt having a mortise adjacent its front end substantially opposite said ejection-port; a breech-bolt operatinghandle; meanslto connect said breech-bolt operating-handle to said breech-bolt comprising a channeled tenon-of said operating-handle having anupset knee in the bottom thereof, said channeled tenon being arranged to seat in said mortise and to slidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said receiver to prevent rotation of said breechbolt in' the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operwith the said keyway of said receiver, the opposite free end of said flexible member being adapted thereby to extend forwardly through said keyway and into the channel of said tenon and to engage against the upset knee thereof so as to hold said channeled tenon in said mortise; and an aperture in said breech-bolt to provide access to the fixed end of said flexible member for removing the latter from said breech-bolt.

22. In a firearm including in combination: a receiver havinga breech-bolt chamber comprising a rear end-portion and an axially-aligned front end-portion which is reduced in diameter and forms a transverse shoulder therewith, an ejection-portintersecting the front end-portion of said chamber and a longitudinal keyway on the inside wall of said transverse shoulder joining the rear end-portion of said chamber to said ejectionport; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said breech-bolt comprising a shankportion supported in the rear end-portion of said chamber and a stem-portion of reduced diameter supported in the reduced front end of said chamher, the said stem-portion of said breech-bolt having a, longitudinal mortise therein substantially opposite said ejection-port; a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breechbolt operating-handle to the stem-portion of said breech-bolt comprising a channeled tenon of said operating-handle having an upset knee in the bottom thereof, said channeled tenon being arranged to seat snugly in said mortise and to slidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said receiver to prevent rotation of said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle also having a finger-grip projecting laterally therefrom through the said ejection-port whereby a rearward pull on said finger-grip retracts said breech-bolt in said chamber; and fastening-means constructed and arranged to detachably secure said breech-bolt operatinghandle to the stem-porticn of said breech-bolt, said fastening-means comprising a relatively-stiff flexible member, one end of which is arranged to be fixedly secured in a longitudinal aperture in the shank-portion of said breech-bolt in axial alignment with the said keyway, the opposite free wramses .end of: saidzflexible memberdoeingadapted thereby to extend forwardly through said keyway and into :the .;channel of said gtenon and to .engage against the :upset :knee thereof so .as to hold :said tenon in. said mortise.

23. In .vaufirearmzincludingin combination: a .:rec,eiverthaving a breech-a beit chamber compris- -ing:a .rear end-portion -and an axially-aligned :front'endsportion whichis reduced in diameter and dorms aa'transverse :shoulder therewith, :an ejection port rintersecting the front end-portion of said :chamber and a longitudinal keyway on rthe'insidefwaH of said transverse shoulder join- :ing'therearend-portionof said chamber to said ejection-port; abreech-boltreciprocablymountrediin'said chamber, said breech-bolt comprising "azshank portionsupported-in the rear end-portioniof said chamber'and a stem-portion of reduced :diameter supported in the :reduced'front :en'dof said chamber, the said stem-portion of said breech-bolt having a longitudinal mortise therein substantially opposite said ej action-port a breech-bolt operating-handle; means to connect said breech-bolt operating-handle .to the gstem-eportion :of :said breech-bolt comprising a channeled :tenon :of said operating-handle .hav- 1ing:an .upset knee in the vbottom thereof, said channeled tenon'being arranged to seat snugly :insaid mortiseandtoslidingly engage in the longitudinal keyway of said'receiver to prevent rotation of-said breech-bolt in the chamber thereof, said breech-boltoperating-handle also having a-finger-grip :projecting laterally therefrom through the said ejectioneport whereby a rearwardpullon said finger-gripretracts said breechbolt in said chamber; fastening-means constructed and arranged'to detachably secure said breech-bolt operating-handle tothe stem-portion of said -breech-bo1t,:said fastening-means comprisingare'latively-stifi flexible member, one end of which is arranged to befixedly secured in a longitudinal aperture -in the shank-portion of said breech-.boltdnv axial alignment with the said v -keyway, the opposite free end of said flexible member beingadapted thereby to extend for- .Wardly through said-keyway and into-the channel of said'tenon and 'to engage against the upset rkneethereof *so as to hold said tenon in .said :mortise and a transverse aperture in the shankportion-of said breech boltintersectingthe rear .end -.of the flexible-member receiving-aperture thereof .tosprovide-access-to therear -end of said flexible member-for removing-the latter fromsaid :breech-bolt.

'24. In'a'firearm,-inc1uding in'combination: a receiver-having abreech-bolt chamber; a breechrboltreciprocably mounted in said chamber, said transverselyof: said breech-bolt operating-handle :to hold :said integral lug :resiliently in said radial socket.

.25. .In a firearm, including in combination: a receiver'having a breech-bolt chamber; a breechbolt reciprocably mounted in said chamber, said .vbreech ibolt "having a longitudinal socket open in OIIBFdiIGCtiOH' and "a radial socket remote'from .the open end ofasaid longitudinal socket; and'a cbreech-bolt operating-handle comprising an elongated membershaving a rearwardly-extend- 'in'gstem: engaged in' the longitudinal-socket of said breech--:bolt and provided with a resilient reach,

andsanintegral lug remote'irom said stemvand substantiallyopposite the radial socket of said breech-bolt, Zsaid stem and reach'beingarranged to coactso asto'exerta force transversely of said breech-bolt operating-handle to hold said inte- :gral lug :resiliently in'said radial socket.

r26. In'a firearm,.including-in combination: a receiver havingabreechebolt chamber; an ejection-port intersecting the forward end of said chamber and-alongitudinal keyway on'the inside wall of said chamber intersecting the rear 'wall of said ejection-port; a breech-bolt reciprocably mounted'in said-chamber, said breech-bolt having a longitudinalsocket open in one direction -.an-d a'radial-socket remote from'the open endof said-longitudinal socket; 'and a breech-bolt operating-handle comprising an elongated member ar :ranged =t0 slidingly engage 'in the longitudinal :keywaycof' said receiver to prevent rotation of said breech-bolt -in the chamber thereof, said breech-bolt operating-handle having a rearwardly-extending stemengagedin the longitudinal socket of *said-breech-bolt and provided with a resilient/reach, an integral lug'remote from said stem and substantiallyopposite the radial socket of said breech-bolt, said stem and reach being constructed and-arranged tocoact so-as toexert :a 'force transversely of said breech-bolt operating-handleto holdsaid-integrallug resiliently in said radial socket, vand a finger-grip projecting laterally from said elongated member.

THOMAS R. :ROBI-NSON, J R.

.Noreferences cited.

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